Keeping Time: A Collection of Clock and Timer Code Snippets

The act of displaying time is quite popular on the web. But it’s not at all limited to what we typically wear on our wrist or hang on the wall.

Sure, a traditional clock can add to the aesthetic of a website or app. However, that’s only genuinely useful in certain situations, considering our device screens already display the basics.

An area where time really shines is in counting up or down. Whether you’re displaying the elapsed time of an event such as an online quiz or the amount of days until a big product launch, these items can add a bit of excitement. Plus, they can play an important role in the overall user experience.

Let’s have a look at some code snippets that you can use to bring time-related functionality to your projects.

A High-Tech Vue

While our first example may fit in with more traditional timepieces, it also features an ultra-modern look. Built with Vue.js, it shows how design can add a welcome dash of personality to even the most basic of technologies.

See the Pen Digital Clock with Vue.js by Toshiyuki TAKAHASHI

Very Meta

A clock made up of…clocks? It may sound far-out, but that’s exactly what this CSS-only snippet is. Watch the “hands” on selected mini-clocks shift in unison to count up elapsed time. Like the finest Swiss watches, the movements are incredibly intricate.

See the Pen Clock of clocks by Razvan Spatariu

Countdown to Launch

Countdowns are widely used to build anticipation for a big event. Maybe it’s a new product, a conference or even a movie premiere. They’re equally fun and useful. This attractive example offers a 24-hour countdown in a classic “flip” style.

See the Pen Draft Countdown by Dorian Camilleri

The Next Holiday Is Always Right Around the Corner

A countdown can also benefit eCommerce sites that want to focus on a specific holiday. In this case, it’s Independence Day in the U.S.A. But a dressed-up element such as this could be a great touch for virtually any special day that you’d like to call attention to.

See the Pen DailyUI #014 Countdown Timer by Julie Park

Quick Time

Splash screens seem to be making a comeback. But instead of leaving users to click through to the next step, a timed redirection can be a nice way to make your point without too much inconvenience. This old-school film countdown animation might be a perfect fit for such a use.

See the Pen Movie Style Film Countdown by Craig Roblewsky

A Touch of Class

High-end timepieces never go out of style. With beautiful looks and precision movements, they capture the imagination. Here, we have a faithful recreation of a Rolex watch. Maybe not so useful for your everyday website, but something to admire nonetheless.

See the Pen Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner – pure HTML/CSS illustration by Chris Ota

Stopwatch

Synonymous with sports, stopwatches are used to time everything from Olympic races to Formula 1 lap times. In that spirit, this pure CSS recreation is both simple and beautiful. The movement is noticeable without being overwhelming.

See the Pen Stopwatch by Hilo

Around the World

Perhaps the most relevant use for an online clock is to display readings from various time zones. This gorgeous snippet uses Vue.js and leverages the browser to show times from all over the globe. Notice how the display changes from day to night, depending on the time in the selected locale.

See the Pen Vue Time Comparison by Sarah Drasner

Time’s Up

Implementing time, regardless of form, into your project adds an extra layer of detail. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be the main feature, it can serve as a means to inform and entertain.

Beyond its usefulness in web design, these clocks and timers also make for a wonderful introduction to how languages such as JavaScript work. By dissecting one of the snippets above, you’ll gain an understanding of how these various bits of code come together.

So, whether you’re looking to add some interactivity to your website or just experimenting, there’s something for you in this collection.