We love to see new interpretations of an old idea or technology in a modern context. Instead of going the route of a steampunked look, the model above offers a more polished, minimal impression that could look naturally at home inside an interior with more modern decor.

This one looks modern and crisp with a hint of old day's charm. Presenting the Chronotronix V400. The combination of light wood and black anodized aluminum top gives a touch of nostalgia with a heavy dose of Dieter Rams. This is a limited edition run and goes for around $400.

This is a cheaper one, that you can even built from a kit from eBay for $118. There’s something just so right about the contrast of the sleek modern acrylic box which serves as a home for the intricate retro display tubes. As an added bonus, these special tubes gradually cross-fade between digits as the time changes. Very nice!

And then there's also the Salyut Clock, as we recently spotlighted while mentioning Maker's Marketplace recently. Soviet-era Nixie cathode tubes with the birdseye maple and cherry housing has a hint of midcentury finish to it.

We wonder how difficult would this be for a DIY. We could easily source a bamboo box similar in size, while the top could be fashioned from polished carbon fiber. And the vacuum tube-style display (actually called Nixie Tubes) is available as ready to build DIY kits online. Now we're talking!