I Tested the Nostalgic Charm of an Old School Alarm Clock: Here’s Why It’s Still My Favorite Wake-Up Call

I have always been a light sleeper, easily stirred by the slightest noise. That’s why I relied on my trusty old school alarm clock to get me out of bed every morning. As technology advances and new gadgets flood the market, the humble alarm clock seems to have faded into obscurity. But for those of us who prefer a traditional wake-up call, the old school alarm clock still holds a special place in our hearts. Join me as I take a closer look at this timeless timekeeper and discover why it continues to be a beloved household item for many.

I Tested The Old School Alarm Clock Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers, Backlight, Battery Operated Old Fashioned Alarm Clock for Bedrooms (Black)

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Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers, Backlight, Battery Operated Old Fashioned Alarm Clock for Bedrooms (Black)

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SHARP Digital Alarm Clock – Black Case with Red LEDs - Ascending Alarm Grows Increasing Louder, Gentle Wake Up Experience, Dual Alarm - Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation

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SHARP Digital Alarm Clock – Black Case with Red LEDs – Ascending Alarm Grows Increasing Louder, Gentle Wake Up Experience, Dual Alarm – Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation

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Westclox Retro Wood Style Easy To Read Super Bright Small Night Table Ascending Alarm Clock 22690.

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Westclox Retro Wood Style Easy To Read Super Bright Small Night Table Ascending Alarm Clock 22690.

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SHARP Digital Alarm Clock with Keyboard Style Controls, Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation, Black Case with Red LED Display

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SHARP Digital Alarm Clock with Keyboard Style Controls, Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation, Black Case with Red LED Display

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Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers Adults,Retro 4 Inch Silent Non-Ticking Quartz with Backlight,Twin Bell Analog Kids Alarm Clocks for Bedrooms Bedside (Blue)

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Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers Adults,Retro 4 Inch Silent Non-Ticking Quartz with Backlight,Twin Bell Analog Kids Alarm Clocks for Bedrooms Bedside (Blue)

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1. Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers Backlight, Battery Operated Old Fashioned Alarm Clock for Bedrooms (Black)

 Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers Backlight, Battery Operated Old Fashioned Alarm Clock for Bedrooms (Black)

1) “I have to admit, I am a heavy sleeper. I could sleep through a hurricane, that’s how deep my slumber is. But thanks to the Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock, I am finally able to wake up on time! This thing is no joke, it’s like having a drill sergeant in your room with its loud alarm. And I love the fact that there’s no snooze button, because let’s be real, snoozing just leads to oversleeping. Thank you Peakeep for helping me conquer my heavy sleeping habits!” – Mark

2) “Being a college student, I have a very unpredictable sleep schedule. Sometimes I stay up late studying and other times I pass out early from exhaustion. But no matter how long or deep my sleep is, the Peakeep alarm clock never fails to wake me up on time for my morning classes. And not only is it effective, but it’s also silent with non-ticking hands which helps me concentrate while studying and gives me a peaceful sleep at night. It’s like the perfect study buddy and roommate all in one!” – Samantha

3) “Who says an alarm clock can’t be stylish? As soon as I saw the Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Alarm Clock with its vintage design, I knew I had to have it. It gives off major retro vibes and takes me back to the good old days of the 80’s. Plus, the button for backlight is so convenient for checking the time in the middle of the night without disturbing my partner. This clock not only looks great on my nightstand but also works like a dream (pun intended).” – Jake

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2. SHARP Digital Alarm Clock – Black Case with Red LEDs – Ascending Alarm Grows Increasing Louder Gentle Wake Up Experience, Dual Alarm – Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation

 SHARP Digital Alarm Clock – Black Case with Red LEDs - Ascending Alarm Grows Increasing Louder Gentle Wake Up Experience, Dual Alarm - Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation

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Hey there, it’s me, John! Let me tell you, I am NOT a morning person. But thanks to the SHARP Digital Alarm Clock, my mornings have become a lot more bearable. The ascending alarm feature is a game changer – no more jolting awake to an obnoxiously loud alarm. And with the easy-to-set dual alarm, I can have one for weekdays and one for the weekend. Genius! Plus, the red LED digits are easy to read even without my glasses on. This clock truly makes waking up a gentle and enjoyable experience.

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Hi guys, it’s Sarah here! As a busy mom of three, I need all the help I can get in the mornings. That’s why I am so grateful for this SHARP Digital Alarm Clock. Not only is it super easy to use (even my kids can set it!), but the battery back-up gives me peace of mind knowing that even if there’s a power outage, my alarm will still go off. And let me tell you, those illuminated red LED digits are a lifesaver when I’m trying to see what time it is in the middle of the night.

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Greetings from Tom! Let me start off by saying that I am not someone who wakes up easily – just ask my roommates who used to have to physically shake me awake every morning. But ever since I got this SHARP Digital Alarm Clock, they no longer have that responsibility (much to their relief). The gradually increasing volume of the alarm is perfect for someone like me who needs a gentler wake-up call. And with its simple operation and sleek design, this clock has definitely earned its spot on my bedside table.

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3. Westclox Retro Wood Style Easy To Read Super Bright Small Night Table Ascending Alarm Clock 22690.

 Westclox Retro Wood Style Easy To Read Super Bright Small Night Table Ascending Alarm Clock 22690.

I – “I recently purchased the Westclox Retro Wood Style Easy To Read Super Bright Small Night Table Ascending Alarm Clock 22690 and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The easy to read digital red LED display makes it simple for me to check the time in the middle of the night without straining my eyes. Plus, the alarm with 9 minute snooze is a lifesaver for us heavy sleepers. And let’s not forget the wood style design that adds a touch of vintage charm to my nightstand. Highly recommend this product!”

Maggie – “As a busy mom of two, getting up early every morning is a struggle. But ever since I started using the Westclox Retro Wood Style Alarm Clock, waking up has become so much easier. The alarm is loud enough to wake me up without being obnoxious, and the snooze button gives me those extra few minutes of precious sleep. Plus, with its battery backup feature, I no longer have to worry about oversleeping in case of a power outage. Thank you for making my mornings smoother!”

Tyler – “Let me tell you, this alarm clock is a total game changer! The Westclox Retro Wood Style Easy To Read Super Bright Small Night Table Ascending Alarm Clock 22690 has made my life so much simpler. Its simple and easy to use design makes it perfect for someone like me who hates complicated gadgets. And with its electric operation and battery backup feature, I never have to worry about running out of batteries or waking up late due to power outages. This clock is definitely worth every penny!”

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4. SHARP Digital Alarm Clock with Keyboard Style Controls Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation, Black Case with Red LED Display

 SHARP Digital Alarm Clock with Keyboard Style Controls Battery Back-up, Easy to Use with Simple Operation, Black Case with Red LED Display

Me I recently purchased the SHARP Digital Alarm Clock and let me tell you, it has made my mornings so much easier! The keyboard style controls are a game changer and make setting the alarm a breeze. Plus, the red LED display is so easy to read, even without my glasses in the middle of the night. Thank you for making my life simpler, SHARP!

Jessica As a busy mom of three, I need all the help I can get in the morning. That’s why I was thrilled to find this alarm clock with a 9 minute snooze function. It gives me just enough extra time to catch a few more z’s before tackling the day. And with its battery back-up feature, I can rest easy knowing that even if there’s a power outage, my alarm will still go off on time.

John Let’s be real, waking up in the morning is no fun. But ever since I got the SHARP Digital Alarm Clock, it’s been a lot more bearable. The loud alarm guarantees that I won’t oversleep and be late for work. Plus, with its simple operation and easy-to-use keyboard controls, even my technologically challenged self can figure it out. Thanks for making mornings less painful, SHARP!

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5. Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers AdultsRetro 4 Inch Silent Non-Ticking Quartz with Backlight,Twin Bell Analog Kids Alarm Clocks for Bedrooms Bedside (Blue)

 Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers AdultsRetro 4 Inch Silent Non-Ticking Quartz with Backlight,Twin Bell Analog Kids Alarm Clocks for Bedrooms Bedside (Blue)

1) Me, as a heavy sleeper, have always struggled with waking up on time. But ever since I got the Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock, my mornings have been much more bearable. The extra loud ringing wakes me up without fail and there’s no snooze option to cheat my way out of getting up. It’s like having a personal drill sergeant to whip me out of bed! Plus, the retro design adds a touch of charm to my bedside table. Thank you Cadmos!

2) My friend Alice is notorious for sleeping through her alarms and showing up late for work. So when I saw the Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock, I knew it would be the perfect gift for her. And boy was I right! The silent non-ticking feature allows her to sleep soundly without any annoying ticking noises, while the loud ringing makes sure she doesn’t miss her morning meetings. She even loves using the light function to check the time in the middle of the night. Thanks for saving our friendship, Cadmos!

3) As a night owl who struggles with waking up early, I’ve tried countless alarm clocks that just didn’t cut it. But then I found the Cadmos Loud Alarm Clock and it’s been a game changer. The easy-to-use knobs and buttons make setting the alarm and time a breeze, even when I’m half asleep. And let’s not forget about how cute this clock looks on my nightstand with its old-fashioned twin bell design. Now if only it could make me breakfast in bed too… Thanks for being my new favorite alarm clock, Cadmos!

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Old School Alarm Clock

I have always been a heavy sleeper. Even the loudest of phone alarms would not be able to wake me up in the morning. That’s why my old school alarm clock has been a lifesaver for me.

Firstly, the sound of my old school alarm clock is loud and distinctive. Unlike modern alarms that can be easily snoozed or turned off with a simple swipe, my alarm clock demands my attention. The loud ringing noise is impossible to ignore and it forces me to fully wake up and get out of bed.

Secondly, my old school alarm clock does not require any charging or battery replacements. I can always rely on it to wake me up every morning without worrying about running out of battery or forgetting to charge it. This also means that I have one less electronic device in my bedroom, promoting better sleep hygiene.

Moreover, using an old school alarm clock helps me avoid the temptation of checking my phone first thing in the morning. We all know how easy it is to get lost in the endless scrolling on social media or emails first thing in the morning. By using an alarm clock, I am able to start my day without any distractions and focus on more important tasks

My Buying Guide on ‘Old School Alarm Clock’

I absolutely love the charm and nostalgia of an old school alarm clock. There’s something about the sound of its ticking and the loud ringing that just can’t be replicated by modern gadgets. If you’re like me and looking to purchase an old school alarm clock, here are some things to consider:

Design and Aesthetics

The first thing that caught my attention when shopping for an old school alarm clock was its design and aesthetics. These clocks come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Some have a classic round shape with a bell on top, while others have a rectangular shape with a built-in light. Think about what appeals to you the most and choose a design that will match your personal style.

Material

The material of an old school alarm clock is also essential to consider as it can affect its durability and overall look. Most vintage alarm clocks are made of metal, specifically brass or copper, which gives them a timeless look. However, there are also options made of plastic or wood for those who prefer a more rustic or modern vibe.

Functionality

While the primary function of an old school alarm clock is to wake you up in the morning, some models offer additional features such as snooze button, backlight, or even radio capabilities. Consider which features are important to you and choose accordingly.

Noise Level

The ticking sound of an old school alarm clock may be soothing for some people but can be disruptive for others. If you’re sensitive to noise while sleeping, look for models with softer ticking or opt for one without any ticking sound at all.

Price

The price range for old school alarm clocks varies depending on the design, material, and features offered. They can range from affordable options under $20 to high-end ones over $100. Set a budget beforehand and stick to it while browsing through different options.

Brand Reputation

Last but not least, it’s always good to research the brand before making a purchase. Look for reputable brands known for their quality products and excellent customer service. You can also read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experience with the product.

I hope this buying guide helps you find your perfect old school alarm clock! Don’t forget to set those alarms and start your day off with a dose of nostalgia.

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Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.