Elsevier Thema Interieur (October 2009)
Modern Time – Clock Delay by Bloomming
Published in Elsevier Thema Interieur, October 2009
In its overview of contemporary clock design, Elsevier selected Clock Delay by Dutch design studio Bloomming as one of the most remarkable interpretations of timekeeping.
The article explores how modern designers challenge the traditional clock, creating objects that do more than simply display the time. Among designs that use words, minimalist dials and reinterpretations of classic pendulum clocks, Clock Delay stood out for exposing the mechanics of time itself.
Modern Time
The newest generation of clocks does not always reveal the time at a glance. Instead, designers invite users to slow down, observe and interact with the object.
Clock Delay embraces this philosophy by turning timekeeping into a visual experience.
Unlike conventional clocks, Clock Delay consists of three large rotating gear wheels representing:
- Seconds
- Minutes
- Hours
As the gears rotate, the current time can be determined by observing where the three indicators align. Rather than presenting time instantly, the clock encourages a moment of reflection and understanding.
Clock Delay by Bloomming
Elsevier describes Clock Delay as an object that resembles an instrument from a distant era.
Constructed from stainless steel and aluminum, the clock exposes its complete mechanism. Every movement is visible, transforming the hidden workings of a clock into the central design feature.
The result is both functional and sculptural: a mechanical object that continuously demonstrates how time is measured.
Original Article Reference
The publication featured Clock Delay as item number six in its selection of innovative contemporary clocks:
“It looks like an instrument from long-forgotten times, but Delay by the Dutch studio Bloomming is hypermodern. The clock consists of three large gears for the seconds, minutes and hours.”
Product Information
Product: Clock Delay
Designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Studio: Bloomming
Materials: Stainless steel and aluminum
Function: Mechanical time display through rotating gear systems
Year: 2008–2009
Why It Matters
Clock Delay represents an important early Bloomming project and demonstrates the studio’s fascination with revealing hidden systems rather than concealing them.
By exposing the mechanics of time, the design invites users to reconnect with technology and craftsmanship in an age where products increasingly function as closed black boxes.
Publication Details
Publication: Elsevier Thema Interieur
Issue: October 2009
Section: Moderne Tijd (Modern Time)
Featured Product: Clock Delay
Designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Company: Bloomming
