27 awesome midcentury vintage wall clocks + 331 in our uploader

In our recent uploader, readers submitted 331 amazing photos of vintage wall clocks. This was a great one! We received tons of gorgeous starburst clocks, cheery retro kitchen clocks, and many highly unusual varieties — some of which Pam and I had never seen before. This round up was really tough, because there were so many beauties. Above, an Arabesque starburst clock from a mystery reader. Its small face and large, exaggerated star points make it not only a timepiece, but also a showpiece.

Striking starburst clocks

Here’s another starburst clock — a 1961 Robert Shaw/Lux clock from a mystery reader. Not only are the starbursts and interesting, rounded shape — but the brass circles in between the bursts remind me of retro concave dish cabinet knobs.

Here’s another starburst shape clock with rounded details — an orange and brass Evans clock from another mystery reader. What makes this clock special are the bright orange enamel balls inside each gilded circle. Very mod.

This stunning starburst clock from reader Yasmine has the best of both worlds — wooden slats radiating from the center that alternate with metal rods, topped with tiny balls reminiscent of the Nelson ball clock — with an added surprise or a second, more pointed starburst design on the face of the clock. All of these elements work so well together to create an eye catching vintage wall clock.

Reader Kristy’s vintage brass and wood starburst clock was found at a garage sale for a mere $10. Kristy got one heck of a deal in my opinion — this clock seems to pop off the wall towards  you. While its starburst pieces are very similar to typical clocks of this era, the part that makes this clock so special are the diamond shaped wood pieces that intersect each burst to create a dynamic overall feel to the clock.

This United starburst clock from reader KSuper is full of excitement. The large, arrow shaped sections point to the clock face, drawing the viewer’s eye in — while the wavy metal sections create the feeling of movement. Whether you think this clock looks like a fan blowing cool air or the golden sun radiating heat, one thing is for sure — it is a unique and functional vintage piece.

Above, Cedar says this clock isn’t working — but since it was purchased for only a few dollars — there’s gotta be money left in the bank for a new mechanism for this charming atomic kitchen cloc,.

Unusual clocks

The next few clocks are unusual for one reason or another — like this cute little NuTone clock and doorbell combination from a mystery reader. In a cheery cherry red, I’d be glad to have this clock telling time and announcing visitors in my home.

If you’re into chrome, this is the vintage clock for you. Lovers of the shiny stuff will dig the wide chrome border around this vintage Harmony House kitchen clock — found for $5 by reader Nina462. She says it hangs in her office — but I’m sure it would feel at home in the kitchen, bar area or even the garage next to a shiny vintage car.

This next clock — a pristine General Electric kitchen clock from reader DonnR — it immediately made me thing of a stealthy stingray. Its curvy shape and cat eye face really pour on the charm, while its starburst and patterned center add some decorative flair.

I’m not sure which is more perfect — this Kienzie ceramic wall clock from reader Milan B. — or the metallic copper vintage looking wallpaper behind it. Either way, both of them work together nicely — the simple, light colored clock makes for a calm spot to rest your eye on this wildly wallpapered wall.

If a clock could suggest the essence of a martini without actually looking like one, this vintage Bayard clock from readers Rob & Monica sure gets as close as they come. Its asymmetrical design and concentric rings make it easy to love — shaken or stirred.

Yowza — this is one atomic beauty of a clock — a 16″ Sunbeam model from reader Stefrobrts. The swirls, the glitter, that atomic molecular design on the hand — could it be love at first sight or just a vortex of pink pulling me in?

Three words about this Junghans Formica/Laminex clock from reader J D Log — GOLD, SPARKLE, LAMINATE. Something tells me this one is going on Pam’s prayer list for the Retro Decorating Gods.

Long clocks

These next clocks defy the tradition that a clock should be something that resembles a circle or square. These long and lean lovelies give us so much more than the time — something wonderful to look at that will still let you know you are running late. The awesome tree clock above from reader Dawn has that whole tree of life/four seasons thing going on in a very simplistic and pleasing sort of way.

Kimberly’s vintage Burwood clock looks mid century in a very striking way. The sharp diamond shapes contrast the roundness of the clock face and the spaces between allow a little wall to peek through. If this were my clock, I’d have to try it on all sorts of different wall colors — or maybe even paint a square on the wall behind it to make it really pop.

Be still my heart — never in all my days has there been such an amazing mid century modern clock as this Sunbeam grasscloth clock from a mystery reader. The stacked shapes on the right side of the clock face are so happy and colorful — almost like they are dancing — while the face and grasscloth squares act as an orderly backdrop to the show.  This clock is my personal favorite of the bunch.

Reader Elena S. managed to score an original Herman Miller wall clock — and its a beauty. It could be Elena’s aqua blue wall that give me the feeling of a water fall behind this clock — small brass dots acting as the bubbles as it cascades down the wall to ever so gently remind you of the time. So relaxing.

Tear drop shaped clocks

The tear drop shape is very pleasing to the eye — this next batch of unusual vintage wall clocks that all pay homage to that shape. Reader Danny’s mod retro wall clock above fits the shape to a T — and its flowing painted design makes it stand out in a crowd.

Here’s a set of three tear drops — a vintage Elgin Genie wall set from a mystery reader. This set is very visually appealing, with its soft curves and gleaming face. The bright turquoise candles in the accompanying sconces ads some zing too.

This vintage Syroco Banjo clock from reader Patti sure is neat. Its mid century mod shape reminds me of a vintage Christmas tree topper. Why keep this shape for the holidays when it can be enjoyed year round?

Speaking of banjo clocks — holy heck — this one from reader Jackie is a beaut. Called an Ingraham Banjo Clock, this model seems to be somewhat rare, and will keep time for you even if you aren’t musically inclined.

We are all familiar with the classic Kit Kat clocks — but here’s an another fine feline to help you keep the time. Reader Jenna says her Spartus Cat clock is only for decoration at the moment, but something tells me she will have this cool cat up and purring again some day soon.

Critter clocks

In every home there’s room for a few critters — even if you aren’t a pet person, having a family of wide-eyed owls on your wall can make the place feel a little more cozy. This 1970s vintage owl clock from a mystery reader, was a mere $5 at an estate sale. I’d say those owls look right at home on the wood paneling, wouldn’t you?

This retro rooster clock from reader Cara K. is wide eyed and ready to go at an hour. Just be glad he doesn’t crow at the sunrise.

Diamond shaped clocks

Last but not least are a few dazzling diamond shaped clocks. Reader Jennifer in PA was lucky enough to find this Burwood resin flower clock and its four matching flower plaques at her local Goodwill store. She says her husband thinks she is crazy for bringing this set home, but here at Retro Renovation, we prefer to be labeled eccentric. Paired with Jennifer’s wallpaper, this clock set is a match made in crazy-in-a-good-way heaven.

And finally, I couldn’t leave out this last diamond shaped clock from reader Barb S — who confirms that the red bits on this clock are indeed faux fur.

Mega thanks to all the readers who participated in our vintage wall clock uploader. We love seeing all your treasures!

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