Reconstructed clock

Step 1: reconstructed clock

Analog clocks may be classic but they are a little boring, hack an analog clock to display the time in a different way.
By adding rotating numerical dials to the hour, minute and second hand the time is read by where the dials fall along a vertical point on the clock face, rather than reading the position of each hand against a printed backing.

I chose the time reading position on my clock to be read at 12 o'clock, but you can put the mark anywhere on the plastic face and reset the clock's time for that position. 12 o'clock seemed like the easiest, most natural way to read the time.

The trickiest part of this build was creating a new clock face template, luckily I've provided you with the template I created. Feel free to modify it and use it on your own clock.

Here's a quick video of the reconstructed clock in action:

Enough talk, let's disassemble!

Step 2: tools + materials

Step 3: break down clock

I got this analog clock from the Dollar Store, it comes apart very easily.

Dismantle your analog clock until you get to the clock hands and the numerical face plate.
Then, pull of hands and peel off the paper faceplate. You should now have a stripped clock.

Measure the dimensions of your clock, then measure the radius from axle to closest edge. You will need these dimensions later.

Step 4: make/print clock face template

In order for your clock to tell time correctly with the time reading on the dials rather than the face, your numbers need to go in reverse order. Since there will be a dial on each hand we will need three templates, all printed with the numerical values for each counter-clockwise.

Searching online I found a standard clock numerical faceplate and modified it with photo editing software. You are welcome to use the reverse clock template I used for my project. You may need to resize the image to fit the dimensions of your clock based on the dimensions taken earlier for your specific analog clock design.

Print the reverse clock template on your computer, then cut out each dial.

Step 5: glue template to cardstock + clock hands

Using glue, stick the paper templates to stiff cardstock. This cardstock will give your dials some rigidity and will allow each dial to rotate without getting caught up on the other dials.

After glue has dried cut out each dial, then glue the corresponding clock hands to the backside of their respective cardstock dials.

When all glue has dried install the hand-cardstock-papertemplate back on the clock, starting with the hour dial and finishing with the seconds dials. Some minor adjustments may need to be made to the cardstock to allow for free rotation of each dial.

Step 6: mark position to read time

With all the dials working smoothly, reinstall the entire assembly inside the protective housing.

The last step is to mark on the clear protective where you would like to take time readings from. I chose the 12 o'clock position, as it seemed the most natural. You are free to choose anywhere, just set the time accordingly.

Put fresh battery in your clock and set it on your desk. you're sure to be the envy of all your coworkers with this unusual and entertaining clock!

Did you make your own reconstructed clock? Post a picture in the comments below and you're receive a digital patch and a 3-month Pro Membership to Instructables.com