The Best Clocks from Your Favorite Watchmakers and Beyond
Whilst we were in Switzerland for Geneva Watch Days, we had the opportunity to meet with some very interesting watchmakers, and for once, the timepiece they were showing us wasn’t a watch. Of course, we were meeting with Maison Alcée to see their latest creation, which they designed with MB&F: the Nostromo clock. Aside from the fact that this piece is an absolutely stunning creation and that it has set a completely new standard for horology enthusiasts, it also got the cogs turning: we don’t nearly give enough coverage to watchbrands who also make clocks. And so here you have it, our shortlist of the best clocks from your favorite brands and some that you might not have heard of. Let’s get into it…
Sinn 857 Wall Clock
Sinn are well known for the utilitarian and highly legible designs, so it should come as no surprise to you that the 857 wall clock is no different. While it may not actually function quite like the divers and pilot’s watches it was modelled on, it retains the signature high-contrast aesthetic that makes these watches so functional. If you are the kind of collector who appreciates a tool watch and wants to switch it up a little bit with your next purchase, this could very well be the watch for you.
The Sinn 857 retails for around $500 USD. Find out more about this clock here.
Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinary Objects Planetarium Collection
At the complete opposite end of the spectrum to the preceding clock, we have the Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinary Objects Planetarium. As the name might indicate, this is far from being a regular clock. In 2025, VC&A introduced the latest model to the collection, which aims to replicate the celestial ballet that the planets dance around the sun. The time keeping function almost feels secondary to the planets in orbit underneath the glass dome. Each of the planets has been expertly crafted and are closer to individual items of jewellery than to components of a clock. If that hasn’t been quite enough to convince you, there is a perpetual calendar hidden away in the base of the mechanism, allowing you to ensure the accuracy of the display: it is not just a pretty face after all.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordianry Objects Planetarium retails for an undisclosed sum. Find out more about this clock here.
Jacob & Co. Astronomia Table Clock
If you were charmed by the last clock’s celestial appeal but wanted something a little more compact, then the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Table Clock is for you. Housed in a solid white gold casing, this Astronomia is the spitting image of its wrist-worn twin. This is probably one of the few clocks that has been equipped with a tourbillon escapement, which certainly increases its desirability. Being a huge fan of the various declensions of the Astronomia, I am pleasantly surprised to reveal that I am even more smitten by the clock. Whether you prefer the original design, the dragon inspired piece, or the Indian-themed variant, there is definitely something to amaze everyone.
The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Table Clock in White Gold retails for a currently disclosed sum. Find out more about this table clock here.
Matthew Norman Diaphane
Matthew Norman is a name that few of you might have heard of until now. In truth, nor had I until researching this article. Initially founder sometime in the 19th Century, Matthew Norman has been producing clocks for the best part of two centuries. With pieces in their collection that range from classical right the way through to radically modern, there is certainly something for every taste. That being said, we think that the Diaphane is the one that deserves your attention the most. This skeletonized clock strips back the curtains to reveal the movement in its most naked state: the inner workings could not be more apparent. Available in a number of finishings, ranging from gold plated to satin polished, the Diaphane is elegant in each and every one of them. To order one of these masterpieces, you need to reach out to the team at Matthew Norman directly.
The Matthew Norman Diaphane is avaiilable to purchase upon request. Find out more about this clock here.
Chopard Vintage Racing Table Clock
Chopard have a number of compelling table clock models to choose from, but this one stood out by a mile. This is the Chopard Vintage Racing Table Clock. The more eagle-eyed readers amongst you will have noticed the small, yet significant, Mille Miglia logo tucked away on the dial. Could you talk about Chopard and racing without mentioning the Mille Miglia? No, absolutely not and it would be a crime to even try. This clock encapsulates the spirit of vintage race cars perfectly by matching the sleek aerodynamic bodywork and the instrument-like interiors. If you are after a piece of high-horology that pays tribute to the golden age of motorsport, I would not look any further than this. It is available at retail for $XXXXX USD.
The Chopard Vintage Racing Table Clock is available to order from Chopard's boutiques and retail network. Find out more about this clock here.
Maison Alcée Persée
We’re back with the brand that inspired me to write this article and it would only be fair to give you a bit more background. Founded by a husband and wife team in the South of France, Maison Alcée produces clocks with a bit of a twist. At a first glance, they don’t look too dissimilar to any high-end clocks available on the market. However, the difference lies in the production itself: you have to assemble it yourself. In truth Maison Alcée don’t sell you a clock, they sell you a box with everything you need inside it to make it yourself. The whole raison d’etre is to bring a horological education to enthusiasts and collectors so as to increase their appreciation for the craft that they love. And it would seem that they are extremely successful in this mission.
Their flagship clock, the Persée, comes in a number of variants and with many optional extras, is available to order starting from $7,300 EUR or approxiamtely $8,000 USD. Find out more about this clock here.
Rolex Submariner Date Desk Clock
The Rolex Submariner is by many metrics one of the most iconic designs the industry has ever known and it only feels right that it also exists in a more static form. Released earlier this year, the desk clock has been a long time coming and I cannot quite believe that it has taken Rolex this long to take the jump. With many clocks produced by watch brands, they either come in well below or way above in terms of price range, but this Submariner seems to be relatively close to the watch itself. The real question is whether it is any more accessible at retail, only time will tell…
The Rolex Submariner Desk Clock is available for $10,390 USD. Find out more about this desk clock here.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 958G-001 Desk Clock
It would seem that more than one major brand decided that clocks were going to be on the menu this year. At Watches & Wonders, Patek stunned us with the Nautilus 958G-001 clock. Understated, gorgeous, and iconic, the clock variant has beautifully embodied the spirit of the Nautilus all the while displaying a little bit of its own character. Equipped with some serious complications and a bumper power reserve by watch standards, I would expect that this piece becomes somewhat of a legend over the years to come. Released to celebrate the 50 years of the Nautilus, I cannot think of a better piece to complete the set of anniversary watches.
Find out more about this fabulous desk clock from Patek Philippe's website right here.
L’Épée 1839 Timefast D8
There are few occasions when the inspiration for a timepiece and the timepiece itself actually bear any resemblance at all. By some small miracle, all of L’Épée’s clocks are the spitting image of their muse. By far the coolest, at least in my opinion, is the Timefast D8. Modelled on a 1950’s racer, this clock is certainly one of the most deceptive timekeepers. The mechanism and time display are subtly hidden in and around the car, replacing components that you might actually find on the vehicle. For example, the gear train sits where you might expect to find the gearbox and the time is shown in the roundel where the racing number is normally displayed. If you are looking for a new model for your collection and a timepiece, then I really would no further than this. The L’Épée 1839 Timefast D8 is limited to 100 pieces per color and retails for $XXXX USD.
The L'Epée Timefast D8 retails for around $35,000 USD. Find out more about this watch here.
Mondaine Table Clock
When it comes to Swiss brands that make both watches and clocks, it is hard to ignore Mondaine. Less of a watchmaker that makes clocks, and more of a clockmaker that has branched out into watches, this brand has equipped Swiss railways with its iconic legible design for decades. Equipped with an additional alarm function, this clock is the definition of useful. Hanging it on your wall or sitting it on your desk will have you feeling as punctual, efficient, and timely as the Swiss, all without the stress of Geneva’s Cornavin station. The Mondaine Table Clock is available to purchase for $XXX USD.
The Mondaine Table Clock retails for a very reasonable $295 USD. Find out more about this iconic clock here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Infinite
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Infinite is the ultimate clock in this article, and, by quite some margin, the best. For as long as they have been making watches, JLC have also been making clocks. Whilst we might know them best for the Reverso, the Atmos is probably one of their leading designs and innovations. Aside from being a rather elegant clock, the mechanism is particularly clever: you will not need to wind this yourself. Indeed, this is akin to an automatic watch. Powered by minute changes in air temperature, using the expansion and contraction as the air cools and heats up, the Atmos is completely autonomous. Not only is this mechanism extremely clever, but over the years JLC have worked to make it one of their most visually attractive.
This is the sort of timepiece you can cherish for decades, even generations. It is available from Jaeger-LeCoultre for $22,400 USD and is worth every penny of it. Find out more about this impressive clock here.
