Silent mathematical wall clock with black background - ALGORA
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Le Labo Wall clock To tell the time, you’ll first need to do a little calculation: the ALGORA mathematical wall clock replaces each number on the dial with an operation to solve. At the top, 6·2 indicates twelve o’clock; elsewhere, a square root, a proportion, or a small equation replace the familiar hours. The expressions are written in white chalk-style lettering on a deep black background, just like on a classroom chalkboard, and two white hands sweep across this scholarly dial. Powered by a silent quartz movement, it stays quiet whether it’s night or during a meeting, with no ticking. The light wood back features a mounting notch for easy installation. Four diameters are offered, from approximately 25 to 40 cm, to suit a study, a student's bedroom, a classroom, or a large living room wall. A clock that makes math lovers smile, intrigues visitors, and turns every glance at the time into a small mental math exercise.
The four available diameters
The dial, hands, and movement are identical across all four sizes: only the diameter changes. The larger the clock, the easier the operations are to read from a distance, an asset in a classroom or shared workspace.
Telling time by calculating: the principle of the dial
On a classic dial, each hour is indicated by a number from 1 to 12. ALGORA maintains exactly this logic, but each position is occupied by an expression whose result corresponds to the hour. At the top of the dial, 6·2 equals 12; √4 equals 2; the proportion 50/2 = 100/x is solved with x = 4; √49 equals 7; and the equation -8 = 2 - x is solved with x = 10. The other positions follow the same principle, using square roots, subtractions, or first and second-degree equations.
This type of dial is a cheeky tribute to mathematics education: it reminds us that familiar numbers can be written in a thousand ways. Incidentally, the time is very easy to read without solving the calculations, thanks to the position of the hands, exactly like on a standard clock. Solving the operations then becomes an optional game, which can be proposed to a child, a student, or a curious guest.
Why you will love it
When time becomes a puzzle
There is something joyfully provocative about this clock. Where one expects a simple 12, one reads 6·2; where one expects a 7, a square root. Visitors stop, squint, calculate, and then smile. The black dial with white inscriptions immediately evokes the school chalkboard, chalk, and demonstrations throughout the lesson.
Yet, the object is not at all academic once hung: its sober, black-and-white graphic design fits into a contemporary office, a library, or a kitchen. ALGORA is the clock for those who love numbers, riddles, and objects that tell a story. A discreet way to remember, every day, that mathematics can also be fun.
Installing your ALGORA clock
ALGORA or chalkboard clock?
| Criteria | ALGORA (this clock) | Chalkboard clock with equations |
|---|---|---|
| Dial | Plain black background, operations in white chalk | Black background covered in calculations, school board style |
| Expressions | Multiplications, roots, proportions, equations | Factorials, derivatives, determinants, sums, roots |
| Level | Mental math, middle and high school | More advanced, high school and higher education |
| Diameters | Approx. 25, 30, 35 or 40 cm | 30 cm |
| Frame | Frameless, light wood back | With metal frame and acrylic glass, or frameless |
| Movement | Silent quartz, 1 AA battery | Quartz, battery not included |
Le Labo offers a second mathematical clock, with a chalkboard-style dial covered in more advanced formulas. To discover it along with our other timekeeping objects, visit our time and weather objects collection.
Good to know: the AA battery is not included. The indicated diameters are rounded: according to the manufacturer’s comparative photo, they correspond approximately to 24.7 cm, 29.7 cm, 34.7 cm, and 40.6 cm. The supplier specifies "bamboo and wood" materials; the light wood back is visible in the photos.
Tip: in a child’s bedroom or a classroom, hang the clock at eye level and pose a small challenge: find the result of each operation. It’s a fun way to review square roots, proportions, and equations without even noticing.
Technical characteristics
| Type | Round mathematical dial wall clock |
| Dial | Black background, chalk-style white operations |
| Hands | White (hours, minutes) |
| Diameters | 25, 30, 35 or 40 cm (10, 12, 14 or 16 inches) |
| Movement | Silent quartz |
| Power supply | 1 AA battery (not included) |
| Back | Light wood with hanging notch |
| Materials (supplier) | Bamboo and wood |
| Mounting | Wall-mounted, via notch |
| Thickness | Not disclosed |
| Weight | Not disclosed |
Precautions: keep the battery out of reach of children: if swallowed, consult a doctor immediately. Remove the battery if not in use for a long period and dispose of it at an appropriate collection point. Attach the clock to a support suitable for the wall type; avoid very humid rooms and direct sunlight, which could alter the dial and wood.
A clever gift for math lovers
ALGORA is the ideal gift for a math teacher, an engineer, a student, or a puzzle enthusiast. It marks the start of a school year, passing an exam, retirement, or moving into a first office.
To compose a gift around science, explore Le Labo’s scientific objects or our puzzles and desk accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read the time on this mathematical clock?
The hands work exactly like on a classic clock: the short one indicates hours, the long one minutes. The only difference is the dial: each number from 1 to 12 is replaced by an operation whose result corresponds to the hour. At the top, 6·2 equals 12; √4 equals 2; √49 equals 7, and so on. You can therefore read the time without calculating, simply by the position of the hands, just like on a blank dial. Solving the operations becomes an optional little game, which amuses adults and students alike and makes every glance at the time a little more stimulating.
Does the clock make noise?
No, or almost not. ALGORA is equipped with a silent quartz movement, marketed by the manufacturer as "super silent." Unlike classic ticking movements, the second hand, when present, or the mechanism do not produce a click audible at normal distance. This is an important asset for a bedroom, office, library, or meeting room, where the regular sound of a clock can quickly become bothersome. In a perfectly quiet room, with your ear to the dial, a very faint sound from the motor may remain, but it remains imperceptible in daily life, including at night.
Which diameter should I choose?
The choice mainly depends on the viewing distance and wall size. The 25 cm is suitable for an office, bedroom, or a small wall section, when you are less than two or three meters away. The 30 cm is the most versatile format, perfect for a kitchen or home office. The 35 cm is perfect for a living room or meeting room. Finally, the 40 cm is ideal for a large wall or classroom: the operations remain readable from afar, facilitating the calculation game. The exact dimensions, according to the manufacturer’s photo, are slightly different from the rounded values.
What battery is required and is it provided?
The clock runs on one AA battery (LR6), a common format that is easy to find. It is not included: remember to have one on hand before installation, especially if giving as a gift. The battery fits into the quartz movement compartment on the back of the clock, observing the indicated polarity. A good quality alkaline battery generally provides a long lifespan for this type of quartz movement, although we cannot provide an exact duration. When the clock starts to lose time or stops, simply replace the battery and reset the time using the knob.
How do I hang the clock on the wall?
The back of the clock, made of light wood, has a hanging notch intended for a nail or screw. Choose a fixture suitable for your wall: anchor and screw for drywall or hollow brick, nail or suitable hook for a solid wall. Position the clock at eye level to enjoy the dial’s operations, then ensure it is level using the top number (6·2) as a guide. Avoid very humid areas, such as above a shower, as well as direct sunlight. The hardware is not provided: a simple nail or screw is sufficient in most cases.
What is the difference from Le Labo’s other mathematical clock?
Le Labo offers two distinct mathematical clocks. ALGORA features a plain black background against which accessible mental math operations stand out: multiplications, square roots, proportions, and simple equations. It comes in four diameters, from approx. 25 to 40 cm, with a light wood back. The other model features a school chalkboard-style dial entirely covered in calculations, with more advanced expressions (factorials, derivatives, determinants, sums); it measures 30 cm and is available with a metal frame and acrylic glass or without a frame. ALGORA is more graphic and accessible, while the other is more dense and scholarly.
Is this clock suitable for a classroom?
Yes, it is one of its favorite uses. Its blackboard-style dial naturally fits into a math room, and its operations offer a fun way to review mental math, square roots, and equations. For a classroom, we recommend the 40 cm diameter, or even 35 cm, so that students can read the expressions from the back of the room. The silent quartz movement prevents any distracting noise during lessons or exams. It also makes for a gift appreciated by teachers at the end of the school year, whether for the classroom or for their own desk.
