This $20 Clock Is Now a Working Macintosh Classic
Turn a $20 retro clock into a functional Macintosh Classic with a Raspberry Pi and some maker magic to create the ultimate desk companion.
You’ve probably seen at least a few retro-themed clocks styled after the Apple Macintosh Classic computer from the 1990s by now. These little clocks are cute as can be, and they are selling like hotcakes lately. But ultimately, when you look past the cool case, it’s really nothing more than a clock. If you’re anything like me, that’s not going to hold your attention for very long.
Wells Riley felt the same about the $20 Mac-shaped alarm clock he picked up from an online retailer, so he decided to turn it into a fully functional Macintosh Classic computer. It even runs Classic Mac OS, so you can surf the information superhighway or play Myst like it’s 1995 all over again.
At the heart of the project is a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W — compact enough to fit in the case, yet powerful enough to emulate a full Macintosh. Paired with a 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen, the miniature machine convincingly recreates the look and feel of a vintage desktop in the palm of your hand.
Rather than discarding the original clock hardware entirely, Riley carefully salvaged key components to preserve its charm. The rotary dial and physical buttons were removed from the stock circuit board and transplanted onto a custom-designed PCB, allowing them to interface cleanly with the Pi. Even the novelty floppy disk mechanism was retained — reworked so that inserting the disk physically toggles power to the system.
Fitting modern hardware into a case never designed for it required some creative problem-solving. Internal plastic supports were trimmed away to accommodate the larger display, while custom 3D-printed brackets ensured everything aligned perfectly behind the iconic front bezel. The Raspberry Pi itself mounts directly behind the screen, with carefully routed jumper wires bridging connections between the Pi’s GPIO pins and the custom control board.
Power comes from the clock’s original 18650 lithium-ion battery, along with its built-in USB-C charging circuit. This keeps the device fully portable while avoiding the need for additional power management hardware. Small details like a compact speaker add to the authenticity, enabling system sounds and classic startup chimes.
On the software side, the device runs a streamlined Raspberry Pi OS installation configured to automatically launch the SheepShaver emulator. Once powered on, the system boots straight into Mac OS 8.1, creating the illusion of a standalone vintage computer. Turning the dial adjusts screen brightness, while the buttons handle safe shutdowns and reboots.
The end result is a clever blend of nostalgia, ingenuity, and modern maker techniques, transforming a mass-produced trinket into something uniquely interactive. Riley’s build demonstrates how even the simplest gadgets can become platforms for creativity — with a dash of solder, code, and imagination.