e
Analog Alarm Clock with a Physical Chime is a Hit on Kickstarter
The Arc, by Nanu Electrics
A startup called Nanu Electrics has designed something radical by today's standards: An analog alarm clock designed for longevity and repair.
The Arc Alarm Clock features easy-to-read numbers on a non-fussy dial, a manual knob to set the alarm time, and just the right amount of tech features—which is to say, only one: The alarm time appears on a digital display on the clock's lower face.
An unseen feature is the throwback chime bar and striking pin inside the clock; no electronic buzzing or beeping here. The carefully-calibrated chime starts soft and gradually ramps up, to provide a non-shocking awakening. "We engineered [it to] wake you at an optimal tempo and frequency of 494 Hertz," Nanu writes. "Science has shown this is best for alerting you without inducing anxiety before the day has begun."
One of Nanu's priorities with the Arc was to ensure repairability. It's held together with standard fasteners, not adhesives, and can be disassembled with common tools. The wires inside are joined by connectors, not soldered joints. The backup battery inside is replaceable.
While I think the mission of the clock is great, and its overall look is okay, I'm actually not crazy about the design. I think the company logo in the center is tacky and undesirable, and the gradated array of dots on the right side of the face look very of-the-moment (i.e. I think in 20 years you'd say "Wow that looks so 2020s"). I like the knob to set the alarm time, but I'm undecided on whether placing it on the front for ease of use is worth essentially doubling the width of the clock's footprint, for those of us with small nightstands.
That being said, the Arc is a success on Kickstarter; at press time they'd landed $83K in pledges on a $50K goal, with 45 days left to pledge. The clock runs $180 (while it might look like plastic, the body is made from aluminum and zinc, neither of which are cheap).
Enter a caption (optional)
-
o2Favorite This
-
Q5Comment
Directory Company Profiles
Core77
Industrial Design
Resources
Industrial Design
Resources
-
Core77 Directory
Find the Best Industrial Design CompaniesGo -
DesignStein Studios, LLC
We are a team of industrial designers focused on developing products that are intended for tooling a...
-
HS Design
HSD believes the future is based on teamwork across many disciplines and collaboration with multiple...
-
Evolve CollaborativeWe are an independently owned design agency that helps teams drive change. Together, we partner wit...
-
Logitech
-
RKS Design
RKS is an award-winning global product design firm and innovation consultancy specializing in indust...
-
Artiform Design
We give shape to the future by designing, refining, and engineering next-generation devices and expe...
-
DesignThink
DesignThink is known for generating highly effective and impactful design outcomes that generate the...
K
{Welcome
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
K
Reset Password
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Comments
Something designed for longevity! Imagine that. I just, as in yesterday, finished cleaning and repairing a clock that, so far, is chiming and keeping accurate time. It's from 1882.
It would probably be preferable to have a quartz clock mechanism with a sweep second hand; they tend to be quieter.
It's the chime bar that sets the width, not the button.
Check it out on Kickstarter: https://ph1.go2.fund/arc
Nice!