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How to make a retro rocket clock

A colourful retro rocket wall clock displayed on a blue wall above a wooden console table with modern decorative pieces.
Pinterest predicts 2026 trend throwback kid writing on a blue background.

Overview

Turn an old wall clock into a bold retro wall clock feature with a simple upcycle. By inserting the existing clock into a painted rocket backing with a layered circular frame, this nostalgic home décor D.I.Y. brings playful 90s-inspired colour into the space using accessible materials and basic tools. 

Steps

1Find a clock to upcycle

Look for a vintage wall clock with working mechanics, even if the outer frame feels outdated. Op shops, garage sales and hard rubbish collections are great places to find affordable options. Choose a clock where the internal mechanism works well, as it will be reused. 

A person is holding a white wall clock against a light blue wall, preparing to upcycle it into a bold retro wall clock feature.

2Remove the clock frame

If the wall clock has a decorative outer frame, carefully remove it so you are left with the main clock body and mechanism. In most cases, this involves unclipping or unscrewing the back. Keep the hands and mechanism intact. 

A person is removing the clock mechanism from a wall clock while preparing it for a DIY upcycle project.

3Sketch the rocket shape

Choose a thin plywood project panel, which is easier to cut by hand than thicker boards. Lightly sketch a simple rocket silhouette onto the board using pencil. Keep the design smooth and uncomplicated, with a rounded top and two small fins. Position the clock roughly in place while sketching to check that the proportions feel balanced.
A person is sketching a rocket shape outline on a plywood board as part of a DIY clock upcycle project.

4Cut out the rocket

Secure the board to a stable work surface. Using a hand saw or coping saw, carefully cut along the pencilled outline. Work slowly with steady strokes to keep the curves smooth. Once cut, lightly sand the edges to remove roughness and soften sharp corners.
<p>Cut out the rocket from plywood with a handsaw​​​ </p>

5Create the circular opening and frame

Position the round wooden placemat or timber circle on the front of the rocket where the clock will sit. Once centred, secure it in place using a suitable adhesive and allow it to set. After it is attached, trace the clock opening onto the front surface, making sure it is centred within the circular frame.

Using a drill, create a starter hole just inside the traced line. Insert a coping saw and carefully cut along the circular outline, cutting through both the placemat and the plywood backing at the same time. Work slowly to keep the circle as smooth as possible. Lightly sand the inside edge until smooth so the clock can sit snugly within the layered opening. 

A person is ​drilling​ a centre hole into a plywood rocket shape using a cordless drill for a DIY clock upcycle project.

6Apply primer

Apply primer to the rocket shape and the circular frame, including all edges. Allow it to dry fully before painting.
A person is ​applying​ primer ​to the rocket shape with a paint roller

7Paint in retro colours

Paint the rocket and circular frame in bold shades. Try colour blocking between the rocket body and the round frame, or add simple stripes and graphic details for a 90s-inspired look. Once dry, use paint pens or a fine brush to outline sections, add small window details or create simple graphic accents.
A person is applying bright yellow paint to a plywood rocket shape with a paint roller.

8Insert the clock

Once the paint is completely dry, insert the clock body into the circular opening from the front so it sits neatly within the frame. Secure it from the back using small timber blocks glued behind the clock to hold it firmly in place. Check that the clock hands move freely before allowing the adhesive to cure. 
A person is inserting the clock body into the circular opening so it fits neatly within the frame.

9Hang and display

Attach picture hanging hardware to the back of the rocket before mounting. Secure two small D-rings near the top on either side and thread picture wire between them, pulling it firm.  Hang the clock using suitable wall fixings for the wall type and weight. Check that it sits level and that the clock hands move freely. 
colourful DIY retro rocket wall clock mounted on a blue wall above a wooden console table.

10Enjoyed giving new life to something old?

Take a look at our guide to creating nostalgic wall art for another creative home décor project. 
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.