Telling time in the dark was a constant struggle before 1981. Parents grew tired of children asking “What time is it?” every few minutes. Traditional clocks and watches remained stubbornly silent. Then came a wave of vocal timepieces that revolutionized how we tracked our days. These talking marvels combined precision with personality, making time both audible and entertaining. However, if you’re not the biggest fan of ancient clocks, then perhaps our more current list of the Best Alarm Clocks may be worth looking into.
Here’s how these speaking timepieces changed everything.
15. Applause Talking Desk Pendulum Clock
If you cherished the look of traditional clocks but desired modern convenience, the Applause Talking Desk Pendulum Clock from 1989 delivered both. This elegant timepiece announced the time in a clear, digital voice while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of traditional pendulum clocks. You could select between hourly announcements or on-demand time checks with a simple button press. The clock featured an authentic swinging pendulum and operated on standard AA batteries for up to one year of continuous use.
14. Bugs Bunny Talking Alarm Clock
Warner Bros. delighted fans in 1988 with this character-themed alarm clock. The Bugs Bunny Talking Alarm Clock woke sleepers with the iconic “What’s up, Doc?” catchphrase, followed by the current time. A special snooze feature triggered additional Bugs Bunny phrases, making waking up more entertaining for children and adults alike. The clock displayed the time with traditional analog hands against a colorful face featuring the famous rabbit.
13. Howdy Doody Talking Alarm Clock
This novelty timepiece hit stores in 1987, bringing the popular Woody Woodpecker character to bedside tables everywhere. The Howdy Woody Talking Alarm Clock combined precise timekeeping with Woody’s distinctive laugh and character phrases. The clock face incorporated bright colors and Woody’s image, while the voice feature activated both on the hour and as an alarm function.
12. Homestar Grandpa Time
The Homestar Grandpa Time, released in 1988, was a beloved storytelling clock that combined timekeeping with narrated tales for children. Measuring 12 x 5 x 9 inches, it featured a digital display and used cassette tapes to deliver its stories. The device came with an AC power adapter, story tapes, an instruction booklet, and a warranty card, making it a complete interactive experience. Fully restored units, which include replacement adapters and tapes, are highly valued by collectors and those seeking a piece of vintage storytelling magic.
11. Cobalt Speechmaster Pyramid T-10
The Speechmaster Pyramid T-10 revolutionized desktop timekeeping in 1986 with its futuristic design. This sophisticated device offered multiple voice options and spoke in a clear, digitized tone that represented a significant improvement over earlier talking clocks. The pyramid shape provided stability and housed advanced circuitry that maintained accurate time even during power outages.
10. Janex Mickey and Friends Talking Alarm Clock
Disney magic met timekeeping innovation in 1986 with this beloved collectible. The Janex Mickey and Friends Talking Alarm Clock featured authentic character voices from Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck announcing the time throughout the day. Each hour brought a different character greeting, while the alarm function used Mickey’s classic “Hot Dog!” exclamation. You could set the voice announcements for hourly updates or silence them during nighttime hours.
9. Sharp Talking Time CT-660E
Sharp introduced this technological marvel in 1985 at a retail price of $49.99. The CT-660E represented a significant leap forward in voice synthesis technology, producing remarkably clear time announcements. The sleek black design incorporated an easy-to-read LCD display and touch-sensitive controls. Users particularly appreciated the adjustable volume control and the option to switch between male and female voices.
8. Children’s Talking Clocks with Phonograph Records
Educational innovation took center stage in 1985 with these unique timepieces. These special clocks combined traditional timekeeping with miniature phonograph technology to help children learn to tell time. Each hour triggered a small record that played cheerful time-telling lessons. The durable construction withstood enthusiastic young users, while the educational content made learning fun.
7. Panasonic Talking Alarm Clock
Panasonic entered the talking clock market in 1984 with this sophisticated model. The clock delivered crystal-clear time announcements through advanced speaker technology, setting new standards for voice clarity. The streamlined design featured an easy-to-read display and simple programming controls. Users could customize announcement intervals and choose between several alarm sounds.
6. Micronta Vox Clock 3
Radio Shack’s Micronta brand launched this improved model in 1984 at a competitive price of $39.95. The Vox Clock 3 introduced multiple voice options and clearer sound quality compared to its predecessors. The device included backup battery power and maintained accurate time during power outages. You could program specific announcement schedules for different days of the week.
5. Mattel-A-Time Talking Clock
This educational timepiece from 1983 helped countless children learn to tell time. The Mattel-A-Time combined colorful design with friendly voice prompts that encouraged interactive learning. Children pressed buttons to hear the current time and receive positive feedback for correct answers. The clock’s durable construction survived frequent handling by young learners.
4. Spartus Talking Clock
Spartus revolutionized home timekeeping in 1983 with this groundbreaking device. The clock combined traditional display features with new voice technology that announced the time clearly. The compact design fit perfectly on nightstands while delivering reliable performance. Users appreciated the simple controls and the ability to disable voice features when desired.
3. Seiko Pyramid Talking Clock
Seiko’s innovative pyramid design captured attention in 1982 at a premium price of $89.95. This sophisticated timepiece combined elegant aesthetics with advanced voice synthesis technology. The unique shape provided excellent sound projection while serving as an attractive desk accessory. The clock offered multiple language options and maintained precise atomic time. Seiko is also known as one of the best watch makers in the world. If you’re interested in securing a good quality watch for yourself, then our round up of the top 15 watch-buying mistakes that people make and how to avoid them.
2. Radio Shack VoxClock 2
If the original VoxClock left room for improvement, this 1982 successor delivered enhanced performance. The VoxClock 2 introduced adjustable volume controls and more natural-sounding time announcements. The redesigned interface made programming easier for users of all ages. Daily alarms could be set with voice confirmation of the selected time.
1. VoxWatch: A Unique Timepiece
This pioneering device from 1981 marked the beginning of portable talking timepieces. The VoxWatch combined traditional watch functions with breakthrough voice technology in a wearable format. The device announced the time through a small but clear speaker whenever the user pressed a button. Despite its limited battery life, the VoxWatch demonstrated the potential for voice-enabled portable devices.
