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Analogue or Digital Alarm Clock? Which One to Choose?

Analogue or Digital Alarm Clock? Which One to Choose?

Author

Louise Mark

16/02/2018

"How lovely to rise at break of day..." – unfortunately, sometimes neither a blockbuster hit nor even the birdsong can make our morning wake-up call any sweeter. Time marches on relentlessly, and we fight a heroic battle trying to emerge from under the warm duvet. To avoid oversleeping and being late for work, it's worth investing in a reliable alarm clock. Join us in choosing the perfect model for you!

A Practical and Designer Accessory

Beyond making our lives easier, an alarm clock can also be a wonderful bedroom decoration.

Just a hundred years ago, the role of alarm clocks was played by people known as "knocker-uppers". At the agreed time, they would arrive at their client's home and wake them by knocking on doors or windows. For higher floors, they'd use a long stick or shoot harmless ammunition – usually a pea shooter – at the windows. Today, we can choose from a wide range of diverse alarm clocks that are not only functional but also beautiful!

The main purpose of an alarm clock is to wake us up at a specific time. It's what brings us back to reality, tearing us away from the colourful world of dreams. At the same time, it's thanks to it that we won't miss the night train, we'll make it to work, and to university. Manufacturers of clocks offer an increasing variety of alarm clocks and table clocks with an alarm function – analogue ones are usually incredibly striking, while digital ones boast a range of useful features.

Analogue Alarm Clocks

Classic alarm clocks with an analogue dial are an excellent choice for those who appreciate traditional design. Those equipped with bells are known as retro alarm clocks. Of course, this doesn't mean they only suit vintage-style interiors. Their rich colour palette and myriad shapes mean they'll charm lovers of minimalism and glamour alike. Their sound power is undoubtedly an advantage; they can wake even the heaviest sleeper. However, when opting for one, remember they aren't completely silent. The characteristic ticking isn't loud, but for some, it might prove tiresome.

New Retro Clock and Alarm Clock

£22.87

New Retro Clock and Alarm Clock

Karlsson

3 variants

Monocle Alarm clock

£13.21

Monocle Alarm clock

Karlsson

2 variants

Iconic Alarm clock

£23.85

Iconic Alarm clock

Karlsson

5 variants

-20%
Retro Tube Flip Alarm Clock Calendar

£23.82£29.77

Retro Tube Flip Alarm Clock Calendar

Karlsson

5 variants

Cool Retro Alarm Clock

£13.60

Cool Retro Alarm Clock

Karlsson

4 variants

Aaltje Alarm clock

£29.37

Aaltje Alarm clock

NeXtime

3 variants

-20%
Chaplin Alarm clock

£15.30£19.12

Chaplin Alarm clock

Karlsson

6 variants

Arne Jacobsen Table clock

£119.66

Arne Jacobsen Table clock

Rosendahl

6 variants

Rest Lemnos alarm clock
Tumbler Menu alarm clock
Rest Lemnos alarm clock
Tumbler Menu alarm clock

Digital Alarm Clocks

Keeping up with the times, electronic alarm clocks will especially appeal to fans of innovative solutions. Original and futuristic shapes will perfectly complement a modern bedroom. The illuminated display will show you the current time at any moment, and the silent mechanism won't disturb even the lightest sleeper.

Most electronic alarm clocks come with a pre-programmed snooze function, allowing us to guilt-free "catch a few more winks." You can usually also choose the alarm sound yourself, for example, instead of the traditional "ring-ring!" you can wake up to a chosen melody or... the morning show on your favourite radio station!

Gummy Alarm clock

£30.56

Gummy Alarm clock

Karlsson

12 variants

Minut Alarm clock

£37.26

Minut Alarm clock

Lexon

9 variants

Flip Premium Alarm clock two-piece

£45.14

Flip Premium Alarm clock two-piece

Lexon

12 variants

New Retro Clock and Alarm Clock

£22.87

New Retro Clock and Alarm Clock

Karlsson

3 variants

Audaz Alarm Clock

£18.73

Audaz Alarm Clock

Karlsson

5 variants

Led Block Alarm clock

£42.38

Led Block Alarm clock

Karlsson

2 variants

-20%
Mina Sunrise Alarm clock

£58.19£72.74

Mina Sunrise Alarm clock

Lexon

8 variants

Titanium Lexon clock
London Clock Company digital clock
Titanium Lexon clock
London Clock Company digital clock

For Incorrigible Sleepers

Can't get up in the morning? Don't hear your alarm? We have a solution for you in the form of a loud alarm clock, or "super alarm clock." These stand out with an exceptionally loud alarm that will rouse even the deepest sleepers. Check out our list below!
Stark Alarm Clock

£23.85

Stark Alarm Clock

Karlsson

4 variants

Glam Alarm Clock, square

£14.19

Glam Alarm Clock, square

Karlsson

2 variants

Bunky Alarm Clock

£17.74

Bunky Alarm Clock

Karlsson

3 variants

Neat Alarm Clock rectangular, bamboo

£30.95

Neat Alarm Clock rectangular, bamboo

Karlsson

2 variants

Reina Alarm Clock

£18.73

Reina Alarm Clock

Karlsson

3 variants

Triangle Alarm Clock with handle

£16.56

Triangle Alarm Clock with handle

Karlsson

4 variants

Button Alarm Clock, retro

£16.95

Button Alarm Clock, retro

Karlsson

4 variants

Tradition and Modernity. Which Alarm Clock to Choose?

Which type of alarm clock is better? You'll have to answer that question yourselves. Each has its pros and cons. The table below will certainly help you make your decision.

DEVICE TYPEADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES
Analogue Alarm Clock
  • loud alarm sound
  • easy to use
  • long-lasting mechanism
  • original appearance
  • manual winding
  • lack of additional features
  • characteristic ticking
  • small dial
Digital Alarm Clock
  • precise
  • silent operation
  • additional features
  • large, clear display
  • must remember to change batteries
  • mains-powered alarm clocks require proximity to electrical sockets or using batteries
  • backlight can be dazzling
  • standard appearance

 

If you're looking for an alarm clock for the youngest members of the household, check out the category of children's alarm clocks.

Match the Alarm Clock to Your Lifestyle!

Choosing the right alarm clock might seem like a trivial matter given the ubiquity of smartphones, which many of us use as alarm clocks. However, it's worth placing an alarm clock on your bedside table that will gently tick, lulling you to sleep, or whose large LCD display will allow you to quickly read the time even at night. It's also worth matching a specific model to your bedroom decor so that the alarm clock becomes an integral part of the decoration.
Titanium Lexon clock
London Clock Company digital clock
Blaze London Clock since 1922 alarm clock
Titanium Lexon clock
London Clock Company digital clock
Blaze London Clock since 1922 alarm clock
Louise Mark
L
Louise Mark
fascinated with design, DIY and healthy lifestyle. She adores South America and vivid interiors with bold colour choices. She is an expert in finding unique, one of a kind products. She knows how to search for the ones not only with form and function to it.