Three of a kind: clocking on

Despite – or perhaps because of – the fact that most of us spend our days in front of screens with built-in digital timers, the clock is making a welcome return. The new generation of must-haves are as beautiful as they are useful, whether drawing the eye in the kitchen in retro pastels or lending a steampunk touch to a study with blown glass and compelling visible movements.

Junghans Max Bill Küchenuhr

Earlier this year, Junghans announced that it would be releasing a handsome new light blue ceramic replica of its mid-century kitchen clock with timer. A genuine classic that can be found at MOMA’S Department of Architecture and Design, this collaboration with Bauhaus graduate Max Bill debuted in 1956. £445; junghans.de

MB&F Orb

Made with L’epée 1839, Max Büsser’s latest clock is every bit as covetable as its siblings. The ocular case is made of four articulated ‘petals’, allowing the clock to be positioned in myriad ways. A full wind gives eight days of running, plus there’s a charming hourstriking mechanism. Available in black or white, CHF30,700 (around £24,500); mbandf.com

Ulysse Nardin UFO

The UFO’S movement was also made in partnership with L’epée 1839. It displays three time zones, has a 12-month power reserve, and is housed in a blownglass capsule. Inspired by marine chronometers, the clock’s rounded and weighted base can rock up to 60 degrees from its axis without losing balance or affecting timekeeping. £33,550; ulysse-nardin.com