You don’t want an analog wall clock because all that ticking will drive you nuts! Thanks to quartz movement and continuous sweep technology, you can have a silent analog clock. Yeah, there are actual wall clocks that don’t tick! But what is the best silent wall clock?
Well, that really comes down to you. What do you want out of your wall clock? Depending on your priorities, any clock could be the best silent clock for you. I’m going to show you a few of the factors that made an impact on my purchase a while back. I hope that it will help you to make the best choice for you.
My Picks For The Top Silent Wall Clocks
- Dreamsky Quiet Non-Ticking Wall Clock
- Seiko QXA520KLH Wall Clock
- Adalene 13-Inch Silent Wall Clock
- Hito Silent Clock
- Bjerg Instruments Stainless Wall Clock
- Seiko Quiet Sweep Second Hand Clock
- Umbra Ribbon Modern 12-inch Wall Clock
- Telling Time Teaching Clock
- LuLu Decor 25
- Hito 12 inch Oversized Silent Wall Clock
Note: For detailed and usable information on other home appliances, please see our articles Best and Quietest Electric Kettle of 2023 and The Best Quiet Coffee Grinder of 2023, and The Best Quiet Hair Clippers of 2023.
What Is A Silent Sweep Clock?
A silent sweep clock isn’t necessarily “silent,” but it is a much quieter clock than the traditional “step-movement” clocks, instead of the second hand of the clock moving once per second in individual movements, the second-hand moves in one long, unbroken movement.
This eliminates the sounds that usually accompany the movements of the second hand. You won’t hear the ticking noise anymore in an analog wall clock, which makes it a mainstay in any room that requires absolute silence.
Some rooms that might benefit from a quiet wall clock are meditation rooms, studies, and bedrooms. Anywhere where the constant ticking could be an encumberment, you want a silent clock. These are also popular in recording studios.
Types of Wall Clocks
Analog
Mechanical Clock
Chan Ssu-Hsun built the very first mechanical clock in 976 A.D. Before that time, the Song Dynasty relied on water clocks and sundials. Instead of using water or relying on the sun for this clock, Ssu-Hsun built his clock using mercury. This was the first working mechanical clock in existence.
Mechanical clocks are less accurate because they can be more readily affected by changes in temperature and altitude than quartz clocks. This is because a mechanical clock uses a pendulum, so the pendulum can expand or contract in the heat or cold. This can cause fluctuations in timekeeping.
On the plus side, mechanical clocks do not require any form of electricity or battery power to sustain themselves. It relies on the generated energy from its springs and weights to keep it running. This is not perpetual energy, of course. You will need to rewind the clock occasionally with a key. When rewinding the clock, it tightens the mainspring.
The mainspring is the primary component that keeps everything else in motion. The way it works is the mainspring slowly uncoils and sets the gears in motion which, in turn, moves the hands over the face of the clock. The pendulum’s job is to make sure that the hands move at the appropriate rate.
Electric Clock
Before the 1980s, most modern clocks were powered by electricity instead of pendulums and mainsprings. The first attempts at electric clocks began in the mid-1800s, but they were not practical until electricity became more widely available in the late 19th century. By the 1930s, electric clocks became homestays.
Since the first electric clock, there have been many varieties in models. The one constant is that the electric clocks were self-winding. They used electromagnetic devices to wind the clock when it needed it, thereby eliminating the need to wind the clock by hand. This was helpful because if you forgot to wind the older mechanical clocks, you had to reset them and wind them up again.
Electric clocks must be connected to an electrical outlet in order to run, much like many modern-day alarm clocks.
The electrical current can vary from place to place, of course. Because of this, there can be a slight variation in the pacing of the charges depending on where you are sourcing your electricity. The difference is so slight, however, that it does not pose much of a problem for everyday timekeeping.
Quartz Clock
Quartz clocks are interesting and in wide use today. All no tick wall clocks harness the power of quartz crystals, one of the most abundant and fascinating minerals on the earth.
Why is it fascinating? Because when you squeeze a quartz crystal, it emanates a tiny amount of electrical energy. All quartz crystals vibrate at the same frequency, as well, which makes it especially useful in timekeeping. A quartz crystal vibrates 32,768 times per second when you pass an electrical current through it.
Why is this helpful? Stored energy! After the battery of your clock passes the current to the crystal, eliciting its vibration, your clock sends that signal back to a microchip in your soundless wall clock. It tells it exactly how many times your quartz vibrated and then uses that stored energy to make the secondhand move precisely one time per second.
However, the temperature can affect the frequency of a quartz crystal sometimes. When this happens, it is only by a few seconds and hardly noticeable, making this type of timekeeping one of the most reliable on the market today.
Atomic Clock
Atomic clocks are not radioactive. Now that we’ve got that out of the way and you know they aren’t dangerous, how do they work? Atomic clocks measure the time it takes for atoms to oscillate between positive and negative charges. Atoms are the tiniest particles of matter in the universe, and they are always changing their charge.
An atomic clock measures these changes and makes it the most accurate clock in distribution today. Temperature, altitude, and fluctuation in electrical charges have no bearing on an atomic clock. The current atomic clocks in circulation use Cesium-133 as its resonator because a cesium atom always resonates at the exact same frequency, which is what makes it so precise.
An atomic clock is accurate in that it allows only for an error of one second in 1,400,000 years. Where a quartz clock could err as much as a few seconds in a month, an atomic clock only loses or gains a single second in over one million years. Now, that’s accurate!
The commercially available atomic clocks are not as accurate as those used in laboratories, but they still far outstrip all other clocks available to the public.
Ticking Wall Clocks
When you have a “ticking” wall clock, you have a clock that uses a step-movement mechanism. This means that charge powering the hands of your clock is a step movement. The sound you are hearing is the gears of the clock clicking into place, second by second, and moving the hands across the face.
Silent – Non-Ticking Wall Clocks
Ever the innovators, humans decided that ticking noise was annoying. As a result, they built a silent wall clock, one that uses a continuous sweeping motion for the second hand. Now you can purchase wall clocks where the stepping motion is eliminated, and the clock is virtually silent.
Digital
Digital clocks use a lighted display to show the time, usually LCD (liquid crystal display). Instead of gears or weights, or pendulums, the digital clock uses a “counter” and is either battery-powered or plugged into an electrical source.
Instead of using hands to show the time, the face of this clock displays numbers.
Hybrid (Analog-Digital)
Can’t make up your mind? Well, you live in a world where you don’t need to make a choice. If you want both an analog clock and a digital clock in the same device, these are on the market right now. You can choose one with gears and hands moving across a painted face with a digital clock complete with LCD display right beside it. It’s all up to you!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Analog and Digital Wall Clocks
Analog Clock
Advantages
Analog clocks that run off of battery power are more energy efficient because they don’t need a constant supply of electricity to continue running. In fact, a wall clock running on D-cell batteries can go anywhere from four to eight years without needing a battery replacement!
They are also less expensive to purchase. This is especially important for anyone looking to buy clocks in bulk, such as for a school or workplace.
Disadvantages
One thing I like about my alarm clock, which is digital, is that I can read the time in the pitch dark. When I walk through the living room at night on my way to the kitchen, I can’t read the analog wall clock without turning on the light.
This isn’t a huge issue in my home, and it probably wouldn’t be for yours, either. However, it becomes an issue in hospitals or other high-stake settings.
Taking a few minutes to squint at a clock at home might not matter much. But it could be the difference between life and death elsewhere.
Consider for what purpose you will be using your clock before making your decision.
Digital Clock
Advantages
In addition to having great visibility at long distances or in low light, digital clocks have one other check in the plus column. Unlike their analog brethren, many digital clocks are able to use a countdown or count “up” feature.
The countdown feature can be helpful in schools or even at home. At school, it can tell children how much time is left for recess, to finish a test, until lunch ends, or how long they have left to get to their next class.
At home, it can be used to schedule TV time or to count down the time left in time-out.
Pretty nifty, huh?
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of a digital clock is that without electricity or batteries, it will not work. While some analog clocks will only need to be rewound to keep on ticking, a digital clock is always at the mercy of an external power source.
Why Are Analog Clocks Important
Analog clocks are important because they are the most reliable in the event of a power outage. Should there be an emergency, such as a tornado or other natural disaster, an analog clock may be all you have to know how much time has elapsed.
This is important because some members of your family or yourself may need to take medicine at specific times of the day. An analog clock will ensure that you can still keep a schedule, even when you have no access to electricity.
How To Choose The Best Quiet Wall Clock
Silent – Non-Ticking
You want to choose a wall clock that does not use the traditional step-movement mechanism. It’s this mechanism that causes the ticking noise to occur. Even with continuous sweep motion, which eliminates this ticking noise, there will still be a virtually undetectable hum.
If this is still unacceptable, you should try a digital clock. They make no noise at all.
Design
Are you going for a more modern look? Maybe your home is brimming with the latest technology and stainless steel appliances. Your living room furniture is ergonomic and simplistic. An analog clock would probably look out of place here, right?
But if you’re going for a more rustic, classic look, a cuckoo or grandfather clock would even mesh well with your decor. Even if you’ve modeled your living room after the ’50s or ’70s, a quiet analog clock will not stick out in that environment.
Consider your home’s style or the style you are aspiring towards and choose accordingly.
Room Space
A giant grandfather clock might look great with the rest of the room, but it won’t do you much good if you can’t actually move around! Make sure that the clock you purchase you have room to accommodate.
This also applies to wall space. If your walls are covered with built-in shelves, or you can’t bear to move that photo of your great-great-grandmother, then you’ll need to compromise the size of your wall clock.
Accuracy
If you can afford to be a few seconds ahead or behind the rest of the world, then any modern-day clock will be fine for you. But if you’re highly Type A, it’s best to go with one of the many commercially available atomic clocks on the market.
Battery Life
I once owned a clock that went through more batteries than a child’s toy. It seemed I had to replace them almost every other week. And when the batteries got low, the hands couldn’t struggle their way up the clock’s face anymore.
Eventually, I just accepted that it was always going to be eleven o’clock at my house.
Many people choose a battery-operated clock for economical purposes. Make sure you’re not shooting yourself in the foot with it, though. If you have to buy new batteries every week, then doesn’t it make it just as expensive as other choices on the market?
Price
The only thing that can justify a price is the purpose for which someone buys the item. For example, if you are presented with a million-dollar scuba suit, but you’re terrified of water, that scuba suit is probably worthless to you.
The same goes for wall clocks. You need to find a wall clock that best suits your needs and then determine whether that justifies its price. Why are you buying this wall clock? Is it for looks? Functionality? What kinds of bells and whistles do you need, if any? All of these will play a part in helping you make your choice.
Product Reviews
1. Dreamsky Quiet Non-Ticking Wall Clock
This analog clock from Dreamsky is a simple design made to fit a minimalistic decor. It doesn’t have a bunch of extra features to write home about, but it is a quiet clock. It tells time with great accuracy, thanks to its use of quartz in its movement. And it won’t annoy you with that dreaded ticking noise, as this model uses the continuous sweep method to move the hands.
With its 10×10 size, you’ll need a fair amount of wall space to mount this. The tradeoff is that you’ll have a wide face with extra-large numbers. This means that it will be easier for you to tell the time from a greater distance. The stark white of the background and the solid, 3D type of numbers makes it less difficult to read the clock in low light. This clock does not glow in the dark or light up in any way.
The Dreamsky wall clock keeps time with fair accuracy and doesn’t need a battery change every two minutes, which is a huge plus. Dreamsky claims that the batteries can last up to a full year without replacement. The wall mounting is made simple by an included hanger, which gets rid of a lot of hassle some clocks can give you.
This wall clock is made of plastic, but it’s so high quality, most think it is glass until they tap on it. The materials are of high quality. Those who have encountered problems with this product find that customer service is a great help and solves the issue with swift precision.
2. Seiko QXA520KLH Wall Clock
Something a lot of people love about wall clock from Seiko is the inner “rim” of the clock, which is transparent. This allows it to match any wall upon which it’s mounted. The exterior rim is black, an accent that goes with almost any color scheme, and the interior is a metallic gray.
If you decide to try this model, it is a quiet clock. It uses quartz movement and satisfies even the lightest of sleepers.
The quality of this wall clock can be a gamble at times. There’s a defect in some of the clocks that allows it to drain batteries in as little as an hour. That could definitely make this a very expensive clock to maintain.
Sometimes the clock might come in the mail with another kind of defect. The clock’s outer rim (that shows the hour markers) is sometimes misaligned with the hands. This problem is a little easier to solve. All you have to do is remove the four bolts on the back of the clock and re-align the frame. Screw back on the nuts, and you’re done!
If you buy this clock, bear in mind the reflective nature of the clock’s face. Light glares off of the surface, making it difficult to read the time. If you’re planning on purchasing this clock for your sunroom, it might not be the right fit for you. For most other rooms, it should be a great addition to your home as long as you position it in a way that avoids glares.
3. Adalene 13-Inch Silent Wall Clock
The Adalene does not use plastic or glass coverings over its face like many other wall clocks. Instead, it uses acrylic crystals. This lightweight material is both shatterproof and scratchproof.
This means that you don’t have to worry about the covering growing dingy, discolored, or foggy over time like you would with plastic. It also means that if it were to fall off the wall (teenagers and their obsession with slamming doors), it wouldn’t shatter into a million pieces that you have to clean up.
Another great point about the Adalene is that it uses continuous sweep movement, so you don’t have to hear that incessant ticking all day long. And even though it’s battery-powered, it keeps time to the second for weeks upon weeks without a battery change.
Now, even though the clock’s face covering is made of lightweight materials that won’t shatter when it falls, it doesn’t mean that you want to keep picking it up off the floor and hanging it again. Although a thumbtack might be able to hold it, a sturdy nail will keep it up on the wall with more success.
This is a simple clock with none of the more modern bells and whistles. It doesn’t light up, there aren’t any indicators for AM/PM transition, and so on. This is a good clock for those most concerned with functionality and accurate timekeeping. It would blend in well with modern decor or simple room design.
4. Hito Silent Clock
The Hito wall clock comes in a variety of colors: White, black, green, and blue. This helps you choose a clock for any room without fearing that it might clash. The design of the Hito is gorgeous. It has a brushed aluminum frame that gives off a nice, clean gleam. There is another model with a white face and a solid black (plastic) rim if you dislike the metallic accent.
On the clock face, there is not only markers for the hour, minute, and second, but also a thermometer and a humidity gauge! Now checking the house temperature is as convenient as checking the time. Put one of these in every room to cut down on your trips to the thermostat! (Bear in mind that the temperature and humidity gauges could be off by a degree or two.)
The frame of the Hito is made of glass, which means it can crack or shatter if it falls off the wall, so make sure that you hang it somewhere secure. The good point about glass is that you won’t have to worry about it becoming discolored, as you would with plastic.
This wall clock is easy to read and absolutely silent, as it uses continuous sweep in its movement. Thanks to its diverse color options, this wall clock could be at home in any room in your house.
The only negative thing to say about this clock is that sometimes it will start to make a humming noise after using it for a while. But even when that happens, the customer service is spot on. When you have a problem with the Hito, they almost always send you a new clock to correct the issue.
5. Bjerg Instruments Stainless Wall Clock
This wall clock from Bjerg Instruments is a little sturdier than most. That’s because they use stainless steel for the rim – real stainless steel, not aluminum! This ensures that minor falls and mechanical strikes against the rim of the clock won’t result in as many dents and scratches as their aluminum counterparts.
This clock comes in black or white, so you have an option when choosing the one that best suits the room where you want to hang it. Granted, it’s not quite as many choices as you had with the Hito, but it’s the price you pay for durability, right?
To hang this clock, you’ll want to mount it on a sturdy screw or nail. There’s a small indented triangle on the back from which it will hang. Hanging items this way can be a little frustrating because you kind of have to feel around for the hole in order to hang it. But on the plus side, it will sit flush against the wall this way, giving it that seamless, contemporary look!
If you have overhead lighting, you might want to position this clock at a slight tilt forward. Glass is reflective, and you could experience a glare.
This wall clock from Bjerg Instruments comes with a one-year warranty. If you experience any issues, rest assured that you’re covered. This quiet wall clock is perfect for bedrooms, studies, dens, and libraries.
6. Seiko Quiet Sweep Second Hand Clock
Seiko Quiet Sweep Clock has an “advanced” feel to it, like something you would see in a movie set several centuries in the future. It’s simple but bright and sleek. The frame is a brushed nickel finish with chrome accents.
The face displays large, elegant hour markers at the four-quarter marks. You can read this clock from as far off as thirty feet without much effort.
Seiko comes out with a lot of nice-looking clocks, and they are almost always high-quality products. This model is no exception. The continuous sweep of the second hand is virtually silent.
The way Seiko designed this clock, it should hang on the wall if possible. However, you can prop it up on a bookshelf or table if you prefer. If you do this, though, then make sure you give it some extra support and place it somewhere that will not be jostled often.
Remember: The lens of this clock is glass, so it can break if it falls.
This clock does not light up, despite its futuristic appearance, but it conserves battery life like a champ. The battery can last anywhere from six to eight months without needing a replacement. At one AA battery every half year or so, it’s an economically efficient clock.
It’s about three inches thick and needs a 15”x14” space on your wall to hang. It weighs just over two and a half pounds, so it’s not a very heavy clock.
7. Umbra Ribbon Modern 12-inch Wall Clock
This quiet wall clock from Umbra comes in four different styles: Black, brass, copper, and stainless steel. There are no numbers on the face of this clock, giving it a distinctly contemporary vibe. The way Umbra designed this clock, it is shaped like a ribbon you might place on a birthday gift. It extends two inches out from the wall.
An aesthetic issue with this clock is the prominent logo at the six o’clock position. It doesn’t show up well in pictures, but in person, it is very noticeable. A more pressing issue would be the thinness on the minute hand.
The hour hand is much thicker (and easier to see) by design, as a way of differentiating the hour hand from the minute hand. However, the slenderness of the minute hand can make it difficult to judge its location. This isn’t a huge problem unless you need to know the time from a good distance away from the clock. In a small, well-lit room, this should pose no challenge to you.
This clock needs a 12”x12” space in order to hang on your wall. Be careful when removing it from its packaging and mounting it: The edges are sharp! But this clock is fairly quiet, apart from the occasional defective product.
If you do notice a sound, then call customer service to amend the issue within 30 days. Umbra offers its customers this window in order to rectify issues or extend full refunds if they are dissatisfied in any way.
8. The Best Wall Clock for Children
This Telling Time Teaching Clock may very well be the best silent wall clock for children. It’s made entirely of acrylic, so it’s shatterproof and scratch-resistant. That means your kids can’t hurt the clock, and the clock can’t hurt them if it falls off the wall. (Well, unless it hits them. Secure it well?) If the clock falls, it won’t break and leave shards of glass on which your kids might cut themselves.
Another great thing about this clock is that the acrylic lens covers the face, so your kids can’t touch the hands of the clock. It can only be set from the back of the clock at the movement box.
Speaking of the movement box, don’t be alarmed if you notice that there isn’t a cover for the battery slot. These clocks don’t come with covers for the AA battery area.
What I really like about this clock is that it’s brimming with both color and information without looking overcrowded. The last thing you want to do when trying to teach your children is to overwhelm them. If something looks too complicated, it can discourage a child from trying to learn.
This clock shows you every second on the clock, which I personally love. I remember when my mother first told me that there were sixty seconds in an hour. From that moment onward, she kicked herself every time she told me to “wait a minute” because I would start counting to sixty.
My point here is that having every second clearly marked is a fun way of helping your kid start to track time in an instant. Kids grow bored easily, and trying to grasp a minute or an hour feels like a millennia to them. But seconds? That’s the only time your kids really understand. Now, now, now!
And, of course, the fun colors make all of this look like a game. The clock is now a toy instead of a stuffy old grown-up thing.
9. LuLu Decor 25” Metal Wall Clock
LuLu Decor Metal Clock is extra to the extreme. This is the clock for the more eccentric designs and styles or a decor that is specific and niche. The sprawling 25” design of the LuLu Metal Wall Clock is reminiscent of creeping vines. It would do great in a sunroom, actually.
The face of the clock itself is only nine inches across, but its massive frame makes this clock weigh in at an astounding five pounds. Despite it being a little heavier than the other clocks we’ve covered, it’s surprisingly easy to mount. You can even hang it from a picture hook!
However, it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution. If you are concerned, a couple of extra nails or screws for mounting will likely go unnoticed. After all, this clock has a lot of glam to distract! Inside each of the delicate-looking metal leaves, a crystal bead reflects back any light that touches it.
This wall clock comes in several different styles. The face can be white or black, and the frame around it has many variations from which to choose. It won’t be difficult to find one of these clocks that fit your existing style!
What’s more, this clock is suitable for bedrooms, libraries, dens, and more thanks to its continuous sweep quartz motion. The face is easy to read from a distance, too, which makes this clock gorgeous, functional, and versatile.
All in favor of renaming this, “The Silent Beauty?”
10. Hito 12 inch Oversized Silent Wall Clock
This is a really nice hybrid clock! The main design is a traditional analog with large numbers for easy reading. Then, just below the hands, there’s a wide digital display. It has a wide, 12” face for readability at longer distances.
On this LCD display, you can easily see the month, day of the month, indoor temperature, and day of the week. The temperature can also be changed to display Celsius instead of Fahrenheit and vice-versa. All the information you could need is available in a single glance!
This is also another quartz movement clock, so the secondhand moves in a continuous sweep to eliminate any annoying ticking noises. Even though it’s not only powering the hands of the analog clock but also the digital display, this wall clock still only requires one AA battery.
Even though this clock takes more battery to power than the other clocks on this list, the batteries will last up to a full year without needing replacement. Despite the extra bells and whistles, this clock weighs under two pounds and is easy to mount.
This clock might have the appearance of something high-tech, but it is not an atomic clock. You will still need to set the time and date manually. There is a place on the back of the clock for you to adjust the hands and digital display. It will not adjust on its own for daylight savings time.
The aluminum frame, paired with the simple clock face, gives it a clean feeling that would pair well with kitchen appliances. It would also go well with any room decor accented with brushed nickel, stainless steel, or chrome.
Conclusion
The clear winner of this roundup is the clock that hit a home run for functionality, readability, and style. And for the specific function that this clock serves, the winner is The Best Wall Clock For Children.
No other clock on this list so fully achieved its purpose for existing that this wall clock, and I love that it uses continuous sweep motion, as well. The kid can have their very own clock in their room, a tool that helps them learn without it interrupting their sleep. Everything about this clock is genius.
