Zen Timepiece
$179
The Zen Timepiece is an elegant gong clock that offers peaceful and resonant tones to aid in meditation and mindfulness practices.

Our take
Find your inner peace with every chime.
Alright, so the Zen Timepiece is all about helping you chill out, right? At first glance, it does have a kind of soothing vibe with its minimalist design. But here's the thing: while it promises to help you find your inner calm, it's essentially a timer with a nice chime. Sure, it sounds lovely and might be a step up from your standard phone timer, but let's not kid ourselves — it’s not going to magically turn you into a meditation guru overnight.
One of the cool things about it is the gradual chime that gently increases in volume. If you’re the kind of person who hates getting jolted out of your zone by a harsh alarm, this is right up your alley. But, honestly, if you're already using a phone app with a similar feature, this might feel more like a luxury than a necessity. It's not doing anything groundbreaking, just a more pleasant way to keep track of time.
The build is solid, though — it doesn't feel cheap, which is nice since it’s not the cheapest thing out there. I appreciate that they didn’t skimp on materials. Still, if you’re a bit skeptical about spending extra just for a timer, I get it. It's kind of like buying a fancy pen: sure, it writes well, but at the end of the day, it’s still just a pen. You have to really want that extra touch of calm to justify the price.
On the flip side, if you’re someone who struggles with taking breaks or needs a reminder to step away and breathe, this could be a handy tool. Having a dedicated device might actually help you create a ritual around your downtime. It’s like having a little accountability buddy that nudges you to relax, without the extra screen time. But then again, it’s really about whether that’s worth the investment for you personally.
So, bottom line: if the idea of a tangible, calming presence on your desk appeals to you, the Zen Timepiece could be a sweet addition to your space. But if you’re just looking for something to keep track of time, there are definitely cheaper and equally effective ways to do that. Ultimately, it’s about what you value more — the experience or the function. Just weigh what you really need against what this offers, and you’ll know if it’s the right fit for you.