By the 1960s and ’70s, the humble alarm clock had become something manufacturers actually competed over, dressing it up in avocado green, fitting it with chimes and snooze buttons, pairing it with FM radios and flipping number displays. What had been purely functional was getting a makeover, one bedside table at a time.
The American alarm clock has roots going back to the mid-1800s, when mechanical wind-up models first became commercially available. Westclox, a company founded in 1885 in La Salle, Illinois, became the dominant name in the category for most of the 20th century. Their Big Ben and Baby Ben models were American staples — wound by hand each night, ticking quietly in the dark.
By the early 1960s, Westclox was selling the Baby Ben in a new oval shape with an adjustable alarm that could go from soft to very loud, and a “Dialite Drowse” model that let sleepers grab an extra 5 or 10 minutes before waking again. Travel versions like the Travelmate came in leather cases in tan, red and black.
Then the decade turned, and the alarm clock started reflecting the broader culture around it. The 1970 Westclox catalog announced flatly: “The era of colorless alarm clocks is over.” Their “Fashion Brite” line rolled out Big Bens and Baby Bens in Avocado, Flame, Wedgwood Blue and Woodtone — decorator shades meant to coordinate with the rest of the room. GE got into the game in 1973 with the Ball Alarm Clock, a round design in translucent and opaque colors that leaned hard into the era’s mod aesthetic.
Clock-radios from Sharp offered digital flip displays and walnut-grain finishes, pitching themselves as bedroom furniture as much as timekeeping devices. Westclox pushed back on the radio-company competition directly, running ads in 1971 that pointed out — with some pride — that they had “over 80 years of clock experience” behind their clock-radio line, not just radio expertise.
By 1976, the Rise ‘n Chime clock-radio was selling itself as “the civilized way to wake up,” fading the radio down and building up a melodic chime until the sleeper finally had to reach for the button on top. It was a far cry from the mechanical clang of a wind-up Bell. The whole arc from the early ’60s to the late ’70s traces a consumer goods category that figured out it could sell personality alongside punctuality.
We’ve pulled together a collection of vintage alarm clock photos and original ads spanning 1961 to 1977 — featuring Westclox, GE, Sharp and more — so you can see exactly how these everyday objects looked, and how they were sold, during one of the more creative stretches in American product design.
Vintage alarm clocks from Westclox (1961)
See a collection of traditional alarm clocks, travel alarms, silent electric alarm and glow-in-the-dark dials from the ’60s.
Old-fashioned Westclox Bens alarm clocks from (1964)
Give Westclox Electric, Travel, and Battery clocks too!
Depend on the famous Westclox Baby Ben, now in a lovely oval shape. Longer alarm adjusts from soft to very loud. Extra-quiet movement.
Give someone the stunning new oval Ben Electric. High glow luminous dial. Sweep second hand and alarm indicator. Shatterproof crystal.
Wakes you for sure! New oval Big Ben has extra-long, extra-loud alarm that adjusts from loud to soft. Quiet tick for restful sleep.
Get that extra sleep with Dialite Drowse. Wakes you gently, lets you select 5 or 10 minutes extra sleep, then wakes you again. Softly-lighted dial is visible in the dark.
Meet the plane or train right on time with Travelmate. Exclusive design, convenient side shut-off alarm. Luminous dial. Genuine leather vase in tan, red, or black.
Hang the Stanton anywhere! No cord means no outlet needed. Runs up a full year on a standard flashlight battery. Transistorized movement. 9-inch diameter.
Small GE clock radio with hands (1965)
The most beautiful time in your life (1969)
Four timely clock-radios by Sharp. Their beauty is more than skin deep. They perform the way they look. Magnificently!
This is the new Sharp clock-radio that tells time by the numbers instead of by hands! Encased in rich, glowing walnut grain. With every quality feature — even an earphone for intimate listening. The digital clock is truly precise — and includes a sleep switch and illuminated clock dial.
An elegant FM/AM, contemporary styled clock-radio, enhanced by fine walnut grain. With full-fidelity performance that only a dynamic 4-3/8- by 4-1/4-inch speaker and Sharp solid-state engineering can provide. The full-feature Telechron clock has a lighted dial, snooze alarm, touch bar, sleep switch and sweep second hand. Earphone, too? Of course!
An easy-to-read, wide open face… yet it takes so little space. You’ll count on it day and night for fine reception. Sleep, knowing you’ll be comfortably awake on time. The full-functioning Telechron clock has luminous hands and sweep hand for night-time checking.
This compact, fold-away alarm clock-radio is your Sharp travelling companion. Gently, it will lull you to sleep with music, then cheerfully awaken you on time. The clock is fully functional with sleep switch, luminous dial and luminous clock hands. The radio is solid-state and operates on batteries—included. The stunning black and gold case is impact proof.
When it comes to clock-radios, Sharp has the gift!
From Westclox. Shades of a decorating revolution. (1970)
New Bens in Avocado, flame, Blue and Woodtone.
The era of colorless alarm clocks is over. Big Bens and Baby Bens have opened up a whole new world of time… a “Fashion Brite” world of clocks in shades of Avocado, Flame, Wedgwood Blue and Wood tone.
With faces that match the decorator tones of their bodies, these Bens will fit in any setting, match any decor, in any room of the house. And they have all the features that have made Big Bens and Baby Bens the most popular alarm clocks in the country . . . luminous dials, quiet tick, single key wind for time and alarm, shatterproof crystals.
“Fashion Brite” Bens start as low as $9.98. So everybody can join the Revolution. Westclox. A Division of General Time
MORE: Vintage Peter Max clocks: The very ’60s-style wild & wonderful ways to tell time
Too many clock radios are made by people who don’t know enough about clocks. (1971)
Just about all the clock radios sold in this country are manufactured by radio companies, And while radio companies knew a lot about radios, there’s a good chance they know a lot less about clocks. Which is a shame, since it’s the clock that has to get you up in the morning.
At Westclox we’ve spent over 80 years making clocks that work perfectly.
And now we’re putting those 80 years of clock experience into a clock radio. So for the first time, you can shop for a clock radio with more than just the radio in mind.
When you set one of our clock radios you don’t have to worry about if going off at the wrong hour. Or not going off at all. And if you think you’re going to have to give up radio quality to get clock quality, you’re wrong. The same standards we apply to our clocks we also apply to our radios.
By the way, Westclox clock radios come in a variety of styles, including a new digital tape timer model. They’re available in antique white, avocado, gold and a wood grain finish and range in price from $24.95 10 $49.95. So the next time you’re looking at clock radios, why not look at one that’s made the sight way. By a clock company.
Westclox — Finally, a clock radio from people who know something about clocks.
Cute novelty alarm clocks from Sears in 1973
Vintage electric alarm clocks with flipping numbers (1973)
Vintage 1973 Westclox alarm clock radio
Old Westclox Big Ben alarm clock (1973)
Your bedroom. Over the years you changed the rug, the furniture, the decoration, the drapes… but not the clock.
Vintage alarm clocks: Rise ‘n Chime (1976)
There’s never been anything like the new Rise ‘n Chime clock-radio that wakes you with the gentle beauty of chimes.
It’s the civilized way to wake up that doesn’t blast you awake. First, the radio comes on. But music may not be enough to get you up. So — after a few minutes — the Rise ‘n Chime alarm system fades the radio down low and starts to play a melodic chime.
Gently, yet persistently, the chime grows louder and louder until you must get up to touch the button on top. Then the chime stops and the radio comes up again.
Simple but effective. The civilized way to wake up.
It’s time for a Big Ben bargain! (1977)
The Ben family of key-wound alarms includes Big and Little Ben sizes; in traditional, contemporary, and futuristic styling. There’s one exactly right for each person on your gift list. See them all at your favorite dealer… and join the Ben family for Christmas.
From Westclox by Talley Industries
It’s a deal! (1977)
The complete Westclox line of electric alarms offers you the styles and features you want, at prices that help keep your gift budget in balance.
Vintage-style alarm clocks you can buy today
- RETRO WOOD STYLE DESIGN: Compact night table alarm clock with a warm woodgrain finish, perfect for bedrooms, offices, or desks. Its classic styling adds a vintage touch to any bedside space.
- EASY-TO-READ RED LED DISPLAY: Features a 0.6-inch red LED display that is clear and bright, allowing you to easily check the time day or night without straining your eyes.
- ALARM WITH 9-MINUTE SNOOZE: Built-in alarm provides a gentle wake-up experience with an extra 9-minute snooze option, making it simple to manage morning routines.
- Metal ears, Real ringing the bell, Loud alarm. Put it on the bed, every day will serve you and wake you up.
- 6 kinds of color: Green, Black, Blue, Pink, Mint Green and Red-Brown. Satisfy different home decoration, color atmosphere is warm.
- Black Arabic numeral moment,easy to recognize time.Press the white button on the back,a soft backlight is convenient to watch the time late at night.Loosen it and goes out,save electricity eye.
- Wooden Alarm Clock: A solid wood-crafted alarm clock with timeless vintage charm, seamlessly matching your wooden home decor. Its elegant wooden design adorns the bedside table, making it a beautiful...
- Super Loud Alarm: This wooden clock comes with an alarm sound that is amazingly loud. No matter if you're someone who sleeps very deeply or you simply require a really strong wake-up call to start...
- 12 Alram Tones: Choose from 12 different ringtone options to customize your wake-up experience. From soothing melodies to energetic tunes, there's something for everyone to start the day on a positive...
- Classic with a Modern Twist: Bring back your favorite retro look with this stylish alarm clock that adds an extra level of charm to any room, whether it’s on a nightstand in your bedroom or keeping...
- Simple Time Management: Combining large numbers with a contrasting red second hand, this clock creates an easy timekeeping experience; it features a traditional beeping alarm that can be turned on and...
- Dependable Design: This battery-powered clock is a reliable addition to your home and features quartz movement for smooth and silent time keeping
- 【Stylish Vintage Alarm Clock for Bedroom】The PRUNUS Retro Alarm Clock combines vintage charm with modern features, making it a standout piece on your bedside table. The wooden case and red color...
- 【Multifunctional retro clock】More than a clock radio, it can also be used as an FM radio (87.5-108MHz), a vintage white noise machine, this cool alarm clock possesses dual alarms, a sleep timer...
- 【Dual Alarms with Smart Snooze】One of the best features is the dual alarms, which are perfect for busy schedules,you can set different alarms for weekdays and weekends. Choose from 8 soothing...
- A perfect combination of classical twin bell design and retro rustic distressed Roman numerals clock face, add incomparable decoration and practicability to your nightstand.
- Super loud alarm clock for people who are heavy sleepers, mild loss hearing even deaf. No snooze button, good wake up clock for people who has trouble waking up.
- Silent with non-ticking hands, nice for soothing sleep and guarantee better accuracy of time.
2 Responses
Hello – I am looking for a travel clock of old, similar to your Travelette seen above, or the Westclox ‘Meet The Plane’ also above, the clocks enclosed by a case. Can you advise if you have these for sale?
Yes I have one with a red case