Liquid drip hourglass, anti-stress oil timer - PLUVIA

The manufacturer does not provide a flow duration for this liquid hourglass, and we prefer not to suggest an approximate figure. The pace depends on how the colored liquid fragments while passing through the constriction, and it can slightly vary from one turn to the next. This is why we present it as an object for relaxation and contemplation rather than a kitchen or sports timer. If you need to measure a precise time, a classic timer will be more suitable; this one is designed to mark a break, accompany a breath, or simply occupy your hands and gaze for a few moments.

It contains two liquids that do not mix: a colored liquid and a transparent liquid of different densities. When you turn the hourglass over, the heavier colored liquid ends up on top and descends through the clear liquid due to gravity. The viscosity of the medium slows its fall, and the surface tension fragments the stream into drops at the constriction. These drops then collect at the bottom and form a small cone. No mechanisms, no batteries: everything relies on fluid physics principles that can be observed with the naked eye, which also makes it a nice piece of scientific curiosity.

The hourglass is available in three colors: red, green, and blue. In all three cases, it is the liquid that falls in drops that is colored, while the background liquid remains transparent, creating a very legible contrast. Red offers the most vivid and graphic effect, green brings a fresh and vegetal note, and blue evokes a fine, calmer rain. The transparent plastic body and black caps are identical for all three versions. Simply choose the shade that best matches your desk or the person you wish to gift it to.

The hourglass measures 116.5 mm high, 64.5 mm wide, and 23.5 mm thick. Its diabolo shape is quite flat, making it stable once placed and easy to hold when turning it over. It is a much more compact format than our 20 cm glass bubble hourglass: it fits easily next to a keyboard, on a narrow shelf, on a nightstand, or in a desk drawer. Its weight is not provided by the manufacturer, but it is a light object, designed to be handled daily without any particular constraint.

The manufacturer recommends this hourglass for use from age 14 and up. It is a decorative and anti-stress object, not a toy: it contains liquids that must not be ingested or come into contact with the eyes, and the plastic body can crack in the event of a fall or violent shock. For an teenager, however, it can become a welcome study companion—a way to take a break between two exercises. If younger children live under the same roof, keep it out of their reach and let them observe it in your presence rather than handling it alone.

Maintenance is minimal: a soft, dry cloth or one very slightly dampened is enough to remove dust and fingerprints from the transparent plastic. Avoid abrasive products or solvents, which could dull or scratch the surface. Never attempt to open the hourglass or remove the caps: the liquid is designed to stay sealed. To preserve the appearance of the liquid and the body, keep it away from sources of intense heat and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight behind a window for long periods. Finally, handle it gently and always place it on a stable surface to limit the risk of it falling.

Both objects belong to the same family of liquid hourglasses, but their effects and uses differ. This model is made of transparent plastic, is compact (116.5 mm high), and shows a colored liquid that falls in drops before forming a cone: it is an anti-stress object to keep on your desk and turn over often. The bubble hourglass is made of glass, larger (8 × 20 cm), and features translucent bubbles that slide through a colored liquid: it plays more of a decorative role. Both work by simple gravity, without batteries. You will find both in our Time & Weather selection.