Have you come across those clocks that write the time out in words, and wondered how they work? Here is the explanation, simply put.
The principle: lighting the right words at the right moment
A word clock consists of a panel on which words are laid out (« IT IS », « TWO », « TWENTY »…). Behind it, an LED lighting system illuminates only the words needed to form the current time. Everything else stays dark. At 2.20 p.m. you read « IT IS TWENTY PAST TWO »; five minutes later, the display changes.
Would you like to see the principle applied to an exceptional piece, handmade in France? Discover the Aurachronis word clock →
Why in five-minute steps?
Most word clocks advance in five-minute steps: that is what makes reading them fluid and elegant. So as not to lose the minutes in between, some models add points of light or — as on the Aurachronis clock — a progress bar that fills gently between two steps.
How does the clock set itself?
On connected models, time setting is automatic: the clock synchronises on its own, including at the change of season. On high-end models, a mobile app also lets you choose the colour of the letters, the style of wording (« a quarter past twelve » or « twelve fifteen »), the colour of the progress bar and the brightness (automatic via sensor, or manual).
Is it silent?
Yes. Unlike a mechanical clock, a word clock runs on LEDs and electronics: no ticking. That is one of the reasons it suits a bedroom perfectly.
Does it use much power?
No. The LEDs used are frugal and designed to give constant lighting while keeping consumption to a minimum.
How is a word clock installed?
Installation is simple: wall mounting with the hanging system supplied, or standing on a piece of furniture thanks to the bead-blasted aluminium easel support supplied. Both options apply to the 100 cm and 45 cm models; the 30 cm model stands only on its easel stand and cannot be hung on a wall. A single low-voltage connection (12 V on the Aurachronis) is all it takes.
In brief
A word clock lights up the right words, in five-minute steps, using silent and frugal LEDs. The best models set themselves and can be personalised from an app.