Bamboo or Black?
Texttime tells the time in words, one flip at a time. It comes in two materials, and that choice changes how it lives in a room more than you might expect. Here is how to choose.
First, what they share
Both are the same clock inside. Texttime borrows the split-flap boards from old train stations and airports: small cards turn over each minute and spell out the time in plain language. No numbers to read, no screen, no glow.
Same 2.0 mechanism, same price, same words, same batteries, same setup. So the only real question is the material. And it matters more than it sounds.
The difference is the material
Bamboo: the warm one
The Bamboo version has a natural bamboo frame with a visible grain. Because it is a natural material, no two frames look exactly alike. It reads less like a gadget and more like a piece of furniture, and it softens whatever wall or shelf it sits on.
It looks at home next to oak, walnut, rattan, linen, plants and ceramics. Think Scandinavian, Japandi, a sunny kitchen, a reading corner. If your room already has a lot of wood, the Bamboo blends in and lets the words do the talking.
Black: the graphic one
The Black version is a metal case in black. It is closer to the original departure boards: sharp, high-contrast, a little architectural. The words jump out, and the clock turns into a graphic element on the wall, almost like a sign.
It works with brick, concrete, white walls, black window frames, leather and steel. Lofts, offices, a hallway, above a door, under a TV. If your room is light and calm, the Black gives it one strong line. If your room is already dark, it disappears in the best way.
A simple test: look at the wall where it will hang. If the room needs warmth, go Bamboo. If it needs contrast, go Black.
Side by side
| Bamboo | Black | |
| Price | $255 | $255 |
| Frame | Natural bamboo, visible grain | Black metal case |
| Look | Warm, soft, natural | Graphic, high-contrast |
| Best with | Wood, plants, linen, light rooms | Brick, concrete, steel, white or dark walls |
| Display | Time in words on split-flap cards, flips every minute | |
| Mechanism | Texttime 2.0, fully mechanical, no screen or light | |
| Sound | No ticking, a soft flip once a minute | |
| Size | About 26" (65 cm) wide, roughly 3" tall and deep | |
| Placement | Shelf, desk or wall (keyhole on the back) | |
| Power | 2 × C batteries (not included) | |
Which one is yours?
Choose Bamboo if
Your home leans natural and warm. It’s going in a kitchen, a living room full of wood, or a bedroom. You want the clock to feel like it belongs to the furniture.
Choose Black if
You want a statement. It’s going on a white or brick wall, in an office, a hallway or above a door. You like the look of a real departure board.
Still torn? More than a few owners have come back for a second one, for another room.
What owners tell us
“Sleek, a true statement piece.”Lori
“Put it on a shelf in our living room and ready to order a second one for the basement.”Brian
“I saw this clock in a bar in Nice, France and liked it so much that I bought one.”Philip
“Always a talking point when company is over.”Linda
Questions we hear most
What does it actually say?
The time, in plain words. For example: IT’S TWENTY TWENTY FIVE. The cards flip every minute to show the new time.
Is there a screen or light?
No. Texttime is fully mechanical: physical cards flip into place. No LED, no screen, no glow. That also means it isn’t lit at night.
Is it noisy?
There is no ticking and no second hand. Once a minute you hear a soft, short flip as the cards turn. Most people find it pleasant; very light sleepers may prefer it outside the bedroom.
Is there any difference in how they work?
None. Bamboo and Black share the same 2.0 mechanism, the same words, the same batteries and the same setup. Only the material and color change.
How big is it?
About 26" wide and roughly 3" tall and deep (about 65 cm). Long and slim, it reads easily from across a room. Measure your shelf or wall space before ordering.
Wall or desk?
Both. The flat base stands on a shelf, desk or console, and a keyhole on the back lets you hang it.
How do I set the time?
Turn the knob on the back clockwise to 12:00 first, then keep going forward to the correct time. Clockwise only. Give it a moment at each change so the cards can settle.
A card looks out of place after delivery.
Occasionally a card shifts in transit. It usually clicks straight back into place by hand. If it doesn’t, reply to your order email and we’ll sort it out.
It’s running slow.
Put in a fresh pair of C batteries. The flip mechanism slows down as batteries run low, and that is usually the whole fix.
What batteries does it use?
2 × C batteries, not included.
How do I look after the bamboo?
Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Like any natural material, keep it away from steam and constant direct sun, so a bathroom or a sunny south window is not the ideal spot.
And the black metal?
A soft dry or slightly damp cloth is all it needs. Skip abrasive cleaners.
Still unsure? Reply to any of our emails and ask. We read everything.
— Ch
0 comments