Fantastic clock. Perfect for anyone who wants to see what time it is in the dark.
I was quite worried, and had my doubts about ordering this item, after I read the negative reviews about this clock. But- so far, so good! I have only had the clock for about a month, but I am really loving it. It’s keeping perfect time, and after setting the illumination to the lower setting- the higher one was far too bright for me- it is just what I wanted. I wanted a clock that was large enough for me to read in the dark (I am an older person, and prefer big, simple, legible numbers) with an illumination level that wasn’t garish and wouldn’t interfere with me falling asleep, and staying asleep. This clock fulfills every requirement.This clock runs absolutely silently. The numbers are large and legible and easy to read, as are the hands. Even the second hand is a generous size, and is easy to follow with the eye, even at night. The illumination is a soft, bluish glow that emanates from the center of the clock, radiating outward, but not in obvious “rays” or in any distracting or jarring fashion. When the clock arrived, I was a bit surprised at how heavy the package was. The clock appeared solidly built. The face of the dial is glass, not plastic- another thing that took me by surprise. These days, almost anything we buy new is pretty flimsy, and just screams “Hi! I’m going to break soon!” So when something feels fairly well built, that is almost a shock.I recently stocked up on AA batteries, so I had four of them ready to install into the clock. The mechanism of the clock requires one AA battery, and the light requires three. If you are in a darker area when you install the batteries, the light on the clock’s dial will come on as soon as you insert them, and you can use the switch on the back of the clock to test the two illumination levels.One caveat- and this was completely my fault. I ignored the hanger that came with the clock, and absent-mindedly tried to hang it on the large metal push pin that was already in the wall. This push pin had supported an even larger (and heavier) wall clock that had an illuminated dial which had recently given up the ghost. I had purchased this WallarGe clock as a replacement. After installing the batteries and setting the time, I stood on a step stool (I am 5’ 2”) and hung the new clock, then prepared to step back and admire it. In horror, I watched as the brand new clock came crashing to the floor. To my relief, the clock was still running, and to my greater relief, the glass face of the clock had not shattered, or even cracked.I immediately went back to my desk, and found the hanger/hook that came enclosed with the clock. You tap three- I think it was three- rather peculiar pointed gold-toned metal “nails” (though they are not nails, just pointed pieces of metal) into the wall after pushing them through three openings in the hanger/hook. I used to work in art framing shops, and the clock hanger reminded me of a certain kind of picture hanging hook.After securing the hanger to the wall, I placed the clock on the hook, as I should have done in the first place. It hung there quite solidly, much to my relief.The clock looks great in the daytime, as well. I really like its large size. It has a sort of comforting presence, as it kind of reminds me of the clocks you would see high on the walls in elementary school. I’m a Capricorn, and while I don’t really believe in astrology, I am a bit obsessed with time. I have clocks all over the place. And at night, I must have a clock that is illuminated so I can just look up in the dark, and see clearly what time it is.This clock has a sensor that turns on the illumination when the light levels are low enough in the room, and turns the illumination off when the ambient light has risen. As I mentioned, the higher setting of illumination was far too bright for me. But I was happy to find the lower illumination setting was just perfect. I can’t stand anything that is too bright in the room at night, and was worried this clock would be too much of a light distraction, and interfere with deep sleep. I am happy to report that it does not.I can’t think of any reason not to purchase this clock. It would be great in any room- living room, kitchen, dining room, or garage. You can easily read it from a distance. I can’t attest as to the clock's long-term performance, but I will add to my review as time passes (time!) to report on the clock’s progress. Hope this helps!