Initial thoughts and first impressions
I'm pretty sure I aren't alone here, but I like to know the time and am regularly checking it to make sure I keep on track with my tasks for the day and ensure I aren't late for appointments etc. I wouldn't say im OCD about it, but I like to know the time of day. Timekeeping doesn't have to be boring, and clocks can add a quirky touch to a room aswell as adding personal taste. I have to say that this Homer Rotating Eyes Wall Clock says a lot about my personality - a little more about that later.
Some people just look for a clock that keeps good time and is affordable. Plain looks are not my thing, and although this particular wall clock is practical it may not suit most environments. Not everybody is going to like the appearance of this wall clock, as I can imagine not everyone likes The Simpsons.
The Homer Rotating Eyes Wall Clock is available for £14.99 on Amazon and this is a price reflected widely elsewhere also. I have owned the clock since the middle of last year, though according to Amazon it has been on their website since 2002. This is just testament to the everylasting humour that comes from The Simpsons - I watch it regularly, though not religiously.
Upon receiving the wall clock I noticed it were in a fairly simple and insubstantial thin cardboard box, with a little additional padding to offer some protection. The clock itself is what I were interested in, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
Boy, you are a looker!
The Homer Rotating Eyes Wall Clock appears to be quite vibrant and eye-catching in the images online. I did expect the colours to be very bright and I certainly weren't disappointed! The blue background isn't so much 'baby blue', it is a little darker than that. The image of Homer in the centre of the clock is very pleasing on the eye. Although there is a lot going on in the clock face it doesn't appear overcrowded, which is important when you just wish to simply read the time. This may appear to be a simple wall clock, but there are a number of redeeming features that stand it apart from other clocks - even novelty ones!
To finish the look of the clock the frame is a very bold black, which I think gives professional finishing touch to the design. Although the colours are very bold throughout, I don't find the look of the clock 'too much', although it has to be said it wouldn't suit all the rooms in my house.
Simple to start, or D'oh!
It were of no surprise to me that this clock was very simple to set up. It has to be mentioned that although this clock requires 1 AA battery this is not included with the product. As I were shopping online I could easily see this fact, though on the packaging it isn't as clear. If you bought this clock in a shop then you may not realise that the battery isn't included.
Installing the battery is simple. The movement to the rear of the clock is very basic and adjusting the time is also a breeze, simply turning the dial on the movement. I can't say I had any issues with this process, and when the clock go back/forward an hour I simply turn the dial to the rear of the clock to adjust accordingly.
Looking after Homer
Once the clock is up and running it requires no further intervention, though the battery will need replacing as required. I havn't needed to replace the battery yet, so I have had close to a year use of the battery so far. I havn't had any problems with the clock, whether that be not keeping time or it stopping altogether - this has been one trusty timekeeper!
The Homer rotating Eyes Wall Clock is well made and although it is reasonably light the materials are still of decent quality. For £15 you shouldn't be expecting a swiss timepiece, but it isn't evident that short cuts have been taken and as the clock will be kept on the wall and given an occassional light dusting it doesn't need to be bulletproof.
Additional Features
I have been waiting to write this section ever since I decided to review the product! Most novelty clocks have something that sets them apart from most 'normal' clocks - The Homer Rotating Eyes Wall Clock is no different. If you take a look at the image you can see a pretty standard set of red hour and minute hands. There is also a black seconds hand with a bottle of 'Duff' beer on the end of it. This bottle of beer obviously moves around the clock as the seconds tick by. If you look at Homer's face you may notice that his eyes are raised from the main face of the clock. Homer's eyes follow the 'Duff' beer bottle around the clock as time moves on! I think this is a cracking feature and really adds humour to the timekeeping process. I can imagine that the eyes are connected in parallel to the seconds hand, or perhaps Homer really is just keeping his eyes on the beer at his own free will?!
Final Thoughts
Overall, as I have mentioned numerous times this clock won't suit all occassions. I think it would be best suited to a childs bedroom - though I am 25 and have one in my bedroom! The quirky nature of the clock won't suit all tastes either, though if you area Simpsons fan you really can't be forgiven for not buying one! Ultimately this is a novelty clock, though although the clock is of a novelty nature it is still of a decent quality.
A novelty wall clock for not a lot of D'oh!
