12 Alarm Clocks from the Past That Were Impossible to Ignore
These old alarm clocks were loud, strange, and definitely hard to sleep through.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Long before phone alarms, people relied on clocks that made sure you woke up. Some rang like crazy, others had moving parts or strange shapes. Each one had its own way of grabbing attention. These clocks may be old, but they still stand out today.
1. Yi Xing’s 8th‑Century Gong Clock
Mariannemarianne on Wikimedia Commons
Over 1,200 years ago, Chinese monk Yi Xing engineered a water-driven astronomical clock with puppets and gongs triggered at dawn — an ancient wake‑up call with celestial flair.
2. European “Alarum” Square Clocks
John Ebsworth on Wikimedia Commons
In early Europe, square mechanical clocks came with built-in alarms called “alarums.” These clocks rang loudly to signal times for prayer, meals, or curfews. Their strong sound made sure no one missed their duties.
3. 15th Century German Prototypes
Daderot on Wikimedia Commons
German clockmakers created some of the first personal alarm clocks in the 1400s. These devices were small, wind-up machines that used metal bells to wake people. Their basic look inspired many future designs.
4. WWII Paper Composite “War Clocks”
Sergio Fabris on Wikimedia Commons
During World War II, clockmakers used paper and pressed wood because metal was scarce. These alarms still worked well and kept factory workers on time. They looked fragile but were made to be reliable.
5. Soviet Slava Wind-Up Beep
Joe Mabel on Wikimedia Commons
The Soviet-made Slava clocks were built to last and were easy to wind by hand. They used a loud buzzing sound that was hard to ignore. Many homes across the USSR had one on the nightstand.
6. Twin Bell Legends
Santeri Viinamäki on Wikimedia Commons
These classic twin-bell clocks have two metal bells on top that shake when the alarm goes off. They are loud, simple, and do not need electricity to work. People still use them today because they always do the job.
7. 1930s Kit-Cat Klock
Allied on Wikimedia Commons
The Kit-Cat Klock became popular in the 1930s with its cartoon face and swinging tail. It was more fun than scary but still reminded you of the time. It turned waking up into a playful moment.
8. Cifra 3 Flip Clock Classic
Claudio Goi on Wikimedia Commons
The Cifra 3 is a flip clock that changes numbers by flipping little cards. Its smooth motion and clear numbers made it easy to read. This clock became a favorite in homes and design museums.
9. Now & Zen’s Gong Time Wake-Up
Edutilly on Wikimedia Commons
Instead of ringing, this clock used soft chimes to wake you gently. It was meant to create a calm start to your morning. Many people loved it for its peaceful tone and wooden style.
10. Telechron’s Art Deco Buzzers
Wissembourg (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
Telechron clocks were known for their stylish Art Deco shapes. They came with loud buzzers that could really shake a deep sleeper. Some even had one of the first versions of a snooze button.
11. The Dog Leg Tilt Clock
Kmtextor on Wikimedia Commons
This alarm clock had a tilted base that made it look off-balance. You had to move it just right to stop the alarm. Its odd shape turned waking up into a small challenge.
12. Twemco Flip Clock Precision
Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) on Wikimedia Commons
Twemco clocks became common in banks and offices because they were easy to read and kept good time. Each number flipped down in a smooth motion. They were made in Hong Kong and are still used in movies and shows today.