Late for an important date? Summertime has arrived and its the perfect opportunity to look again at the clocks around your home. If you've got to be late, these stylish pieces will make sure you at least do it fashionably.
Many moons ago, time was measured with a sundial which judged the hour of day from the direction cast by shadows of the sun. Over the centuries however, we've got a little more sophisticated with our time-keepers. Here's ten of our favourite clocks, ranging from the avant-garde and retro to the super modern.Top 10 clocks to keep you on time
Get a new clock and don't be late
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1. Ray of sunshine
Get some sunny delight in your home with the retro style Pluto Starburstclock (£80) from Heal's. The gold metal dial and dark wooden rays are right on trend and the design is sure to perk you up if the cool spring weather is leaving you gloomy.
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2. Completely cuckoo
The cuckoo clock has been a popular choice since the mid-eighteenth century. This Half time cuckoo clock (£120, Heals) designed by Christie Antoine Bassil, has a cuckoo which pops out of the side of the bird house. For a quarter of the price, Aria's cuckoo clock by Invotis (£32.95) is a charming, silent choice.
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3. Radio clock
Radio clocks are synchronised by a time code transmitted by a radio transmitter connected to a standard time system like an atomic clock. This dark wood Dolmen analogue alarm clock (£50.59) from Made in Design harks back to the old days, but you can plug your MP3 in too.
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4. Digital yet organic
One of the most talked about clocks this year is Suck UK's wooden clock (£120, Nest). Designed by Kouji Iwasaki, the veneer is actually a very thin layer of maple wood through which the digital red LED numbers appear to float. A completely minimal block of wood that makes a style statement of any bedside table.
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5. Colour clock
Primary colours are in vogue this season, coming straight from the catwalk and into the home. This multi-coloured cubic DIY wall clock (£36, Utility) adds a touch of life to any dreary room and, best of all, you can re-arrange the coloured blocks around the clock hands to suit your mood.
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6.Sunny time-keeper
Once upon a time, the sundial was the trusted measure for horologists (yes, that is a word!) to gauge what hour it was, with the direction of shadows cast by the sun being enough to judge the time. Fortunately, these days it's merely a nostalgic statement piece. This Recycled Sundial (£30) from Biome Lifestyle will add a romantic touch to your garden. But you'll need another time-keeper when the sun goes down!
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7. Anti-clockwise
Got time on your hands for a mind game? Pranksters will love the backwards clock (£9.95) from iwantoneofthose.com which could leave you late for everything. At first glance, it looks like a normal clock, but with the numbers in a mirrored position to a normal clock face, and the minute, hour and second hand ticking backwards, it'll be a brain challenge every time. If you like that sort of thing.
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8. Ghostly hour
People are naturally drawn to glancing at the time so make sure the clocks in the public areas of your home attract the right attention. Yee-Lin Wan's ghost small glass clock design (£75, Heals) is bound to cause a stir. The mirror background creates an optical illusion meaning the back and front of the clock can be seen simultaneously. A stunning attraction for the mantlepiece.
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9. On time and on trend
The modern-classic trend is superbly popular right now, and this Newgate century clock (£30, House of Fraser) has design students and enthusiasts all riled up. We love the antique-style gold frame set against the digital numbers. Tick, tick, what are you waiting for?
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10. Mirror, mirror
Been looking at yourself too long? This Led mirror clock (£300, Mirrors Today) features a scrolling LED message board to save personalised messages and a clock mounted behind the glass meaning featuring the date and time. It's time to be vain.
Looking for other ways to decorate your walls? Read our guide to starting your own art collection or creating a blackboard wall.
Would a stylish clock be enough to keep you on time? Let us know what makes you tardy and post a comment below.
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