Clocks that do more than just tell the hour

Times change, and so do timepieces and accessories. The following items have been tested by the author and may be available in stores. Prices do not include shipping.

Cutting edge

Swiss Army Voyager Knife: Those multi-tooled Swiss Army knives have been useful for most tasks except telling time. Now they can do that too. The Swiss Army Voyager has a small LCD digital clock with alarm and timer, all built into its base. The clock and alarm functions are controlled by pressing the red cross-and-shield insignia for varying intervals; it takes some practice to get the hang of it. The clock works on one lithium button battery. The Voyager also includes large and small blades, can and bottle openers, corkscrew, scissors, hook, pen, toothpick, tweezers, key ring and large, small and mini screwdrivers. If flying, pack it in checked luggage to comply with airport security rules.

Details: Swiss Army Voyager Knife is $72; (800) 442-2706, www.swissarmy.com.

Lighten up

Digital SunRise Clock: This clock gently wakes you to a simulated sunrise rather than jarring you awake with a loud noise. The clock’s dome light slowly begins to glow 30 minutes before your designated wake-up time, gradually becoming brighter until it is time for you to awake. (In “sundown” mode, the dome light goes on when the alarm is activated and slowly dims to help you get to sleep.) You can set different dawn and dusk cycles, from 15 to 90 minutes. It also has a night light, gentle beep alarm and snooze feature. The light can be used as a reading light. A “white noise” option on one model can mask sounds such as street traffic or a snoring roommate. The white noise can be programmed to stay on all night or fade out as the dome light dims in sundown mode. Some folks say this helps fight jet lag and counter seasonal affective disorder.

Details: Digital SunRise Clock (88630) is $119.95, with white noise feature (88628) $124.95, from Bio-Brite Inc.; (800) 621-5483, www.biobrite.com.

Weather or not

Sun and Moon Wireless Weather Station: The 6 3/4-by-4-by-1 1/2-inch unit displays the time, alarm time, indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, weather forecaster, moon phase, date and calendar. It can accommodate two other weather sensors. There’s a snooze function, and the device can be set to show sun and moon data for 45 U.S. cities. The station and separate outdoor temperature sensor each run on two AA batteries.

Details: Sun and Moon Wireless Weather Station (HU-3052) is $99.95 from TechnoScout; (800) 992-2966, www.technoscout.com.

Calculating clock

Auto Pop-Up World Clock: This sleek, 3 1/2-inch-square travel alarm clock not only gives the time and a wake-up beep but also has a monthly calendar and full-function calculator. A world time feature allows the user to call up the time in major international cities. The controls are easy to operate. What’s really neat is that the clock sets itself up with the press of a button, which activates a mechanism that makes the closed clock unfold itself, popping out a base for table use. Runs on two lithium button batteries.

Details: Auto Pop-Up World Clock with calculator (096477) is $17.50 from Budd Leather Co.; (800) 332-2833, www.buddleather.com.