What's Wrong With This Picture: Death To The Dash Clock Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

I don’t know about you, but I’m finding the “analog clock=luxury” thing a bit played out. One upon a time, the old-school interior clock was everywhere… and folks called it a modern convenience. Then it became a genteel, slightly throwback Maserati hallmark. Then it became a symbol of Infiniti’s admiration for Maseratis, and its desire to stand apart in the luxury market. Then Chryslers started adding clocks as it moved, unconvincingly, to position itself upmarket. Now? Now the interior chronograph just seem to be a symbol of trying to hard to appear luxurious without really offering anything unique, distinctive, or innovative. Which is why I’m a bit concerned that an early shot of the new Lexus GS, a car that has years of underachievement in a crucial segment to make up for, seems to show that Lexus has succumbed to the siren call of the dashboard clock.

To the best of my knowledge, Lexus has never indulged in an analog dash clock before (at least in the US market), as its interiors have always been modern and purposeful, emphasizing function over frippery. This isn’t a question of “ruining” the car itself… few customers are likely to put as much emphasis on an analog clock as I do. But in this small step I do see signs of a brand drifting away from its pioneering roots and towards the directionless malaise that inevitably leads to fad-chasing, and style over substance. Even if Lexus does need to reinvigorate its aesthetic DNA, ripping of the cheesiest “Luxury: I Has It” signifier in the interior design playbook ain’t a promising start. Don’t clock up a good thing, Lexus!


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • SherbornSean SherbornSean on Jul 16, 2011

    Aren't all the people criticizing Lexus analog clocks the same ones hating on the S2000 for its digital dash? Why should a speedo be analog, but a clock must be digital? From my perspective, an interior is either done well, or it isn't, regardless of analog or digital. I think the main focus should be on legible driving instruments and electronics that mesh well with PDAs. Beyond that, it's all a matter of taste.

  • Shaker Shaker on Jul 16, 2011

    This thread brings a peeve of mine to mind - if a watch/clock comes with a "second hand", isn't it actually the third hand? My wristwatch is a an analog Timex with the big white face and the black hands, and though it has a cool green backlight, I never have to use it unless in total darkness. I've had many digital watches over the years, but as my eyesight worsened, I find the analog watch much easier to comprehend at a glance.

  • Slavuta Inflation creation act... 2 thoughts1, Are you saying Biden admin goes on the Trump's MAGA program?2, Protectionism rephrased: "Act incentivizes automakers to source materials from free-trade-compliant countries and build EVs in North America"Question: can non-free-trade country be a member of WTO?
  • EBFlex China can F right off.
  • MrIcky And tbh, this is why I don't mind a little subsidization of our battery industry. If the American or at least free trade companies don't get some sort of good start, they'll never be able to float long enough to become competitive.
  • SCE to AUX Does the WTO have any teeth? Seems like countries just flail it at each other like a soft rubber stick for internal political purposes.
  • Peter You know we’ve entered the age of self driving vehicles When KIAs go from being stolen to rolling away by themselves.
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