Luxury Clocks Gift Guide

patrick_y · 2022-12-23T23:07:13Z

Explore unique horological gift ideas with patrick_y's review of the Around Five and Dalibor Farny Nixie clocks, plus L'Epée and Reuge creations.

patrick_y

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

25 replies8062 views2 photos

In this insightful article, patrick_y, a respected member of the WatchProSite community, explores unique horological gift ideas beyond traditional wristwatches. He highlights two distinct desk clocks: the minimalist Around Five Clock and the retro-futuristic Dalibor Farny Nixie Clock. patrick_y's personal experiences and detailed reviews offer valuable perspectives for collectors seeking distinctive time-telling devices.

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Need a last minute gift to treat yourself? Want to get a cool clock for the office (potential tax write off)? Got an empty bookshelf and a clock would go well on it? Well... Here are some great ideas!

FOR YOUR BEACH HOUSE OR LAKE HOUSE: The Around Five Clock...

A supremely elegant expression of time, this battery powered cordless clock (batteries last a very long time, mine is two years old) conveys the time in a wave. Made of billet aluminum, it's heavy, impressive, and extremely pleasing to the eye.

Here's my review on it: www.watchprosite.com

And Horology75 has some lovely photos of it in an even more picturesque setting: www.watchprosite.com

Photo credit: aroundfiveus.com m

Photo credit: aroundfive.ch h

A RETRO MODERN OPTION: The Dalibor Farny Nixie Clock 6 Tube

Cold War history meets style. Nixie tubes! They have a lot of life to them! Many of our members have acquired one. My favorite part is how the Nixie tubes scramble their digits every few minutes to "clean the tube." Definitely a cool clock (check out the video below to see the scrambling and to hear a short explanation why it's necessary). These tubes by Dalibor Farny have a 10 year warranty too!

Here's my review: www.watchprosite.com

Here's Horology75's clock: www.watchprosite.com

Here's Jay's bookshelf: www.watchprosite.com

It's fully programmable on a phone app. Photo Credit: DaliborFarny.com m

A Dalibor Farny and Frank Buchwald Collaboration: the Nixie Machine II which was retailed by Max Busser's MB&F M.A.D. Art Gallery. Photo credit: M.A.D. Gallery

A MECHANICAL OPTION: Miki Eleta Clocks

Need something mechanical? A Huge Clock... Want something especially large? Miki Eleta... At 70 years young, Miki Eleta has only made about 40 clocks in his career. Generally averaging less than two clocks a year... Out of those 40 clocks, several pieces are in the hands of royalty - where they tick in palaces. I discovered Miki Eleta at Dubai Watch Week in 2021 and I was astounded. So astounded that I flew to Zurich to visit his atelier twice. Wow. Just wow. Pictures don't really convey the scale and impressiveness of his pieces. I do hope that you get to see it in person one day. I'm still in awe.

Here's an article I wrote about Miki Eleta's clocks: www.watchprosite.com

This work is titled "Svemir" which is the word "Universe" in Croatian or Bosnian. Svemir is an amazing clock that belongs in a museum!

Close up detail of Svemir.

If Svemir is a bit too big, Miki Eleta has made smaller clocks, this is "Hammock Clock" and features a six-tone chiming system.

Key Points from the Discussion

The author, patrick_y, expands on his initial post by showcasing a Reuge music box shaped like a spaceship, suggesting that unique mechanical objects, not just clocks, can be compelling additions to a collection.
Another contributor shares a series of images featuring various L'Epée clocks, including their unique designs like the 'Turtle' and 'Octopus' models, demonstrating the brand's innovative approach to horological art.
patrick_y shares his direct experience with the Around Five and Dalibor Farny clocks, and Miki Eleta's workshop, noting that while he appreciates Atmos clocks, he has heard mixed reviews regarding their reliability and sensitivity to environmental factors like vibration and air vents.
patrick_y advises on choosing between the 4-tube and 6-tube Dalibor Farny Nixie clocks, recommending the 6-tube for its constantly changing seconds digit, which gives the clock a more 'alive' appearance, suitable for an office setting, while the 4-tube might be better for a bedroom where less motion is desired.
patrick_y expresses his admiration for specific Reuge music box designs, particularly the 'Music Machine 3' resembling a Tie Fighter and the 'tortoise with the bird' model, despite the latter being beyond his budget.

The Discussion

myles721

Dec 23, 2022

I’d have to buy an office for my clock! 😆😂🤣

patrick_y

Dec 23, 2022

That's an AMAZING clock. The pictures really don't do it justice.

patrick_y

Dec 24, 2022

They certainly are very cool! I have direct experience with the Around5 and the Dalibor Farny. And I've been to Miki Eleta's workshop twice and have gotten some experience with his clocks. I have seen an Atmos clock and I've even visited the JLC factory (although didn't see the Atmos part of the factory). Gotta find the space for an Atmos someday. I've heard mixed things about Atmos clock reliability - they're very sensitive to vibration, to put them against a wall, and to not put it near an air

patrick_y

Dec 24, 2022

Here's something else that I like in a similar vein. They're not clocks per se... It's not a clock. But I like it a lot. Even more than the L'Epée clocks. This is a music box by Reuge in the shape of a space ship! This one is my favorite, it's by Reuge as well. It's a moving tortoise with a singing bird on its back!

patrick_y

Dec 24, 2022

Which one is tempting you the most?

grigo

Dec 24, 2022

Clearly it would be the Dalibor

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