Uncommon Goods | Literary Clock | Literary Clock

Set your location

U.S. zip codes only
  1. home & garden
  2. home decor
  3. clocks

Literary Clock

Observe the passage of time as every minute of the day transforms into literary quotes drawn from more than 13,000 classics over the past six centuries.

$199.00 - $349.00

Unique design Conversation starter Fun to read Great gift Easy setup Attractive appearance

Shipping to 11220 change location

Arrives Wed, Jul 2 - Thu, Jul 3

Order within 00:00:00

Learn more

Arrival estimate is based on Standard shipping to the zip code provided. Other ship methods with different arrival dates are available in checkout.

Eco-Friendly

What Makes It Uncommon

Need to check the time? Close the book on traditional clocks with a bibliophile-inspired digital innovation. This timepiece showcases literary quotes instead of conventional numbers to indicate the moments of the day. Every minute, a new handpicked story excerpt appears on the display, synchronizing with the current time. It’s the most cultured and captivating way for avid readers to stay punctual.

  • Powered by a library of more than 13,000 literary quotes from works spanning six centuries.
  • Select whether handpicked quotes appear in English, French, German, or Spanish.
  • Choose how often quotes are displayed: every minute, five minutes, 30 minutes, or hourly.
  • Features a solid white oak housing with a front bezel made from recycled ABS plastic and a polished brass base and crown to change settings.
  • Easty-to-adjust parental controls allow you to decide whether the clock displays explicit quotes.
  • Comes with a USB-C charging cable that lets the clock hold a charge for several weeks, depending on settings.
  • Built-in WiFi technology allows the clock to update all software and content on its own.
  • Packaging and several clock components made with recyclable materials.
  • Clock designed with longevity in mind and can easily be disassembled if needed.
  • Made in China.

Usually ships within 24 hours.

See all shipping options and costs

This item is not available to ship outside of the U.S. 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

brass, glass, recycled abs, white oak wood, lithium batteries, electronics

Measurements

Standard: 5" L x 3.5" H x 2" W
Large: 7.8" L x 6" H x 2.3" W

Item ID

59949

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

Try our gift finder

Customers also bought

similar categories
Unique design Conversation starter Fun to read Great gift Easy setup Attractive appearance

People love this clock for its unique design and the fun of reading changing quotes, making it a great conversation starter and gift.

AI generated summary

  • 5 stars out of 5

    When saw this clock mentioned on the site I was immediately intrigued……

    • Barbara, the clock reader
    • MEDFORD, NJ

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    The Author Clock is the perfect completion for my new library setup at…

    • Sara G
    • Kingston, NY

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    So fun to see what quote pops up. It's definitely become a conversatio…

    • Avid_Reader
    • Washington, DC

    read full review

4.37
4.37 stars out of 5
based on 19 reviews
84%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
5 stars
14 users rating this 5 stars
4 stars
2 users rating this 4 stars
3 stars
1 users rating this 3 stars
2 stars
0 users rating this 2 stars
1 star
2 users rating this 1 star
  • 4 stars out of 5
  • Cheap clock lover
  • verified reviewer
  • florida

Unique clock

I put the author clock in our main bathroom where guests often comment on it. Unfortunaetly, the clock does not have a way to hang it, so we used velcro. the charging port is in the back instead of the bottom so it has to be removed from the wall once a week to charge.Pricey but a keeper.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Barbara, the clock reader
  • verified reviewer
  • MEDFORD, NJ

This is a terrific idea and a really cool clock

When saw this clock mentioned on the site I was immediately intrigued…Once an avid reader- lately a bit less so due to additional new interests - I found myself returning often to the description, and comments under the "Review" section. I decided to gift it to myself. I have not been disappointed. The young person who set it up for me (I'm 83 and didn't want to wait until I figured it out myself, but I saw I could have done it), was delighted with it and kept pausing to read the passages. I suggested they stop in anytime to synchronize the time. Especially fun to see a passage from an author you know and have read. I check the time whenever in the room where it sits. Have yet to see a duplicate entry. I AM ANYTHING BUT DISAPPOINTED!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Sara G
  • Kingston, NY

Great addition to my library

The Author Clock is the perfect completion for my new library setup at home. I love to watch the changing quotes and time. It's an amazing little invention that's an instant conversation starter. I had a question on installation and it was answered right away.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Avid_Reader
  • verified reviewer
  • Washington, DC

Love this!

So fun to see what quote pops up. It's definitely become a conversation piece in my house. It's especially awesome when it's a quote from a book you've read. I have the smaller version, which I worried would be too small, but it's perfect.

  • 3 stars out of 5
  • Ditta71
  • Seattle

Cute but finicky

I bought the small and wish I bought the large - would be easier to read if it was backlit. I wasn't able to get it to connect to my wifi, but have enjoyed it none the less. My biggest issue is that it has trouble charging. It can sometimes be plugged in for a month and other times just an hour.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • An impressed lady
  • Ohio

Love it so much bought them for my sisters too!

Such a neat little clock for my room. I haven't had any issues with mine at all. Setup was fairly easy. I loved it so much I bought one for each of my sisters as well who are all readers. Great Clock!

  • 1 star out of 5
  • Disappointed Friend
  • Undisclosed

Sadly, got defective clocks twice. Giving up.

A friend was pining after this, so I bought it as a special present. Initially, all was well. As other reviewers said, you can't stop looking at it. And then it got stuck. All of our efforts to reset the clock were to no avail. We contacted customer support, worked through their suggestions, but the clock remained broken. We figured she got a lemon, and asked for an exchange. Today we tried to set up the replacement. After over two hours of it "finalizing setup", we gave up. It's being returned. Such a pity. Love the concept. Quality control, sadly, is missing. Just not acceptable in such a pricey gift.

Response from merchant

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with the clocks. We're really sorry to hear about the issues you've faced on both occasions. We can imagine how frustrating this must be, especially after putting thought into such a meaningful gift. Based on our quality checks and the consistent feedback we receive, we believe your experience was an unfortunate exception. We're contacting you directly to see if there's anything more we can do to assist.

  • 1 star out of 5
  • Amie
  • New Orleans

I would not waste your money.

I bought this clock for my husband for Christmas. It's crashes constantly and doesn't interface with the software. When set manually, it "loses" time as much as 12 to 15 minutes in one work day. Horrible product. I'm so sick I spent over $200 on it.

Response from merchant

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with the clock you purchased. We’re truly sorry to hear about the difficulties your husband has encountered with it. We understand how frustrating it must be, especially after investing in such a thoughtful gift. We haven’t seen any trends in defects or damages with this item. To help us assist you further, could you please provide a few additional details? Specifically: Are there any error messages or issues displayed when the clock crashes? Have you attempted any troubleshooting steps, such as resetting the clock? We’d like to review this with our team and the maker to find a resolution for you, whether that involves a replacement or further support to ensure the clock functions as intended.· We’ve messaged you directly to offer more help.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Rosie
  • verified reviewer
  • Virginia

A Gift For My Sister

She loves it. End of Report

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Elnanle
  • Philadelphia

Pricey but very cool

This is expensive, but has brought me and my family a lot of enjoyment. I don't think it looks bad in the picture, but it is more attractive in real life. The small size is cute, and I like that there is no backlight (there are already enough glowing screens around). #sweepstakes

  • undisclosed

Can the clock be charged in the UK?

Verified reply from Lucy

Yes, it can! The clock can be charged by connecting it to any USB port, including from a UK outlet.

  • undisclosed

I just received the clock and LOVE it but when I charge it, it says "Charge via USB & Press the Crown." I've had it charging and there's been no update...and I don't know what "press the crown" means. Can you help?

Verified reply from Justin

Hello! When charging the clock, please make sure that it's connected to a working outlet, and that the USB-C cord is completely seated in the clock. Then, after it's plugged in, you'll want to press down on the brass crown on the side of the clock to "bring it back to life."

  • Ottawa, Canada

What is the resolution of the display? Does it require an internet connection to work?

Verified reply from Justin

Hello! The standard size has a resolution of 216 PPI and the large size has a resolution of 300 PPI.

  • undisclosed

Does it have a sleep mode or something, so that it won't interrupt be lit while I am trying to sleep?

Verified reply from Thaicha

Thank you for your question. Please be advised that this item is not an alarm clock; it has no speakers or audio. The clock tells time through literary quotes, with a new passage each minute of the day. Its design emphasizes tranquility and a traditional reading experience with a non-illuminated, paper-like display.

  • undisclosed

Is the display lighted or backlit, so it can be read in the dark? Or a way to light it temporarily so it is not lit all the time?

Verified reply from Iriscelis

The Literary Clock has a a non-illuminated, paper-like display.‍

  • undisclosed

is it only for english or can be set for another language.

Verified reply from Michael

The quotes are available in four languages — English, French, Spanish, and German — and continually expands its repertoire, with new quotes added every day.

  • undisclosed

Can the smaller size be set to also display the time like the image of the larger one? And if you set the smaller clock to only give quotes every 5 minutes, does it display the time normally for the other 4 minutes?

Verified reply from Allison

Both sizes work the same way and will show the quote until the next interval. You also have a choice to show or hide the time.

  • undisclosed

Does it have to be connected to wifi to work?

Verified reply from Maxienne

The Author Clock does not require WiFi to work, but connecting the device to WiFi will allow for software and quote updates in the future.

  • undisclosed

What's the difference between Vol 1 and Vol 2?

Verified reply from Maxienne

The size: Vol 1 measures 4.7" L x 6.9" W x 2.4" H and Vol 2 measures 9.7" L x 7.3" W x 2.8" H.

This gift is great for ...

  • Couples Who Love Literature

  • Friends Who Appreciate Art

  • Adults Who Enjoy Unique Decor

  • Bookworms Who Value Timekeeping

Whether you're a bookworm or simply appreciate the finer things in life, this literary clock is a charming addition to any home. For those celebrating life's big moments, like weddings, our gifting team recommends exploring our collection of unique wedding gifts. Make their special day even more memorable with something truly one-of-a-kind.

Our gifting experts love spotlighting the happy couple and the rest of the wedding party. Dive into our selections of gifts for the couple and thoughtful bridesmaid gifts to ensure everyone feels cherished. It's all about making the moment unforgettable for everyone involved.

US

Ship To US