Seiko QXA566J – 25cm Quartz Wall Clock | Sweep Seconds | Aluminium

A wall clock does not need to be complicated to be interesting, and the Seiko QXA566J is a good example of getting the basics right. Its black dial, crisp white numerals and small orange details give it an almost instrument-like appearance, while the aluminium case and sweeping seconds hand make it feel considerably more considered than a basic plastic wall clock.

The case measures approximately 25cm across, making the QXA566J large enough to read comfortably from across a room without becoming an enormous feature on the wall. At around 45mm deep, it also remains relatively slim and should sit neatly against the wall rather than projecting excessively into the room.

Legibility is really the centre of the design. Large white Arabic numerals show the hours, while a detailed minute track runs around the outside of the dial. Smaller orange markings divide the minutes into five-minute intervals, giving the clock a little more character without making the dial harder to read.

The orange seconds hand provides the strongest contrast. Against the black dial it is immediately visible, while matching orange details around the minute scale tie the design together without overwhelming the otherwise monochrome appearance.

Inside is a Seiko quartz movement powered by a single AA battery. Quartz means the clock uses an electronic oscillator rather than a mechanical movement, providing accurate and low-maintenance timekeeping without the winding or regular adjustment associated with a traditional mechanical clock.

The seconds hand is particularly interesting because it uses a sweeping rather than conventional ticking motion. Instead of making a pronounced step every second, the hand travels much more smoothly around the dial. This also makes the QXA566J noticeably quieter than many inexpensive wall clocks. Anyone planning to use it in an office, bedroom, study or other space where a loud once-per-second tick could become irritating may particularly appreciate the difference.

The outer case is aluminium rather than basic moulded plastic. Its brushed silver finish frames the black dial neatly and gives the clock a cleaner, more substantial appearance without introducing unnecessary decoration. Protecting the dial is a clear acrylic cover which is lightweight and well suited to something hanging on a wall. Acrylic can pick up surface marks more readily, so it is best cleaned carefully with a soft cloth rather than abrasive products.

There are cheaper ways to put the time on a wall, but the QXA566J offers something a little more deliberate: a recognisable clock manufacturer, an aluminium case, excellent legibility and a sweeping seconds hand that makes it more pleasant to live with in a quiet room. The design also has enough personality to avoid looking like generic office equipment. The yellow-orange markings introduce a subtle sporting or technical feel, while the relatively restrained black and silver colour scheme means it should still work naturally in an office, bedroom, study, workshop or watch display area.

Included in the box:

Seiko QXA566J wall clock, one AA battery and wall-hanging screw.

Warranty:

Two-year manufacturer's warranty.

Worth knowing:

The QXA566J uses a sweeping seconds hand rather than the pronounced once-per-second ticking motion found on many basic quartz wall clocks. This makes its operation considerably less intrusive in quieter rooms.

The case measures approximately 25cm in diameter, so it is relatively compact for a wall clock while remaining easy to read from across an average room.

The clear front cover is Plexiglas/acrylic rather than conventional glass. It keeps the clock light, but it can be more susceptible to surface marks and should be cleaned carefully.

The clock requires one AA battery, which is supplied in the box.