Glass bubble hourglass, colored liquid 8 × 20 cm - NIMBUS
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Clear Glass Time & Weather Forget sand: in this bubble hourglass, translucent bubbles slowly glide from one bulb to the other, suspended in a colored liquid. Flip it over, and the little cascade starts again, like a slow-motion rain of crystal beads. Its 8 × 20 cm clear glass body lets you see every movement, every reflection, and every bubble hesitating before crossing the neck. Four shades are available—blue, purple, pink, and clear—to match the object to a desk, bedroom, library, or reading corner. More than just a timer, it is an object for contemplation: turn it over to take a break, recenter yourself for a few moments, accompany a breath, or simply watch the light play through the liquid. A small, silent spectacle, with no batteries or mechanisms, reminding us that time can also be savored, slowly, one bubble at a time.
Available colors
Why do the bubbles flow so slowly?
In a traditional hourglass, grains fall under the effect of gravity, almost freely. Here, the translucent bubbles and beads move through a liquid: they are subjected simultaneously to their weight, the buoyancy force (Archimedes' principle), which makes them lighter the closer their density is to that of the liquid, and the viscous resistance of the fluid that slows their movement. The result is a gentle, almost floating descent, much slower and more fluid than a fall through air.
The passage through the neck adds a second phenomenon: the bubbles crowd together, brush against each other, wait for their turn, and then escape one by one. It is this bottleneck that punctuates the flow and gives it its hypnotic quality. The hourglass is one of the oldest instruments for measuring time, used in Europe since the Middle Ages; this liquid version preserves the symbolism while prioritizing the beauty of the movement.
Why you will love it
Time that floats
The hourglass has long accompanied sailors, preachers, and cooks, measuring watches, sermons, and cooking times. Its shape has remained the same for centuries: two bulbs, a narrow neck, and something passing from one to the other.
This model reinvents the principle by replacing the sand with a colored liquid and translucent bubbles. Time no longer falls: it floats, it slows down, it lets itself be watched. The bubbles gather at the neck, jostle each other, and then resume their descent like a slow-motion rain shower.
Placed on a desk, it becomes an invitation to look away from the screen. It is this poetry of physical phenomena that we love to gather in our Time & Weather collection, alongside crystal barometers and magnetic hourglasses.
Enjoying your hourglass
Comparison of Lab hourglasses
| Criteria | Bubble Hourglass (this product) | Magnetic Hourglass | Hypnotic Hourglass |
|---|---|---|---|
| What flows | Translucent bubbles in colored liquid | Metal filings | Varies by model |
| Main effect | Slow, floating flow | Filings sculpture on the magnet | Contemplative movement |
| Colors | Blue, purple, pink, clear | See dedicated product page | See dedicated product page |
| Ideal use | Break, decor, gift | Desk, fun object | Decoration |
Good to know: This hourglass is primarily a decorative and contemplative object. No flow duration is announced by the manufacturer: it is therefore not designed to precisely time cooking or an exercise. The speed of the bubbles may also vary slightly with ambient temperature, as the liquid is a bit more fluid when it is warm.
Tip: Place your hourglass in front of a window or near a warm-light lamp: the colored liquid will begin to glow and the bubbles will cast small reflections. For a bedside table, the purple or blue colors create a particularly soothing atmosphere. On a desk, turn it over at the beginning of a demanding task, and again at the end: this simple gesture becomes a landmark and invites you to take real breaks throughout the day.
Technical specifications
| Type | Liquid bubble decorative hourglass |
| Body material | Clear glass |
| Contents | Colored liquid and translucent bubbles/beads |
| Dimensions | Approximately 8 cm (diameter) × 20 cm (height), per manufacturer specifications |
| Colors | Blue · Purple · Pink · Clear |
| Flow duration | Not communicated |
| Liquid composition | Not communicated |
| Weight | Not communicated |
| Power source | None (operates by simply turning it over) |
| Usage | Decoration, object for pauses and contemplation |
| Maintenance | Soft, dry or slightly damp cloth on the glass |
Precautions: Glass object, fragile. Do not drop it, do not shake it violently, and do not expose it to strong temperature variations (radiators, direct sunlight, dishwasher). Never attempt to open it: the liquid is not intended to be handled or ingested. Do not place it on the edge of a table or shelf frequently bumped. This is not a toy: keep out of reach of children under 3 years old and use under adult supervision for older children.
A small break to give as a gift
For an overwhelmed colleague, a friend learning to meditate, a teenager's room, Mother's Day, or a birthday, the bubble hourglass is a gentle and original gift. Its message is simple: take your time. The four colors allow you to match it to everyone's personality.
To create a well-being set, pair it with a selection from our Relaxation & Spa collection, or explore other curiosities from the Lab for a more scientific gift.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bubble flow last?
The manufacturer provides no flow duration for this hourglass, and we prefer not to invent one. It is a decorative and contemplative object rather than a precision timer: its value lies in the slow and fluid movement of the bubbles. The speed can also vary slightly depending on the ambient temperature, as a liquid is a little more fluid when it is warm and a bit more viscous when it is cool. If you need to precisely measure a duration for cooking or exercise, a traditional timer will be more suitable.
What is the size of the hourglass?
The hourglass is approximately 8 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height, according to the manufacturer's specifications. It is a desktop format: large enough for the bubbles to be seen distinctly and for the object to have a real presence, but compact enough to find its place on a shelf, bedside table, workspace, or next to a screen. Its weight is not provided. As with any glass object, simply ensure you place it on a flat, stable surface, away from edges and high-traffic areas.
Which color should I choose?
Each color creates a different atmosphere. Blue evokes water and the seabed: it is soothing and fits well in bright or Scandinavian interiors. Purple is deeper and more mysterious, perfect for a bedroom or a cozy reading corner. Pink adds softness and brightness, and is very popular as a gift. Clear, finally, puts the bubbles in the spotlight with a very sleek crystal effect, ideal for minimalist decor or a professional desk. If you are hesitant, consider the light in the room: dark shades benefit from being placed near a light source.
Can the hourglass be opened or the liquid replaced?
No. The hourglass is a sealed object: it is not designed to be opened, refilled, or modified. Attempting to open it could break the glass and spill the liquid, the composition of which is not disclosed by the manufacturer and is in no way intended to be handled or ingested. If you notice a leak, crack, or abnormal air bubble, stop handling the object, wipe the liquid with a paper towel while avoiding contact with skin and eyes, and wash your hands. Handled with care, it will maintain its flow and transparency.
How do I clean the hourglass?
Cleaning is very simple. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth, or one that is very slightly damp, to remove dust and fingerprints, then dry immediately. Avoid abrasive products, scouring pads, and especially the dishwasher: heat and impact could crack the glass or alter the liquid. Never submerge the hourglass in hot water. To maintain perfect transparency, a microfiber eyeglass cloth is ideal. A quick dusting every week is enough to keep the bubbles clearly visible and the object luminous.
Is this hourglass suitable for a child?
The hourglass fascinates children, but it is a glass object, not a toy. It is not suitable for children under 3 years old and must be used under adult supervision for older children. A good solution is to place it on a shelf, at the child's eye level but out of immediate reach, and to turn it over together at bedtime or during a quiet time. For a teenager, it will naturally find its place on a desk as a decorative object to take a break between study sessions.
How is it different from the Lab's magnetic hourglass?
Both objects play with the passage of time, but with different physical phenomena. The magnetic hourglass drops metal filings onto a magnet placed in its base: the filings pile up and form bristling sculptures that are different each time you flip it. The bubble hourglass relies on buoyancy and viscosity: translucent bubbles glide slowly through a colored liquid. The first is more playful and surprising; the second is softer and more contemplative. On the same desk, they form a lovely duo of scientific curiosities.
