Clocks have long been a fixture in homes worldwide, with not only a time-keeping function but also an aesthetic one. But as we've become drawn to our computers, cell phones, PDAs, and electronic kitchen appliances, we've found ourselves with little need for a free-standing clock, and these handsome things have fallen by the wayside. Personally, I like to put my gadgets to rest and out of my bedroom so I can have uninterrupted sleep, but I'll gladly grandfather in a good-looking desk clock. Lately, I've been looking for a handsome modern desk clock with a white face. So, I thought I'd round up a few that I'm thinking about. First (Good), the Jonas Damon Twice Once Clock ($80) is a modern reinterpretation of the two-sided railway station clock. I like its minimal face, and the punch of color its orange hands bring. To see two others, read more.

Better: The Riki Desk Clock ($120) is a re-release of a 1970 Riki Watanabe design. I love that its large font makes it easy to read and its cute round shape, but I'm not sold on the pumpkin color.

Best:: The Amadana Alarm Clock ($118) is quite handsome with its simple face, quadrilateral shape, and lack of needless trimmings. It's also an alarm clock with slow, Euro lounge-esque sounds (listen to them here), giving you a natural, less-startling awakening than your average alarm clock. And, it features an LED light that shines on its laser-processed clock face with the press of a button, but doesn't look so "electric" when it sits untouched. Beautiful.