Retro Metal Wall Clock

This clock takes its cues from mid century kitchen and diner clocks, where the face was a piece of colour on the wall as much as a way to check the time. The iron body is spun into a shallow dish, the rim is picked out in a contrasting tone, and the numerals are set in a clean geometric type that reads clearly from across a room.

It works best where a room has gone quiet and needs one deliberate note. A kitchen with plain cabinets, a hallway with bare walls, a home office in neutral tones. The 37 cm diameter is large enough to register from a distance without dominating, which is the size most retro clocks get wrong in one direction or the other.

The movement is quartz and runs on a single battery, with a sweep hand rather than a stepping one so there is no audible tick. The metal is powder coated, which holds its colour far better than paint and wipes clean without dulling. Hang it from the rear keyhole onto a fixing rated for the weight, and keep it away from direct steam. Powder coated colour holds up well over years, but avoid abrasive cleaners which will dull the finish permanently.

• Spun iron body with powder-coated finish
• Quartz movement, silent sweep hand
• 37 x 37 cm diameter
• Contrasting rim and geometric numerals
• Single AA battery, not included
• Rear keyhole mount