Charlie Bell Alarm Clock / Newgate

The Charlie Bell, part of British design house Newgate's Echo range, takes the most recognisable shape an alarm clock can have, twin bells over a round face, and rebuilds it in modern materials and finishes. A small hammer swings between two metal bells to ring, loud enough for heavy sleepers, but the timekeeping runs on a quartz silent-sweep movement, so the hands glide without the tick the classic form usually brings. The painted metal case measures 13.5 x 10 x 5.5cm, behind a glass lens with metal hands over a contemporary graphic dial, and it comes in a wide range of matt colours with coordinating Echo wall and mantel clocks. It runs on a single AA battery. The proposition is simple: a familiar archetype, executed cleanly and quietly.