The Westclox 43000 Big Ben Moon Beam Alarm Clock is an authentic reproduction of the original design from 1950, but with a couple of modern features that weren't around back then. This analog clock with three-hand display is powered by 120Vac, 60Hz current from a wall outlet. Unlike most clocks of the '50s, though, this one has battery backup so it keeps time and sounds its alarm (if set) even during ac power outages. Also, the dial stays constantly lit (except during ac outages) for easy viewing even in the dark. True to its heritage, the Moon Beam clock's "considerate alarm" is a silent blinking light followed by a real ringing bell, not the usual electronic beep of today. With its soft yellow color and retro styling, the 1950 Moon Beam will liven up your bedroom (or anyplace else you decide to use it). Super-simple to set and use, the Moon Beam alarm clock fits perfectly on a nightstand, dresser, table, or shelf.

The 43000 Moon Beam 1950 clock is really easy to use. You insert the two-prong polarized plug into a 120Vac, 60Hz outlet and then set the current time and alarm time by means of separate rotating knobs on the back of the clock. Be sure to turn them in the direction indicated so as not to damage the clock. The movement in the Moon Beam  is a conventional analog quartz movement. Thus, this clock is not "atomic" and does not adjust automatically for Daylight Saving Time, but it is extremely accurate. If you want the Moon Beam's  timekeeping and alarm functions to continue to operate during ac power outages and when you unplug it to relocate it, you can insert two AA batteries into the compartment on the bottom of the clock.

After you set the alarm pointer to the desired time, you turn the "considerate alarm" on by sliding the ALARM switch on the back of the clock to ON. Five minutes before the alarm time is reached, a soft light blinks silently to start the body's wake-up process, slowly awakening the body gently and naturally. When the alarm time is reached, a real ringing bell sounds and the light continues to blink. This continues for about 35 minutes (or sometimes longer, as we found from our testing) unless you turn off the blinking light or both the light and bell earlier. You can do this the old-fashioned way by sliding the ALARM switch to OFF, which turns the light and bell off entirely until you reset the switch to ON. Or, you can use something that wasn't available (or at least common) on clocks of the '50s, and that is the Moon Beam's available repeat snooze function. The SNOOZE button on the top of the clock can be pressed while only the light is blinking or while the light is blinking and the bell is ringing. Doing this turns off the light or both the light and bell for about 10 minutes, after which the alarm process (blinking light followed by bell) repeats. You can use the snooze function up to 4 times after the alarm first sounds. If you leave the ALARM switch ON, the alarm will sound again in 12 hours at the set time.

By the way, the blinking light is produced by a standard 25-watt bulb that's easily to replace and readily obtainable. As you might expect, the dial does not light up and the alarm light does not blink when the Moon Beam is operating on battery backup.

As mentioned above,  the 1950 Big Ben Moon Beam clock requires two AA (1.5V) batteries for power backup. These are not included, and we recommend alkaline batteries because they are far less prone to leakage than the carbon-zinc type. Also, their leakage is far less corrosive. It's a good idea to change the backup batteries once a year.

The Big Ben 1950 Moon Beam clock is intended for placement on a flat surface such as a nightstand, dresser, shelf, or the like. It cannot be wall-mounted.

With its easy setup and operation, the Big Ben 43000 Moon Beam is an alarm clock that almost anyone can use and appreciate. This clock is a perfect (and affordable) gift for almost anyone who likes the retro look of the mid-20th century. There are even some illustrations and copy from a 1950 magazine ad for the Moon Beam on the back of the box. With authentic late '40s to early '50s styling, a modern quartz movement, and contemporary features like battery backup and snooze alarm, the Moon Beam is a quality clock that's also a time trip back to the early years of the Atomic Age.

• Authentic 1950 Big Ben design
• Soft yellow "retro" plastic case
• Protective convex glass lens
• Fully lighted dial stays lit constantly for easy night viewing
• Separate knobs for setting time and alarm.
• Silent blinking light precedes audible alarm
• Genuine ringing bell alarm sound
• Available 10-minute repeat snooze function
• Operates on 120Vac, 60Hz house current
• Battery backup (two AA alkaline, not included) for timekeeping and alarm operation (bell alarm only, no light) during ac power outages

Dimensions:

• Width: 6-3/8 inches (162 mm)
• Height: 4-7/8 inches (124 mm)
• Depth: 2-1/8 inches (54 mm)
• Dial diameter: 3-5/8 inches (92 mm)