# Temperature-Controlled Timepieces The Thermochromic Clock Tells Time Using Heat By Souzan Michael | Published 2011-07-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermochromic-clock References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2011/07/17/thermochromic-clock-tells-time-with-heat/) & [cwandt](http://cwandt.com/#thermochromic-clock) Forget clocks that tell you what time it is using LCDs, LEDs or mechanical hands; the Thermochromic Clock uses changes in temperature to tell time. The clock was created by Che-Wei Wang and Taylor Levy, who are designers at [CW&T](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superlocal-clock), a multidisciplinary workplace that specializes in "architectural design, product design, custom electronics, custom software, robotics, and web programming/design." The Thermochromic Clock works by taking nichrome wire and covering it in [heat-sensitive black paint](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorchanging-paint-1). When you add power to the wires, causing an electric current, they naturally heat up; this makes them transparent and therefore visible against the black screen of the clock. As the wires cool down, the numbers fade to black once again. To reset the clock, all you have to do is wipe down the screen with a cool cloth. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Thermochromic Timepieces:** Design innovative clocks that use temperature-sensitive materials to tell time and disrupt traditional timekeeping methods. - **Nichrome Wire Technology:** Explore opportunities to use nichrome wire, a highly conductive material, in various electronic applications beyond heating elements. - **Multidisciplinary Workplace:** Incorporate product design, custom electronics, and web programming/design into traditional architectural design services, creating a more comprehensive and innovative design firm. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Introduce electronic gadgets that use heat-sensitive materials to display information, creating an entirely new category of products. - **Luxury Watches:** Incorporate thermochromic technology into high-end watches, creating a unique selling point for luxury consumers seeking innovative timepieces. - **Smart Home Systems:** Integrate thermochromic technology into smart home systems to create smart clocks that can change the color of the numbers based on the user's preference or mood. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Snowglobe-Inspired Dynamic Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/time-to-snow.md) - [Kinetic Pattern Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moir-clock.md) - [Flowing Light Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crydal-scroll-clock.md) - [Unique Timekeeping Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-timekeeping-device.md) - [Digital LED Thermometers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/therm-c.md) - [Mechanical Digital Mesmerizing Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock.md) - [Perforated Metal Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moov-and-coo.md) - [Intentionally Foggy Clock Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kehai-clock.md) - [Minimal Sculptural Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trace-line.md)