Yesterday we set the clocks back one hour, well-timed for some much-needed shuteye after what is traditionally a wild night out. It got us thinking about temporal record keeping, and how the time difference barely registers when you’re not winding back an analog watch. Cell phones update themselves, and no one bothers to set the hour on a microwave correctly in the first place. So what’s a punctual person to do? For those of us who spend countless hours on a computer, screensavers are the likeliest option. Download our best bets after the jump.
The Classic: Fliqlo is the gold standard for fans of simple, slightly retro design. Download here (the one on the left).
The New Analog: A typographic clock set in a spiral pattern, mixing digital technology with old-school function. Download it here.
The Artsy One: PolarClock is comprised of brightly colored concentric circles that adjust their length to time values. You can also add the clock widget to your dashboard. Download here and be merry.
The Iconoclast: A straighforward sans serif font displays the date and time in one corner of the screen while the one line skips around according to the second. Download it here.
The Pinch Hitter: This typographic timepiece displays a fixed list of all numbers and words used to tell time, highlighting each temporal increment as necessary. This one covers all the bases, since it comes in 31 languages with various display options. Download it here from designer Simon Heys’s website.
The Aesthete: Most clock screensavers are simple, effective, and free. The Drop Clock takes matters to an entirely new (swanky) level, but you’ll pay $15 for the privilege. Did we mention the Helvetica? Buy it here.
