Pebble clock with kinetic timer
Pebble clock with kinetic timer
Pebble is a clock with an entertaining mechanical timer. Its purpose is to provide an enjoyable way to time any activity of an hour or less, from baking to the boardroom.
The timer is set using a brass knob. This moves a stainless steel chain and brass pointer around the periphery of the clock case. Releasing the knob starts the timer and the 'oh so slow' journey around the clock. This causes the slow opening of the 'antennae', and the final transcendental 'ping' of the chimes.
The style mixes a contemporary flavour with our love of classic car and bike design, kinetic art, curves, and character. And friendly alien beings.
Unique variations of limited editions of 100
Size of a crouching rabbit (68cm tall x 23cm wide x 16cm deep)
Weighs 15kg
Cast aluminium casings, dressed concrete base, brass fittings, stainless steel frame and chain, with bronze chimes
Timer range is 1 minute to 70 minutes
Various colours and finishes available
240 50Hz mains powered
Designed and handmade by Dan Morrison and Andy Plant
This clock was developed as a collaboration between kinetic artist Andy Plant (www.andyplant.co.uk) and Dan Morrison. Photographs by Andrew Wade.
Pebble Clocks are handmade to order, with a lead time of 8-12 weeks. If you would like to try one out before committing please get in touch and we will arrange for you to borrow our demonstration Pebble Clock.
You can pay in full, or pay a deposit of £495 and the remainder following delivery. Get in touch with us if you would like to arrange this.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss details or alternative ways of ordering. See our information on:
The clock
The clock operates completely independently of the timer mechanism.
It is switched on and off by using the switch at the rear of the clock base. A light next to the switch illuminates when the clock is on.
The clock time is easily set by taking hold of the two sturdy clock hands and rotating the big hand in either direction until both hands are in the correct position.
The timer
The timer is activated by turning the cylindrical brass control on the lower part of the front case. This moves the chain and the brass fin-shaped pointer so that they can be lined up with the timing marks found around the edge of the clock.
Once the dial is released, the chain and fin continue their anti-clockwise journey at a speed barely visible to the eye. During the final ten minutes, the chime arms move slowly apart before finally springing back together to conclude the proceedings with a single clear-toned bell sound. The timer then switches itself off and will remain still until required again.
More description
Pebble clock is a beautiful, curvy, characterful, hand-engineered, decorative signature piece, capable of redefining any room.
It also tells the time.
And provides a very engaging way of timing any event of an hour’s length or under; such as the time it takes a pie to cook, or a meeting to finish.
It is when you activate this timer and witness the chain make its barely discernible journey around the clock, and the antennae opening wide preparing to chime, that you begin to really understand the magic of this uniquely sculptured machine.
There are many other ways to do these things, but few of them have as much charm and charisma as Pebble clock.
From the beginning there was an intention to create an aesthetic based on solid and robust detailing, by 'over-engineering' throughout. And to use the beauty of the raw materials and simple components to give a sense of integrity and enduring agelessness. The shapes, the curvature, the lines, and the sense of volume, all help to give heart and soul to the functional elements and imbue it with that certain something.
Setting the heavy chain into the surface of the body reinforces the impression of it being like a large precious pebble, worn smooth over millennia. When the timer function is activated, the chain moves glacier-like as if bedding itself into the surface and becoming part of it.
Concrete was chosen as the material for the base because of its honesty, versatility and subtle beauty. And because it quietly roots the clock to the ground. We think it sets off the aluminium, steel and brass beautifully.
A quote from Dan on Pebble clock:
“I'm very proud of what we've achieved with Pebble - I just love the way it’s bursting with beauty and character. There are so many layers to it - so much uncluttered depth - it seems to resonate with a myriad of different stories. It looks like some sort of cherished artefact, or 'being', from another time or far-flung civilisation.”
