Where to Find a 24-Hour Wall Clock for Easy Timekeeping Across Timezones

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a wall clock that displays time in a 24-hour format, specifically for tracking time in New Zealand, which is significantly ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Participants explore various clock types, including analog and digital options, and express preferences regarding readability and design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a 24-hour clock that clearly indicates AM and PM without requiring interpretation, emphasizing the need for visibility from a distance.
  • Some participants suggest that digital clocks typically have a 12/24 hour option, but one participant expresses a preference against military time, which is often associated with the 24-hour format.
  • There is a proposal to create a custom clock face for a military-style analog clock to display standard AM/PM indicators.
  • Another participant notes the confusion surrounding the terms "24-hour time" and "military time," suggesting that many find it easier to read a 24-hour clock than a 12-hour clock.
  • Participants discuss the potential for misunderstanding military time, with some expressing that it can be tricky for those unfamiliar with it.
  • Several links to clock options are shared, including specific models that might meet the original poster's needs.
  • One participant raises a design question about the typical layout of 24-hour clocks, noting that it places midnight at the bottom and noon at the top, which they find counterintuitive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the readability and usability of 24-hour versus 12-hour clocks, with no consensus reached on the best solution. Some agree on the need for clear AM/PM indicators, while others question the necessity of such indicators.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various options for clocks, including analog and digital types, but do not resolve the question of which design is ultimately preferable. There is also a lack of clarity on the definitions of military time versus 24-hour time, which contributes to the ongoing debate.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals looking for timekeeping solutions across different time zones, particularly those who prefer analog clocks or have specific readability requirements.

  • #61
If one were to design a completely new analog clock to avoid misinterpretation due to conflict with the existing 12 hour pattern, how about a linear (rectangular) display of numbers that are rotating orthogonal to the display directions. Also forget AM/PM and go with Day/Night. Day would be black numbers on white (daytime) background, night would be white numbers on black background. Horizontal red line across the middle of the rectangle = "now". Numbers move up. (should probably draw a picture).

This could be fairly easily constructed as a paper (e.g. tyvek) loop on rollers top and bottom. Then just a standard clock drive (i.e. correct gearing) to get it to run at the right speed.

I think that would be instantly intuitive.

I might add that to my construction project list just for the heck of it.
 
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  • #62
Moonbear said:
This actually gets very annoying at work on the elevator near the cafeteria at lunch time, because people will decide to wait for the next "less crowded" elevator, but keep pressing the button before the crowded elevator leaves, so the door keeps opening again. :rolleyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js7Nz6n6h6Y
 
  • #63
rolerbe said:
If one were to design a completely new analog clock to avoid misinterpretation due to conflict with the existing 12 hour pattern, how about a linear (rectangular) display of numbers...

It was Moonie who pointed out that digital clocks defeat the visual pneumonic of hand-angle = time. Once you break that, your brain is forced to actually read the time.

So, back to your idea: is it any better than simply using a standard digital clock? OK, well, I like the black/white aspect - that's very intuitive.
 
  • #64
DaveC426913 said:
It was Moonie who pointed out that digital clocks defeat the visual pneumonic of hand-angle = time. Once you break that, your brain is forced to actually read the time.

So, back to your idea: is it any better than simply using a standard digital clock? OK, well, I like the black/white aspect - that's very intuitive.

Oh, so now you're showimg favoritism for Moonie over me, eh. Well, this isn't the first time that this has happened. Hah. Like I care...
 
  • #65
Oops, forgot this :biggrin:
 
  • #66
Signing up, because I've been looking for a 'proper' 24 hour clock, as I fundamentally think it's just more natural - as you say, working across timezones, having a 'it's 5 hours later' on a 24 hour dial, is considerably more intuitive.
On my phone, I've got this app loaded:
http://terratime.net/clock.html

It does a 24 hour clock, with markings for daylight times, moonrise and moon set (and will let you do things like invert the clock, with either noon or midnight on top, and mark time in 'standard' or '24 hour' notation, depending on preference).
I'd love to find a wall clock that did essentially that.

However the best wall clock I've found - with this notion in mind - is from Seldec Maritime:
http://www.seldecpublishing.co.uk/clocks/
Specifically, the: "DAY & NIGHT 24 HOUR CLOCK".
The problem I have with military time, is I am still firmly fixed that noon is 'on top', because that's when the sun is highest in the sky. And most military clocks are thus 'upside down' to my way of thinking.

Yes Watches are also similarly - 24 hour, analogue and show times of sunlight, making it very clear with timezone offsets where 'in the day' they are. But they're a bit pricey, and not available as a 'wall clock'.

Edit: And somewhat foolishly, have now realized that '10' is last year, not this year, meaning this discussion is about a whole year out of date.
My apologies for the threat necromancy.
 
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