Revolutionizing Time: The Reverse Clock by Mattice Boets

Golden A' Design Award winner reimagines the conventional clock with a unique twist

Boets was inspired by the static nature of clock designs. He questioned why, in a world where time is constantly moving forward, clock designs have remained largely unchanged. This led him to create the Reverse Clock, a minimalistic yet unordinary timepiece that stands out from its counterparts.

The Reverse Clock's unique properties lie in its subtle design changes. The smaller hand moves along the outer edges of the clock, pointing to the hour, while the larger one pivots in the center, pointing to the minutes. This reversal of the traditional clock design is simple, yet strikingly different.

The clock is realized through a quartz mechanism with two axes. The minute hand is driven by the inside axle, while the outer shell, made from two visually invisible rings, forms a bearing. This design not only allows the outer ring and the hour hand to rotate but also gives the impression that the outer ring is static, adding to the clock's unique appeal.

Boets' design process was a personal experiment aimed at creating a visually appealing clock that deviates from the norm. He began with the basic cylindrical shape common to most clocks, then stripped away all elements except for the base. From there, he reimagined what a clock could be, resulting in a design that is both familiar and entirely unique.

The Reverse Clock is not just a timepiece; it's a reminder to embrace time. Its innovative design serves as a metaphor for the passage of time, encouraging users to appreciate each moment. The clock, which measures 420 x 30 mm, was designed and completed in March 2016 in Hasselt, Belgium. It has since been featured on various design platforms, including Yanko Design and Gooood.

Boets' design is protected by the Benelux-Bureau of Intellectual Property, under registration number 109099. The Reverse Clock's recognition as a Golden A' Design Award winner underscores its status as an outstanding and trendsetting creation that advances the fields of art, design, and technology.