Balmuda has unveiled a new product, 'The Clock,' inspired by pocket watches. Rather than being a tool for accurately reading the time, this product is designed as an object that allows one to quietly experience the sensation of time passing. It differs from conventional desk clocks starting with the fact that it is a clock without hands.
The core of The Clock is a method called the 'Light Hour.' Instead of displaying the time with numbers and hands like a conventional watch, light moves slowly across the dial to express the passage of time. The Balmuda design team revealed that they referenced the Foucault pendulum at the Tokyo National Museum of Science while conceptualizing this movement. They incorporated the nature of the pendulum—which moves very slowly yet creates a distinct change over a long period—into the watch. As a result, users feel the atmosphere of time passing rather than simply checking the time.
The design is also impressive. The product features a shape resembling a pocket watch and utilizes a solid aluminum body to maximize density. Weighing approximately 200g, its palm-sized dimensions make it suitable for use in the bedroom as well as while traveling. It charges via USB-C and comes with a dedicated fabric pouch.
There are three functions. In Relax Time mode, seven types of original sounds are played, including rain, river, and fireplace sounds. The alarm gradually increases in volume starting three minutes before ringing, inducing a gentle awakening rather than a sudden wake-up. The focus timer can be set from 1 to 60 minutes and plays white noise. All functions can be controlled via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi through the Balmuda Connect app.
This product originated from the personal experience of founder Ken Terao. He said that he used to play rain sounds on his tablet to fall asleep at night, but the screen light disturbed his sleep. To address this issue, The Clock was developed to minimize light and allow users to design their personal time using sound and rhythm.
The price is 59,400 yen in Japan. It has been released in a single color, silver, and the U.S. release date has not yet been announced. The Clock appears to be a product that re-examines how we perceive time rather than how we look at it.
