Turning back time with midcentury vintage clocks
Originating from a time when every object in the home was made to be both beautiful and practical, retro wall clocks were often the centerpiece of a room. From ornate grandfather clocks that stood like sentinels in hallways to the charming cuckoo clocks mounted on the walls of quaint living rooms (and beyond!), each style served as a hallmark of its period.
Collectors and interior designers alike treasure these historical timepieces, for their aesthetic appeal as well as the stories they told. The ticks and tocks in their mechanisms carried the weight of decades, reminding us of the lives of those who once relied on them to structure their days — long before smartphone reminders were even imagined.
Here’s our collection of photos and vintage advertisements that showcase the beauty and diversity of about 100 different vintage wall clocks. These images not only highlight the intricate details and artistry of these clocks but also offer a peek into the past — showing how these timepieces were once an essential part of daily life.
Are these retro clocks still your home decor style ideal? We have found a dozen similar clocks that you can buy today. See them below, too!
Gourmet G-E kitchen clock (1950)
This Christmas, treat your kitchen to a General Electric clock!
This is the Gourmet, the new, sensational G-E kitchen clock that has been voted by so many women as America’s finest kitchen clock!
The Gourmet is easy to read from any part of the room. The neatly designed numbers are raised and stand out clearly. So easy to clean, too. In red, green, yellow, and white. The Gourmet is an excellent gift idea for your kitchen or anyone else’s.
The Gourmet, like all other G-E Clocks, gives you these advantages: 1. No winding — runs electrically. 2. Quiet — no disturbing ticktock. 3. Dependable — long life. 4. Accurate — on time, all the time.
- IRON PAINT ART WALL CLOCK : 13" diameter/1.77" thick , industrial vintage look design, case without glass lens and no seconds style. Adopt electroplating and baking lacquer process to prevent rusting,...
- COMPLETELY SILENT : Adopted quality quartz sweep movement for keeping quiet and accurate, no more annoying ticking, it will not disturb you when installed anywhere.
- DECORATION : It can match with modern and vintage decorative styles, you can hang it in your kitchen, hallway, restaurant, bedroom, study, living room or anywhere else you want to decorate in a unique...
The G-E Clansman clock: What a bonnie kitchen clock for a wee $6.50! (1952)
The G-E Clansman is styled in red, blue, green, or yellow plaid! It gives you wonderful ideas for perking up your kitchen!
Give a new look to your kitchen with the G-E Clansman. Select it in red, green, blue, or yellow plaid to fit your color scheme. And what a practical kitchen clock! It has a shatterproof crystal with large, easy-to-read numerals: and hands, And so easy to keep clean! That’s because the crystal covers the whole face… just a swish of a damp rag and there it is.
Old Motorola Pin-Up Clock Radios (1952)
Here’s a new idea — it’s Motorola Pin-Up Clock Radio, designed for every one of you who has ever said, ‘‘Give me a clock I can see clear across the room… and a radio that doesn’t take up shelf space!”
But that’s not all, Motorola added a magic timer that turns on your favorite radio program automatically! Wonderful for kitchen, bathroom, rumpus room, den, porch, and in your choice of four decorator colors — cherry, leaf, off- white, citron. Notice the attractive design, the clock face made for easy reading, the smooth bakelite finish that wipes clean in a split-second. Then turn the dial and listen to the Golden Voice of radio with its big-set tone. See it — hear it now — it’s a wonderful idea for putting your minutes to music all around the house!
General Electric-Telechron clocks (1956)
You can shop for everyone here on your Christmas list!
And you’ll make everyone on your list happy, because electric clocks are always welcome, always needed.
These new General Electric-Telechron clocks come in such variety there are models to please every taste, to brighten every room in the house. And, best of all, General Electric-Telechron clocks will go on saying “Merry Christmas” for you for years!
ALSO SEE: Vintage alarm clocks: We woke up to these in the 60s & 70s
Seth Thomas ‘Rivoli’ retro wall clocks (1957)
An exciting new “California Modern” wall clock to create a dramatic focal point in any interior setting. All-wood case has rich hand-rubbed ebony finish, sparkling brass trim. 2–3/4″ high, 20-3/8″ wide. Electric or 8-day keywound at $45.
- Non-Ticking: With high quality quartz movement, it keeps accurate time and has no annoying ticking sound; perfect addition if you enjoy quiet environments
- Wall Clock Material: Wooden rustic wall clock made with MDF material with a black metal minute hand and hour hand. This vintage design large dial has no second hand, no frame, nor glass cover
- Easy to Hang: The wall clock features a hanging hole in the back, and the packaging contains 2 hook for installation. Powered by a single AA battery (Not included with the item)
Classic mid-century modern gold GE wall clock
Golden Times. Tasteful elegance for living room walls. Shimmering gold color tines, gleaming oval trim contrast beautifully with dramatic black dial. Gracefully styled brass hands and numerals complete the distinctive look.
ALSO SEE: Vintage Peter Max clocks: The very ’60s-style wild & wonderful ways to tell time
Sessions ‘Aquarius’ moving fish clock (1954)
A triumph of optical illusion… created by the combined genius of artist, jeweler and America’s finest electric clock craftsmen.
These Angel Fish ‘swim’ in lazy circles so lifelike only an expert can fathom their secret. A switch lights up their ‘underwater realm’… so cunningly contrived in shimmering glass you’ll swear it’s really water!
Sessions Aquarius is a clock that’s truly beautiful… endlessly fascinating …. in every way a masterpiece of electric time. Brand-new — and just in time for Christmas-giving to people who appreciate the unusual. Styled by Mac Tornquist.
Old bedside and desk clocks by Telechron (1954)
- Dimensions 20 x 25 x 4.5cm / 8 x 10 x 2in.
- Designed and made exclusively by Jones Clocks.
- A modern take on a retro wall clock, made from high quality acrylic in a contemporary matt finish and glass lens.
Telechron electronic clocks (1954)
When minutes matter… trust Telechron electric clocks.
You’ll find a Telechron electric clock for every name on your list, for every room in the house… 26 excitingly beautiful models to choose from. And while you are about it, be sure to buy one for your very own, just in case Santa forgets. All Telechron electric clocks are accurate, silent, never need winding… the best time your money can buy.
Vintage 1950s GE Gaywall kitchen clocks (1954)
Gay new clocks for gay new kitchens!
Today’s new kitchen is no longer the sterile, all-white laboratory of other years. It’s the brightest, happiest, most livable room in the house. Here’s the new clock to match it! The new Gaywall’s warm color reflects the new decorating trends for the “family kitchen.” The whole family will run its affairs by these bright white hands and numerals. Accurate time with no winding — ever. Sweep-second hand for timing cooking.
Stylish MCM ceramic wall clocks from GE (1954)
- ★【 Size 】: 11"(Height) x10.4"(Width) x 2.2"(Depth), making it the perfect tabletop or wall clock for any living, home, or office space
- ★【It's In The Details】: Designed to tastefully add an accent of Color anywhere in the home. The aged teal finish is specially sprayed & hand painted, creating a rustic farmhouse touch to any...
- ★【 Enjoy the Silence- Accurate & Quiet Sweeping Quartz Movement 】: No ticking sound at night gives you a sweet dream through the whole night. 1 x AA battery for operation, not included
Fancy Schatz vintage mantel clocks (1956)
Vintage Herman Miller sunburst clocks (1957)
The sunburst clock offers natural wood or colored finishes to accent your home.
The original bubble lamp is a modern classic. Available in several sizes and shapes.
The spoke clock: made of brushed chrome for the contemporary interior.
- Aurtem mid century modern wall clock is produced from the original design document from george nelson clock in 1950s. Furnishing with durable solid beech wood rays. Anti-rust, anti-corrosion aluminum...
- Non-ticking silent starburst wall clock. Noiseless at sleeping and you focus more in studying or working on daytime
- Cool aesthetic natural wooden clock blended perfectly with your retro vintage mid century decor. Perfect clocks for kitchen, mantle, living room, home, office, classroom, bedrooms
Vintage Westclox Frill flower wall clock design (1958)
Vintage Herman Miller sunburst clock (1959)
Cute bedside clocks (1961)
- “Nocturne” Alarm Clock! Easy to read, Has a dial that lights up at night, an alarm that wakes in the morn. Rich, nutmeg-finished case in magnificent traditional styling. A perfect gift for man, woman, or child.
- “Plain and Fancy” Kitchen Clock! Bold, modern design with a dial you can read from across the room! Comes in yellow, pink or turquoise case. Watch it add sparkle to any kitchen wall!
- “Decorotte” Snooz-Alarm Clock! Dial lights up at night. Wakes you up, lets you snooze; for 10 minutes, wakes you again. Handy View Alarm Light tells you when alarm is set. Only 3 inches high.
Vintage square Westclox Variety wall clock (1962)
Retro mod star time and modern time wall clocks (1963)
LEFT: STAR TIME
5 Dramatic Star Clock. 16 rays of faceted gold-color with contrasting black dial and raised gold-color markers. Plastic with polished brass hands. 35-inch diameter over-all. With Cordless Electric Movement – -with Pair of Sconces to Complement. Plastic with gold-color metal candle holders (candles not included). 19-inch diameter.
Halo-effect attained in solid walnut arcs . . accents the bright beauty of brass spokes and dial. Clock has black hands and numerals. 25-inch diameter over-all. 8-day, Front-wind Movement without sweep second hand.
Star-points of twinkling brass become the focal point in any room. Black metal and brass dial, hands; raised markers of polished brass. 32-in. diameter over-all. With Cordless Electric Movement.
RIGHT: MODERN TIME
Built-in… your wall becomes the clock face. Electric movement recesses 2 inches into wall, wires can be concealed. Markers set in wall with prongs. Diam. adjusts 9 to 12 inches. Options: Brass-color metal, Chrome-color metal.
Raised Leaves of Brass contrast with colored metal background. Clock has a black-and-white metal dial; brass hands, center.
Danish-inspired design in walnut-colored WelWood (pressed wood). Brushed metal dial, ring; black numerals, markers. 8-day, front-wind movement.
Horizontal Plaque Clock. Stylized raised leaves, cane-textured background. Syroco (pressed wood) in smart walnut-color. Off-white dial; black numerals, markers.
ALSO SEE: Vintage Peter Max clocks: The very ’60s-style wild & wonderful ways to tell time
- 【Mid-century style】Mid-century style,fashion and gorgeous decor, not only a wall clock, but also a perfect decoration for home
- 【Completely silent】Using high-quality and silent movement, no click sound, provide you with a quiet environment and accurate time.The giant wall clock easy to install, special back slot design,...
- 【Metal material】This Oversized clock made of high-quality metal material, durable,with bright color, let you enjoy the time. 1 AA carbon battery required (not included)
R&H executive styled clocks from 1960
Simply beautiful… anywhere! Jewel finished, executive styled clocks for indoor and outdoor installation.
No matter where they are installed, no single item of decoration can add more elegance and glamor to a home, store or office than the new, simply beautiful recessed clocks by R & H. Guaranteed to capture the imagination of anyone who appreciates fine things, these outstanding showpieces combine great convenience and utility with truly smart fashion.
Moreover, their perfect simplicity of design gives them an enduring charm which will always be in good taste. Yet, despite their excellence of design and manufacture, R & H clocks are priced surprisingly low!
Classic MCM wall clocks from 1960
Retro Granby starburst wall clock from 1961
- MODERN THEME: Add a fine touch of elegance in your modern inspired living space
- MADE WITH METAL: This wall clock is made from solid iron materials
- BROWN AND SILVER MATTE FINISH: Features brown clock face with black clock hands as well as silver-finished numerical markings and frame
Cordless old wall clock styles (1964)
The new No-Cord electric wall clocks from Westclox!
What delightfully original gifts they make. Expect lots of ooh’s, ah’s and thank-you’s. These new, decorator clocks do such a superb job of dressing up a home — and every room in it! And you have a rich variety of styles to choose from.
Behind all the beauty: they’re so practical! No cord. No outlet. No winding. They run up to a full year on a standard flashlight battery. And do so with famous Westclox dependability and accuracy.
Blue painted tall grandfather-style clock (1963)
Vintage electric desk & table clocks by Westclox (1964)
- Dimensions 20 x 25 x 4.5cm / 8 x 10 x 2in.
- Designed and made exclusively by Jones Clocks.
- A modern take on a retro wall clock, made from high quality acrylic in a contemporary matt finish and glass lens.
1960s Retro GE General Electric wall clocks (1967)
Vintage General Electric wall clocks for the home (1964)
- Small Kit Cat, Measuring at 12.75 inches ears to tail this is the 3/4 of the Original Size Kit-Cat Klock
- Classic Black Kitty Cat Klock
- Featuring the famous rolling eyes, wagging tail, and contagious smile
Midcentury modern sunburst wall clocks by GE (1964)
- MID CENTURY STYLE: The mid century modern wall clock is the perfect choice for those who value stunning mid-century decor. The classic retro mid-century style make it a must-have collectible for...
- Silent & Simple: Non-ticking, continuous-sweep clock movement for a pleasantly quiet ambiance, powered by a single AA battery (not included.)
- High-Quality Construction: Not only is the hanging clock an attractive piece of decor, but it will also serve as a durable piece of your home's design. Made from quality materials, you can count on...
Old clocks from the 1960s by Westclox (1968)
What a choice the Westclox family of fine clocks gives your family. Take alarm clocks.
Bell alarms. Buzzer alarms, Flashing light alarms. Alarms you stop with a tap on top. His-and-hers models. Even alarm clocks that allow you some extra sleep. They come in Keywounds. Electrics. And Electronic No-Cords. Your pick of types and styles from A to Z-z-z-z.
Westclox makes more styles of clocks than anyone else. Beginning with famous “Big Ben” there are more than 240 differ- ent models, ‘
You have a better time of it when you get or give a Westclox.
Clocks shown:
1. The “wake-in-a-flash’ Moonbeam Nite-lite
2. The “one-finger-on-top’ Magic Touch Drowse Dialite
3. The “back-to-the-sack’’ Musical Drowse wakes you twice.
4. The “his-and-hers” Twin-Face Alarm, two separate movements, two separate alarms with Nite-lite.
Westclox No-Cord Electrics (1964)
The decorator clock you can place anywhere! Runs up to a year on standard flashlight battery.
For any decor, for any room, there’s a stunning new Westclox No-Cord Electric — the clock every woman wants to have (or to give). These exquisite clocks ran up to a full year on a standard flashlight battery. (Place them anywhere — no outlets are needed.)
Exclusive transistorized movement and jeweled balance makes each Westclox No-Cord the most accurate battery clock ever. And the distinguished styling adds a touch of elegance to any home; makes fine gifts that will be cherished for years to come.
TO SET YOUR CLOCK… Remember calling the phone company for the time? Here’s how POPCORN worked, plus the face behind the voice
- Unique Modern Decor: The gold wall clock made of durable baking paint for handmade metal with frosted texture, and iron art designed creatives. not only modern wall clock, but also a perfect addition...
- High-Quality Movement, Silent Scanning: The silent wall clock movement prevents the decorations living room giant wall clock from ticking, providing you with a quiet environment and accurate time,...
- Wall Clock Metal Material: The sunburst clock has a strong metallic luster! The modern decorative wall clocks is made of premium metal, after 4 manual polishing and special painting anti-rust...
Deck the walls with Westclox electronic clocks (1966)
New No-Cord Electronic Clocks are here, just in time for Christmas.
Delightfully original gifts — and the very latest thing in wall clocks. No cord. No outlet. No winding. They run up to a full year on just one flashlight battery. Mount flush to wall. Each is a decorator’s dream! All now on display in drug, department. hardware, jewelry and other fine stores.
1. Woodfair. Alternating plastic and walnut finish metal spokes. Attractive embossed gold color design. Raised brushed gold color dial.
2. Trenton. Unique double frame case in walnut texture finish. Matte in marbleized silver and gold color. Brushed brass dial.
3. Rampart. Early American design in colonial cherry finish. Full Roman numerals on brushed gold color dial.
4. Seville. Handsome, black satin finish spokes with interlacing filigree. Full Arabic numerals on brushed gold color dial.
5. Brentwood. Handsome walnut finish frame on brass grille insert. Full Roman numerals on brushed gold color dial.
6 sixties styles of Westclox No-Cords wall clocks (1968)
Nothing can brighten up that “problem” wall better than a No-Cord electronic wall clock from Westclox.
No plug or outlet needed — your Westclox No-cord runs on a long-lasting flashlight battery. Jeweled bearings and THE American-made movement insure high reliability and long life.
1. The “frills-and-folderol” clock. Vermillion. Lovely filigree design.
2. The “curlicue collar” clock. Normandy. Wrought iron scrollwork.
3. The “thyme-keeper’s” clock. Pennsylvania Spice Chest. Holds four spice bottles.
4. The “classy-glassy” clock. Westgate. Amber-colored bottle-glass effect.
5. The “diamond-in-the-rough” clock. Carvwood. Country English styling, hand-carved look.
6. The “caged-in-the-wood” clock. Woodview. Genuine walnut case.
ALSO SEE: Vintage 1970s watches for men, women & kids in up-to-the minute styles
Put fashion on your kitchen wall… (1969)
… with General Electric clocks! Great to give or to get!
Hey Day — Trim modern styling with large dial for easy reading. Value priced! Comes in harvest yellow, white or avocado. 5-1/8- by 8-3/8-inches.
Berry Picker — Decorative replica of an Early American cranberry scoop. Antiqued woodtone finish, white dial with red sweep second hand. 10-1/8- by 7-1/4-inches.
Breadboard — Early American design with wheat pattern trim. Large easy-to-read dial, bold black numerals. Antiqued red or fruitwood color finish. 9-7/8- by 7-inches.
Village Tower — Authentic Early American Belfry Tower design. Ornate hands and distinctive Roman numerals. Gold-color dome, white base. 9-5/8- by 8-3/8-inches.
Dessert Time — Smart, contemporary design, styled like a gelatin mold. White dial, bold numerals, copper-color case. Attractive pin- strip center motif. Diameter is 8-7/8 inches.
You can barely see the biggest improvement in electric clocks in 50 years. (1973)
Have you found it yet? It’s the cord.
That’s right. The electric cord.
At Westclox, we believe what you need is not only a better clock… but a better electric cord. With our new Low Current Walltone Clock you get both.
The Walltone is a revolutionary concept in electric timekeeping. It has a lot fewer moving parts than conventional electric clocks. Which means a lot fewer things go wrong.
And as a result of this “simplified” movement a lot less electricity is required; about 1/10th the power. And a lot less electric cord, too. About 1/16th the diameter.
With all these great advantages over conventional electric clocks, anyone who doesn’t buy this clock is cuckoo.
Retro old clocks from Sears in 1970
- SILENT MOVEMENT: The Retro line of Infinity Instruments wall clocks features a non-ticking, quiet silent quartz sweep movement that means you won't have to deal with annoying ticking ever again!
- RETRO LOOK: The timeless line of Retro Infinity Instruments wall clocks achieves a distinguished and unique retro look. Bring back the charm of 60 years ago with a retro-inspired wall clock for your...
- COLOR SELECTION: Choose from our innovative and iconic retro colors designed to deliver a splash of fun to any room.
Retro 70s G.E. clock styles (1974)
- 【PERSONALIZED CUSTOM WALL CLOCK】 You can customize your name, special date and verses for free. In addition to the main picture, there are more retro, modern and other styles to choose from....
- 【SILENT NON-TICKING】 made of high-quality environmentally friendly wood and high-quality silent quartz movement, large numerals and an open face, Without glass cover, no ticking, durable and long...
- 【EASY to HANG & PUNCTUAL】 The rear slot design is easy to install and is powered by an AA battery (not included). Accurate time, never stop, easy to read, stable performance. Various sizes:...
Vintage 70s clocks (1973)
Perky Watering Can (11) — Brimming over with colorful plastic posies. Molded composition case has an antiqued copper-like finish. Electric movement.
Enchanting Wishing Well (12)— Looks like red brick and weathered wood. Complete with bucket, rope and artificial greenery. Electric movement.
Disc clock (13) — Cord-free, runs up to a full year on a single size “D” battery Metal case and dial. Japanese movement.
Fruit-motif Clock (14) — Bright lemons and oranges abound on its embossed metal dial. Wood-grain plastic case. 9-inches in diameter.
Dozer’s Delight (15-17) — Gives a total of 12 wake-up calls at 5 minute intervals. Lever lets you select repeat or steady alarm. Dial lights only when alarm is set. 3-inch top bar alarm shut-off. Back time and alarm settings.
Cordless wall clocks with side accents from 1970
Vintage Bulova wall clocks (1976)
Fine furniture for your walls. That’s what Bulova Americana wall clocks are.
Because each one is crafted in fine woods, polished to show off the grain. So every Bulova Americana clock looks like an old family heirloom.
And each one runs on a single flashlight battery. There are no cords. So you can place your Bulova wherever you think best.
More than any other piece of furniture, a clock has to be looked at. So it should be beautiful. At Bulova, we make sure it is.
Top row: Pioneer, Commodore, Ensign. Bottom row: Citation, Minuet, Chronicle
DON’T MISS THIS: Dozens of kitschy ’70s kitchen accessories your mom or grandma probably used to have
- ORB DESIGN ► This starburst clock comes with a unique and distinguished orb design that sets it apart from all the rest. If you are looking for a starburst wall clock that fills your need for...
- MID CENTURY STYLE ► The Orb Spoke mid century modern wall clock is the perfect choice for those who value stunning mid-century decor. The classic retro mid-century style make it a must-have...
- MULTI-COLOR FUN ► This mid century clock features multi-colored Orbs that not only make it a valuable mid century wall clock but a very fun addition to your mid-century home. For a lighthearted take...
- 【MODERN DESIGN】Our large wall clock is handcrafted from metal , Made of durable metal with high temperature lacquer,aluminum needle and aluminum clock surface.This wall clock is beautiful...
- 【ENJOY THE FUN】When installing DIY clock, you can cooperate with your family or friends. Fully enjoy the fun of handcraft and enjoy the joy of success. Iron art designed creatives. This 3D DIY...
- 【SILENT MOVEMENT】The silent clock movement provides you a noiseless environment to sleep and work. Besides, the high quality clock movement also guarantees the smooth movement of clock hands, thus...
- Eye-Catcher Design: Top quality reproduction of the original design in 1948, one of the most beloved design creations. The three dimensional design is derived from the perfect combination of metal...
- Material: 12 wood hand-painted balls as timing indicators. 12 metal spokes make the wall clock more simple and elegant. Aluminum center, metal hands and quality quartz movement ensure precise...
- Dimensions: Diameter 12.99 inches x depth 2.76 inches. This ball clock is a masterpiece on your wall and is perfect for any room, also for commercial, studio, anywhere.
2 Responses
My dad was a”watchmaker” for over years. Our house always had many clocks and watches in it. I recognize quite a few of these. I was lucky to get to keep his workbench after he passed away. Just looking at it brings back so many memories!
When I was growing up in the 1970s, nearly everyone I knew had an electric kitchen wall clock in an out-of-the-way place, such as very high up. When a clock needed to be reset either because of a time change or power failure, it was a project to get up there to adjust it. Another observation is that these clocks weren’t cheap; a $6.50 clock in 1955 would cost about $75 today (though my parents had a clock from that era that lasted 30+ years). Finally, I don’t know how many people today would want a clock called the “Clansman.” 😐