Uncommon Goods | Celestial Desktop Timekeepers
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Celestial Desktop Timekeepers
Celestial Desktop Timekeepers
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Celestial Desktop Timekeepers

Working historical reproductions of astronomical clocks.

$40.00 - $48.00

Beautiful design Unique gift Perfect for astronomy Well crafted Great conversation piece Delicate and intricate

Shipping to 11220 change location

Arrives Tue, Jun 10 - Wed, Jun 11

Order within 00:00:00 with Economy shipping

What Makes It Uncommon

Written in the Stars

Pinpoint the time by looking to the heavens with one of two desktop-sized historical clock replicas. The Astronomical Ring Dial is a 17th-century spherical sundial, while the Nocturlabe is based on a 16th-century artifact on display at the British Museum in London. Each brass-dipped, hanging instrument offers an analog method of establishing the current time. The Astronomical Rings use your position in relation to the sun to cast a ray of light through the device onto its timekeeping dials. When darkness falls, the Nocturlabe determines the hour and minute by aligning with stars found in the Big Dipper and Little Dipper. Vanished from use after the late 18th century, these working reproductions offer a link to our technological past and the spirit of transoceanic exploration. Made in Spain.

Usually ships within 24 hours.

See all shipping options and costs

Shipping outside of the U.S.? You will be quoted a specific delivery timeframe at checkout, based on your destination country and the available shipping methods. See International FAQ for more info.

Sadly, we are unable to ship to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses at this time. We are working towards a solution that will allow us to resume this type of shipping.


Made from

zamac, sapelli wood

Measurements

Nocturnal Dial: 5.12" H x 1.96" dia.; Astronomical Ring: 5.11" H x 1.77" dia.

Care

Dust with a dry cloth, do not use any abrasive sponge or product.

Item ID

52119

Still haven't found the details you're looking for? Check out our Product Q&A!

Beautiful design Unique gift Perfect for astronomy Well crafted Great conversation piece Delicate and intricate

People love this product for its beautiful design and uniqueness, making it a perfect gift for those who appreciate astronomy and intricate craftsmanship.

AI generated summary

  • 5 stars out of 5

    Gifts

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    I got a set for my self and as a gift for this other person. This was

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    Beautiful piece!

    read full review


4.5
4.5 stars out of 5
based on 24 reviews
92%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
5 stars
17 users rating this 5 stars
4 stars
5 users rating this 4 stars
3 stars
0 users rating this 3 stars
2 stars
1 users rating this 2 stars
1 star
1 users rating this 1 star

Over priced!!!

Not worth the price, really just a dust collector

Response from merchant

We're sorry to hear that this isn't what you were expecting! Many of our customers love to have this relic of the past on display or even use it as a fun way to work with historical tools. We're happy to offer a Forever Return Policy and have reached out directly to see if we can help here.


Beautiful and I would buy it again

This is a beautiful item to buy as a gift or even for yourself. It is intricate and delicate and lovely to look at. I would definitely buy it again. It also arrived quite quickly which was nice.


Fabulous just for my brother-in-law

Gifts


Amazing product (s) and really accommodating customer servic

I got a set for my self and as a gift for this other person. This was by far the coolest gift for a horology enthusiast such as myself and the person I gifted this to. It rests proudly on their office table at their workshop and mine rests on my office desk


Gorgeous!

Beautiful piece!


A wonderful "re"discovery

He will use it on his desk in his office.


Don't waste your money

I would NEVER use it. It was a piece of junk.

Response from merchant

Hi! We're sorry to hear that. We've messaged you to help.


Unique gift for unique person

Gift


Great gift but very small!

This item arrived in well package delivery box. Inside, the product was in a green box. I was disappointed to see how small it was; I have attached pictures of the product next to a teaspoon. I haven't used it yet but I think it will be difficult to use due to its small size. The ring doesn't have much space to hang; its very low to the base. The stand is delicate so this wouldn't be a good gift/item to purchase in a house where little kids reside. I was surprised to see a small pamphlet with the astronomic ring dail's history and method of use since other reviews said it came without it! Overall, I'm glad I purchased this product but I feel its a little to small.


I will be buying this again for other family and friends!

It is a great showpiece and a fond memory. He was surprised to get it.


photos from reviews

  • Celestial Desktop Timekeepers from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Celestial Desktop Timekeepers from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Celestial Desktop Timekeepers from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Celestial Desktop Timekeepers from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Celestial Desktop Timekeepers from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.

do they come as a set ?

Verified reply from Michelle

Hi! The Astronomical Ring Dial and the Nocturnal Dial are sold separately.


The Celestial desktop timepieces are shown hanging. Are the hangers priced separately? Are they supposed to come with each item? If not, where can I get them?

Verified reply from Melise

They are indeed meant to come with each timekeeper!


Are there detailed instructions included? One of the reviews noted that they did not receive instructions.

Verified reply from Leslie

Hi there! They do include instructions. If the instructions are missing, reach out to us at help@uncommongoods.com and we'll send a copy over.


So, you need both to tell time during the day and night?

Verified reply from Amy

Yes, because these work with the sun and the stars, neither one would be usable all day long.


Must these be kept somewhere that sun can touch them to ensure they work properly, or do they work inside??

Verified reply from Beau

Hi! The Astronomical Ring Dial does use the sun to tell time. It can be used inside of course, as long as there is ample sunlight from different angles for optimal function.


Apologies if these questions are super obvious, but does the sundial just stop working at night? As well, does it need to be in front of a window to get sun?

Verified reply from Leslie

Hello! The Astronomical Ring Dial does use sun to tell time. At night, the Nocturlabe determines the hour and minute by aligning with stars found in the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.


Hi there, do these items actually keep time or are they just beautiful replicas of the time pieces? Thanks!

Verified reply from Amy

They do! Each instrument offers an analog method of establishing the current time.



This gift is great for ...

  • Curious Collectors Who Love History

  • Stargazers Who Appreciate Unique Decor

  • Astronomy Enthusiasts Who Enjoy Conversation Starters

  • Gift Givers Who Seek Thoughtful Presents

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