10 Best Wall Clocks – Buyer’s Guide

Violet Griffin

Last updated: April 5, 2023

1 comment

Despite the continued progress of technology, clocks remain a popular product because they actually serve a number of different purposes. While they ostensibly help you keep track of time, you likely have a portable computer which you keep on your person at all times, mostly to send messages to family and friends and look at funny pictures of videos on the internet.

Of course, clocks also serve aesthetic purposes beyond simply the function of keeping time and even approach this from different directions. Some aim to use the craftsmanship and quality to serve as the beauty while others opt for a more decorative or stylized approach. Regardless, wall clocks have come a long way and adapted to their new place in the market.

Still, figuring out which is the best wall clock for you can be a difficult and confusing task. That is why we have put together a list of the 10 best wall clocks, highlighting what each one does best. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the best wall clock to suit your needs.

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Best Wall Clocks of 2021

Product		Type	Size	Colors	Battery	Materials	Weight
Marathon Panoramic Atomic Self-setting Self-adjusting Wall Clock (Editor's Choice)		Digital wall clock	9"x1.25"x5.5", 10.5"x1.5"x6.5"	Black; Black / Brushed Steel; Black / Stainless Steel; Silver; White; White / Stainless Steel; Wood	2 x AA	Plastic body, glass covered display	1.26 pounds	Check Price
Seiko Wall Pendulum Clock		Pendulum style wall clock	21"x13"x4"	Dark brown	1 x C	Solid oak case	9 Pounds	Check Price
DreamSky Non-Ticking Quartz Wall Clock		Standard quartz wall clock	10"	Black; Blue; Pink	1 x AA	Plastic and glass	1.4 pounds	Check Price
HITO Floral Silent Wall Clock		Colorful wall clock	10"	Black or white frame with Colorful Floral face	1 x AA	Plastic and glass	1.55 pounds	Check Price
Foxtop Modern Quartz Non-Ticking Wall Clock		Minimalistic wall clock	11", 12"	Gold; Rosegold; Silver; Black; Silver White	1 x AA	Metal and plastic	1.1 pounds	Check Price
HITO Silent Wall Clock in Aluminum Frame		Wall clock with thermometer and hydrometer	10"	Black; White with black frame; Blue; Green; White	1 x AA	Aluminum and Glass	1.36 pounds	Check Price
OLDTOWN Metal & Solid Wood Noiseless Big Oversized Wall Clock		Oversized wall clock	18", 24", 30"	Wood; Whitewash	1 x AA	Metal, solid wood spruce	5; 8.8; 11.4 pounds	Check Price
Active Living Oversized Led Calendar Wall Clock		Easy-to-read digital wall clock with calendar	15.9"x1.6"x7.5"	Black	AC wall wart adapter	Plastic	3.2 pounds	Check Price
A.Cerco Decorative Wall Clock		Unique design wall clock	12" - 23"	Colorful Wooden Balls; Plain Silver With Large Numerals; Wooden Vintage Gold; Black; Blue Face; Maple Wood; Oak Wood Frame	1 x AA	Metal, wood, plastic	Variety	Check Price
OWLCONIC Teaching Clock with Silent Movement		Teaching clock for kids	10"	Silver frame with color face	1 x AA	Plastic body and acrylic face	12.3 ounces	Check Price

1. Marathon Panoramic Atomic Self-setting Self-adjusting Wall Clock

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Marathon is a bit interesting in that it actually started as a watch maker’s business but eventually expanded into a wide variety of different timepieces. That said, it is important to note that Marathon does still specialize in various timepieces, even if they offer some additional accessories as well. Even better, Marathon is easily one of the oldest companies on our list and has survived numerous transitions in and progressions of technology without missing a beat. This continued dedication to excellence combined with the foresight to constantly improve and innovate is why we rated the Marathon wall clock our Editor’s Choice Best Wall Clock.

Modern Marvel

When it comes to the Marathon wall clock, there are few products that we reviewed which can come close to matching the impression this one makes. For one, this is a digital wall clock with large, 4” characters for the hour and minute. That said, the Marathon goes a couple steps further than most and offers a number of different measurements. For instance, the Marathon provides the date as well but goes the extra mile here too by also tracking the day of the week. This wall clock can tell the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius and can keep time in 8 different 10 zones. Finally, if anything ever happens, the Marathon automatically sets its own time by radio with an atomic clock in Colorado.

2. Seiko Wall Pendulum Clock

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When it comes to high-end timepieces, Seiko has been a name to trust for over a century and in that time the company has done nothing but push the market forward with innovation after innovation. Starting in the late 1800s in Tokyo, Seiko has grown to be a top-tier manufacturer with a sterling reputation. In fact, many of the features found common today are things that Seiko designed decades ago. That said, this model is actually appealing to a sense of nostalgia with a classic, octagonal pendulum wall clock which makes it no surprise that it is also the best pendulum wall clock that we reviewed.

A Classic

There is no mistaking a traditional style clock for a new one: whether you look at the exterior, the gear works, or any number of features, the differences are vast and obvious. As such, if you opt for the Seiko pendulum wall clock, then you would be doing so because you consider these different

features, not flaws. For instance, this is one of the few wall clocks that we reviewed which is designed to not be silent. Instead, the whole point of the pendulum, aside from providing a reliable timekeeping mechanism, is to provide the rhythmic sound that some people find soothing. Even better, Seiko went all in using real oak, brass, and crystal glass for the materials meaning that this wall clock will last for as long as you maintain it.

3. DreamSky Non-Ticking Quartz Wall Clock

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DreamSky is not the brand you turn to when you need the absolute best performance, but the company does still service a necessary niche. Specifically, this is the best budget wall clock that we reviewed with the absolute lowest price on our list. It should be noted that DreamSky accomplishes this without using the ever-popular only online business model which otherwise normally allows manufacturers to offer products at prices lower than their competitors. On the other hand, you definitely get what you pay for.

Potential Value

The value you get from the DreamSky will heavily depend on whether or not you get one with quality control issues. If you do not, then the raised 3D numbers actually make this wall clock fairly easy to read, even though it is only 10” in diameter. Still, despite what DreamSky may advertise, this clock is not truly silent, though it does not “tick” in the traditional sense. Instead, the motor of this wall clock makes a low drumming noise that some find to be just as disturbing. The DreamSky is made of plastic primarily to protect it from mold and other water-based issues, but this does have a tendency to make the DreamSky less durable than some of the other wall clocks that we reviewed.

4. HITO Floral Silent Wall Clock

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HITO is an interesting company in that it followed what is arguably the “Global Dream” of internet entrepreneurship in that it began as the only online company that was successful enough to eventually grow into a larger market presence. That said, it should be understood that HITO is only about 5 years old, though the company does at least specialize in various types of clocks specifically. Still, as the only registered brand of the company and its continued success, surely they must be doing something, right and in this instance, they present the best decorative wall clock.

Unique Style

When you choose this HITO wall clock, it should be under the pretense of aesthetic or design purposes. This is because the HITO is otherwise unimpressive and could arguably be problematic depending on. It is at least a silent wall clock with an analog format, but the real selling point has to be the beautiful decorative prints on the face of the clock. In fact, there are actually 5 different styles to make sure you get the kind of accent that you are looking for. This clock is also made of plastic which will protect it from a wide variety of exposure issues, but the HITO is still not that durable of a wall clock regardless.

5. Foxtop Modern Silent Quartz Wall Clock

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Foxtop is a small but wonderful company that we’re happy to have on our list. Foxtop sells a few different types of wall clocks that are affordable and high quality. Foxtop wall clocks come in different tasteful color selections for men and women. Considering the Eastern influence from the bodywork, it should come an as little surprise that this is one of the best modern wall clocks that we saw.

The Style

One thing to keep in mind, is when we say that the Foxtop is “Modern,” we are speaking artistically in that it follows the Modernist themes of minimal design and color for a clean, orderly design. The Foxtop perfectly encapsulates that conceit as most of the 6 different styles embody that motif in some way, shape, or form. On top of that, the Foxtop also favors the Modernist approach of awe through size as one of the larger wall clocks that we reviewed. Finally, the Foxtop wall clock looks luxurious by using metal and glass as the materials of composition.

6. HITO Silent Wall Clock in Aluminum Frame

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HITO makes another entry on our list, except this time the idea is to provide something that is a bit more approachable for a larger demographic. While this wall clock may come in 5 different styles, none of them are as decorative as some of the others we saw nor are they significantly different from one another, with the primary difference being the color scheme. That said, HITO does at least provide one of the least expensive wall clocks that we sound and was able to do so with some additional bells and whistles you do not often see at this price point.

Extra Meters

Easily the most notable quality of the HITO Silent is that it tells not only time but temperature and humidity as well, with some caveats. The gauges used to measure these parameters are not too terribly precise meaning that if you are not careful where the wall clock is placed, you will not get the best readings. Specifically, if you place the wall clock in an area that gets unusually hot or cold, like a corner or near the ceiling, or in a place where it often stays fairly humid, like a kitchen, then the readings are likely to be inaccurate to a significant degree. Still, with a solid construction composed of an aluminum frame with a glass face, the HITO silent is the best all-around value wall clock we found.

7. OLDTOWN Metal & Solid Wood Noiseless Big Oversized Wall Clock

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OLDTOWN Clock is a bit of a difficult company to pin down, though they seem ostensibly solid from the outside. The company is exceedingly new, having been founded less than a year ago, so there is not yet a reliable gauge of the company’s reputation, but we do at least have the fact that the company specializes exclusively in wall clocks, for the time being. In fact, the company only actually sells 2 different kinds of wall clocks, though they may come in different sizes and styles. This means that the company does at least put all of its attention and focus on its 2 products.

Formal Function

OLDTOWN Clock seeks to approach the market from a different angle, appealing to a particular niche, in this instance oversized wall clocks, and providing the best option available. One of the best ways that OLDTOWN Clock accomplishes this is by using high-quality materials of the wall clock with the frame, hands, and figures made of bronze the face is made of solid wood. Aside from the fact that this gives the OLDTOWN Clock a distinctive aesthetic appeal, it also makes this one of the more durable wall clocks that we reviewed.

8. Active Living Oversized Digital Led Calendar Wall Clock

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Active Living is an interesting company in that it actually seems to specialize in pseudo-medical equipment for people with disabilities or who have difficulty with mobility. In that light, it might seem odd that the Active Living wall clock would make it onto our list, but the same qualities that make this wall clock great for people with disabilities are the same qualities that make it a solid choice for most people. The fact that it is a bit pricier than some may seem out of sorts, but this wall clock has some features others simply do not.

Helping Hand

While this is not the only digital wall clock that we reviewed, it is definitely the most traditional one, though that is not to suggest it does not have a couple of surprises up its sleeve. For instance, Active Living not only tells time but also provides the date as well, for those who suffer from memory trouble. On top of that, this clock can also be mounted onto the wall or sat upright, so that it is within easy reach if necessary. To assist those with vision issues, Active Living has large characters which are lit in red making them easier to see in low-light conditions.

9. A.Cerco Decorative Wall Clock

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A.Cerco may not necessarily be the most well-known name in the timepiece market, but it actually has carved quite a niche for itself. First off, the company has been around for over 3 decades which, while not quite as old as some of the legacy companies we saw, gives them plenty of time to develop quality products. On top of that, A.Cerco specializes in wall clocks primarily with some novel timepieces as well. Finally, this brand is especially noted for its highly stylized designs often taking inspiration from artistic movements.

Less is More

Considering the company will often use an artistic movement as inspiration for the design, this wall clock is easily identified in the minimalist period with the absence of representative characters and substituting instead with abstract shapes. The brightly colored palette is also indicative of this style, using jarring and bold color choices to provide an event to an otherwise unrepresentative style. The A.Cerco is made primarily of wood with all the visible components being such and using zinc for the actual gear works.

10. OWLCONIC Teaching Clock with Silent Movement

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While it might be fairly easy to see a big difference between OWLCONIC and the other brands that we reviewed, what may not be so easy to see is how the company’s structure ensures that the product is top-quality. Specifically, the OWLCONIC company is really just the brand of a family trust. Thankfully, rather than try to use this as an opportunity to profit, the company makes it a point to provide excellent products which also serve as teaching aids making it no surprise that this product earned the best teaching wall clock designation.

Instructional Design

When choosing a teaching clock, there are a number of different qualities to consider in terms of how you break up all the info to young and developing minds. Thankfully, the OWLCONIC wall clock takes care of this by dividing the numbers into easily traceable segments. On top of that, the OWLCONIC goes a step further by also designating the common terms of quarter hours as well as when the colloquial terms are appropriate. Not only does this wall clock teach children how to tell time, but it shows them how to talk about time as well.

Buyer’s Guide

Type

The type of a wall clock will generally refer to its method of display, but there are also subtypes that refer to its function. In regards to subtypes, there are too many to count and more are made every day as specialized products are refined for a particular purpose or setting. In terms of type, your 2 options are analog or digital with the difference generally being one of personal taste.
For instance, analog wall clocks do have a tendency to be a bit easier to read, but they are also often larger. That said, a few analog clocks include some type of onboard mechanism for ensuring that the display is lit in the dark. Another thing to consider is that digital wall clocks are far more likely to able to have advanced features that are simply part and parcel of their electronic construction.

Meters

While all clocks, regardless of the type, are inherently a meter for keeping track of the passage of time, many clocks, and wall clocks, in particular, go a step further to provide a wide variety of types of measurements. While the list is not quite that long, these additional meters can make keeping track of other qualities which are important for your daily routine easier as well.

Date

This is likely the most common meter to be included with the time meter primarily because it will not actually require a different type of mechanism. With date meters, the same gear works which power the clock in the first place will also power the date meter, though digital clocks obviously need not concern themselves with gear works. Regardless, date meters will generally provide the month, day, and year, but some of the better date meters will also keep track of the day of the week as well.

Temperature

After the date, the temperature is by far the most common meter included in a wall clock, though, unlike the date meter, a temperature meter will not use gear works. Instead, temperature meters in wall clocks are little more than modified thermometers relying on the same type of barometric pressure reading to provide their measurements. It is worth noting that the position of the wall clock will often greatly affect the accuracy of the readings, so keep the wall clock about eye level for the most accurate readings.

Humidity

This is by far the least common type of meter included on a wall clock, and, to be fair, is likely the least meaningful as well. That said, the value of a humidity meter, also known as a hygrometer, will increase if the wall clock is placed outdoors where it will be able to provide accurate readings. Another issue is the hygrometers used for wall clocks have a tendency to be a bit substandard in terms of both accuracy and precision.

Design

While there are a fair number of different types of designs wall clocks used, they can roughly be divided into 2 different groups: functional and decorative. As the name implies, a functional design will not simply tell time or provide a nice display but will actually serve some additional functionality as well. From a design perspective, this is usually reserved for highly specialized wall clocks or instructional clocks. The decorative wall clocks can use images and prints to provide the decoration, but they can actually make the fundamental build of the wall clock part of the design as well.

Conclusion

In the end, the best wall clock will be the one that fits both your functional and your aesthetic needs. That said, there may not necessarily be a wall clock that is the “perfect” wall clock you had in mind, but chances are that there is at least one on our list which piqued your attention.

For our money, we would go with the Marathon wall clock with its numerous meters and surprising accuracy, aided in part by a radio connection with an atomic clock in Colorado, which is the best performing that we saw. Though, you may not prefer the digital design and complicated controls.

If you are looking for something a bit simpler and more traditional, the Seiko will definitely set you back a bit, but you cannot substitute quality. With materials of Oak, brass, and crystal glass, the incredible accuracy in timekeeping makes this a prestigious choice. That said, you will have to consider when the rhythmic pendulum is a noise that comforts or irritates.