Wall clocks from the Soviet era are back in trend: why people are paying more for them than for mass-produced items.

In 2026, designers are once again drawn to items with history, wood, and a patina, and Soviet wall clocks have unexpectedly become a focal point of this trend. Just recently, they were being removed from walls and taken to summer cottages. Now, a well-maintained clock with its original case and chime mechanism can be worth more than ordinary new clocks from a store.

It's not just about age. Old models often feature a wooden case, a pendulum, a week-long power reserve, and a chime. Modern, inexpensive clocks typically just display the time powered by a battery. A mechanical "Yantar" clock or a similar model on a simple, solid-colored wall, next to modern furniture, serves as a striking accent – not as "Soviet-era decor," but as an object with character.

The primary focus is on originality: a complete dial, original hands, a pendulum, case, and a working mechanism. It's best not to repaint the case immediately: the original lacquer and signs of age are sometimes more valuable than fresh paint. Before buying, it's best to check if the mechanism works, if the chime functions, if a winding key is included, and avoid forcing the winding of clocks that have been idle for a long time – instead, have them serviced by a professional.

In short: these are no longer "old junk," but rather design objects – with wood, sound, and their own history.

Source: Oren1