The Etch Clock Makes the Time Appear Out of Nowhere

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The Etch Clock displays the time by pulling its thermoelastic membrane into the cavities beneath the clock's face.

Maria Lokke

If you’re already spending the entire 9-to-5 workday gazing at the clock, you may as well invest in a timepiece worthy of prolonged ogling. Every 30 seconds, the current time slowly materializes on the Etch’s thermoelastic membrane. Seven-segment numerals, reminiscent of a classic LCD clock, sit beneath the slate-­colored face. To display the time, the smooth, stretchy skin is pulled into the crevices needed to form the correct digits. The result looks like the numbers are carved into stone, an effect compounded by the concrete-like hue of the membrane. Moments later, the figures disappear—time, of course, is fleeting. So go ahead, stare all you want. Someday soon you may...