Still want something stylish by the bed? I’ve picked out 10 of the best retro alarm clocks, many of which are modestly priced.
Do you still use an alarm clock? Not as many people do these days. Whether it’s a phone or an audio system, the connected home and smart devices are always on hand to get you out of bed.
But alarm clocks have an old-school, reassuring sound. They also have another important quality—they look good from a design perspective. Something retro on your bedside table is always a good thing.
So here are 10 options. Most are affordable and easy to find. And with that in mind, it might make a great gift, too.
1. Newgate Clocks 1970s-style Centre of the Earth LCD Digital Alarm Clock
One of my favourite designs of the moment – a ball of 1970s space-age goodness.
Of course, it’s a modern design, but with inspiration from around half a century ago. If you love the 1970s and its futuristic vibe, then this is the clock for you. There’s a white one, but the orange is the desirable shade.
This alarm clock has a 12- or 24-hour time display, temperature display, digital alarm, and a snooze function for extra dozing time. It also works off battery or mains via a USB cable.
£35 gets you one.
Find out more at the John Lewis website
2. Acctim Hilda Alarm Clock
It doesn’t get much more affordable – or cheaper – than this one.
This is the kind of alarm clock you might have seen at your grandparents’ house, and it is one of several similar designs. It is offered in various colours, with a numbered analogue display, battery power (so no winding), a non-ticking sweep second hand, and an alarm function with a snooze and backlight.
All the basics and for just £14.
Find out more at the Dunelm website
3. Kikkerland Retro Alarm Clock
It’s similar to the above but arguably has a more vintage look and is a touch cheaper, depending on the colour you choose.
This has been a big seller for years. It is a battery-powered clock with a look of the past, colourful enough to brighten up any bedside table. A traditional beep gets you up, and a button on top shuts it off.
£12 on Amazon if you like it.
Find out more at the Amazon website
4. Newgate Clocks Wideboy Retro Silent Sweep Analogue Alarm Mantel Clock
The kind of design that’s at home both in your bedroom or your living room. But as it has an alarm, I’m adding it to this list.
This is another wonderful design with more than a hint of midcentury modern about it. It’s part of a range of similar clocks, with this one being my personal favourite.
I love the retro-style atomic dial, which is matched up with a soft-touch silicone finish for the rectangular and mounting courtesy of some widely spaced plinth feet.
£45 is the price.
Find out more at the John Lewis website
5. Funky Retro Alarm Clock by Karlsson
Don’t get too hung up on the colour – there are other shades outside of green.
But the green is quite fetching if that works with your decor. As for the design, like many other Karlsson clocks, it is unashamedly retro, Very much packing a 1960s into the 1970s vibe.
I love the circular design and the tulip base. The clock also boasts numerical hour markers, a sweeping movement as time passes (without ticking), and a traditional alarm. It’s also made of metal, so it’s pretty solid.
Loads of colour options and priced from just over £15 to around £35, depending on the colour you go for.
Find out more at the Aspen of Hereford website
6. Newgate Hotel Alarm Clock
I vaguely recall my parents having a clock similar to this for many years. So on that basis alone, it makes the cut.
Classy and classic, it doesn’t necessarily reflect any particular past era. However, the face offers something of an art deco slant, as does the gold and black colour combination.
Outside of that, an acrylic case with a silicone finish, metal hands, and a convex glass lens. £26 for one of these.
Find out more at the Chalk Interiors website
7. Karlsson Data Flip Alarm Clock
I’ve always found a flip clock quite appealing, and I have a vintage Italian model in our home. But this version is much cheaper and ideal as a bedside alarm.
This retro design is available in different shades. It features both a clock and a date and day display that changes with what’s described as a ‘satisfying click’. Of course, there is an alarm, too, and a battery is required for power.
£24.99 gets you one.
Find out more at the Aspen of Hereford website
8. RobertsZen Plus DAB/DAB+/FM Bluetooth Bedside Clock Radio
Something a little more modern in terms of technology. But Roberts has maintained a stylish retro look.
I love the duck egg finish here, but some other colours are on offer right now, so if you want a bargain, have a look at the retailer’s site.
All are the same, which is a compact sound system featuring a full-range speaker, DAB and FM radio, Bluetooth streaming and dual alarms. If you are struggling to get to sleep, you can also pick from 13 natural sounds to ‘set the tone for a calming, stress-free sleep’.
The full price is £49.99, but some colours are discounted right now.
Find out more at the John Lewis website
9. Braun Analogue Alarm Clock
Sometimes you just want something stylish and simple, Like this one.
A Braun design, but not (as far as I know) a Dieter Rams design. But it does adhere to his principles of ‘less is more’ for its appeal.
Available in black or white, it has an easy-to-read round analogue display and a backlight function, which illuminates the clock for five seconds when you need to check the time. The ‘crescendo beep alarm’ also gets louder if it is not turned off, and there’s a five-minute interval snooze function to give you a little extra sleep if you need it.
£36.99 for this one.
Find out more at the John Lewis website
10. Ikea Dekad alarm clock
Let’s end this round-up with a good old-fashioned ‘ringer’ and a cheap one too.
Ikea has plenty of affordable clocks, but this is probably the most affordable. It is a traditional alarm clock with a bell on the top and a modern quartz movement within—so there is no noisy ticking. That also means it is battery-powered rather than needing a wind-up.
Just £5 for this in black or white.
