Today I’m taking a look at a unique type of clock, one without hands or a digital readout. The Sharper Image Word Clock tells time using illuminated words in 5-minute increments. It’s a design that caught my attention, so I picked one up to see how well it actually works.
Where to Purchase
You can find the Sharper Image Word Clock at this Amazon link.
Word Clock Review
Upon unboxing, I found a USB power cable, a small instruction manual, and the unit itself. My first impression was that it’s smaller than I expected. It’s roughly the size of my hand, but the display is clear and easy to read. It runs on USB power only, which means there is no battery option, which means you’ll have to deal with the cord if you want to mount it on the wall.
Setup is simple, with just two buttons on the side to set the time. The clock displays time in 5-minute increments, saying things like “ten minutes past twelve” or “twenty-five minutes to one.” The first 30 minutes of the hour display as “past” the house, while and the second 30 minutes are shown as “to” the hour. It’s not internet-connected, so daylight saving time changes need to be done manually, but adjusting the time is quick and easy.
When I tested the clock for accuracy, I synced it with my phone and checked it at multiple intervals: after a few minutes, several hours, and then again after 24 hours. In every test, it remained spot on. It doesn’t tick or make any other sounds, which could be a pro or con depending on the user.
Visually, the word illumination looks great both during the day and in the dark. That said, there’s no dimming function, so it may be too bright for some if used on a nightstand. It also lacks color options, which would have been a nice feature to include.
Pros:
- Accurate timekeeping over my 24hour test
- Unique and eye-catching design
- Simple two-button operation
- Easy to read in both light and dark settings
- Great conversation piece and gift idea
Cons:
- No battery option, meaning a cord will be visible when hanging
- Smaller than expected
- No dimming feature, which could be too bright at night
- Displays time in 5-minute increments only
Conclusion
Despite a few minor drawbacks, I found the Sharper Image Word Clock to be a fun and functional addition to my space. It’s accurate, easy to use, and definitely stands out as a decorative piece. For under $30, I think it’s reasonably priced, and I plan to keep using it. If you’ve tried a word clock like this, let me know what you think in the comments below.
Video Review
You can watch my full review of this word clock below.