My father-in-law is a second-generation clock collector and now repairs clocks full-time in his retirement. Thanks to his generosity, we have inherited several clocks, all of which are timeless, deeply rooted in history.

What makes the E. Howard & Co. Slave Clock in our kitchen unique? And why did it lead to Barnacle Clock Works? My father-in-law modified the movement to run on a D battery. In short, it’s the only clock we don’t have to wind every eight days. It keeps perfect time. When that D battery dies, it becomes a matter of replacing it at all costs for my wife, despite having a smartwatch, a phone, and a digital clock on her computer.

What is it about our analog clock? Is it the nostalgia? Is it the simplicity that helps her stay present? Is it the visual layout of an analog face that allows her to check the time quickly? I can’t say for sure.

As a watch collector myself and someone interested in the microbrand movement, I wanted to create a clock inspired by the core concepts behind microbrands.

• Quality: Premium materials and a reliable quartz movement.

• Design: Push the design with details, like our custom Bauhaus-inspired typeface, luminous hour markers, and our casebase design.

• Price: High-end materials, a reliable movement, and at a reasonable price.