Best sundial

Here's a roundup of the best sundials to tell time all year round.

Best sundial
(Image credit: @Timo C. Dinger on Unsplash)

A sundial is the oldest known instrument for telling the time. As long as the sun is shining, a sundial can accurately display the hour. Not only is a sundial practical, but it can be aesthetically pleasing, becoming a decorative statement piece in your garden or home. Here's a roundup of my favorites.

Staff pick

best sundial

(Image credit: Whitehall Products)

Whitehall Products dragonfly sundial

Soaring insects detail this fun dial

This sundial features a vintage bronze color and beautiful dragonfly accents.

Pros:

  • Made from die-cast aluminum alloy
  • Bronze-colored finish
  • Dragonfly design

Cons:

  • May not appear exactly as the image shows
  • Bottom may not be perfectly flat

This beautiful sundial measures 12-by-12-by-1 inches and is designed with charming dimensional dragonflies and number indices It is made from sturdy, weather-ready die-cast high-density aluminum alloy with a vintage bronze color. It will look great in your garden, just place it on any flat surface and let the sun do its thing.

Best multiuse

best sundial

(Image credit: Amazon)

A S Handicrafts sundial compass

This one tracks time and location

This pocket watch-style dial will give you the time and your direction.

Pros:

  • Sundial and compass
  • Vintage nautical design

Cons:

  • Sundial design doesn't work as well

This sundial features a vintage nautical design. Its aged golden finish is luxurious and offers an heirloom-style look. It's the perfect accessory to carry along on adventures because it's two devices in one: a sundial and a compass. The two-in-one gadget has a hinged sundial face that lifts to reveal a functional compass. So, you'll never lose your way or time.

Best gift

The Metal Foundry 'Love is' sundial

(Image credit: The Metal Foundry)

The Metal Foundry 'Love is' sundial

Great for marking occasions

This bell-accented sundial features a beautiful quote about love.

Pros:

  • Great anniversary gift
  • Made from high-quality plastic, metal, brass

Cons:

  • Pointer may not be perfectly straight
  • May be slightly smaller than expected

This sundial is perfect for celebrating wedding anniversaries. It is decorated with bells, has a beautiful quote about love, and notes the date to honor your special day. The high-quality dial is made with precision and care. This sundial measures 6.25-inches in diameter.

Best standing

BestNest Rome Grow Old with Me sundial

(Image credit: BestNest)

BestNest Rome Father Time sundial

This natural look will be at home in any yard

This sundial features a trunk-style stand, so it'll make a great addition the garden.

Pros:

  • Rests atop a pedestal
  • Features a nice phrase
  • Made from brass and cast iron
  • Tree design

Cons:

  • Stand and dial may not match up perfectly
  • May seem shorter than expected

This sundial stands around 17-inches tall and is 10-inches in diameter. The brass dial sits atop a cast iron tree trunk base, giving it a rustic and elegant design. There's even a raised phrase on the dial's trim that reads "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." 

Best watch

best sundial

(Image credit: Amazon)

RII steampunk sundial compass wristband

This one is a watch

You can wear this sundial on your wrist.

Pros:

  • Bracelet style
  • Great for adventurers
  • Dial measures 2.5 inches
  • Leather band measures 12.25 inches

Cons:

  • Band may be loosely attached to sundial
  • Sundial is quite big on small wrists

This sundial is great for any adventurer as it can be worn as a watch. Measuring 2.5 inches, this sundial rests on a 12.25-inch rich brown leather band that is stylish and sturdy. The sundial features a rustic golden finish that contrasts nicely with the brown strap for a vintage look that will compliment many ensembles.

The bottom line

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The best sundial is decorative and functional. The rustic Whitehall Products dragonfly sundial nods to nature with dragonfly accents. Its vintage bronze finish makes this dial look great on any flat surface.

The A S Handicrafts sundial compass is a handy two-in-one design. Not only does it have a beautiful vintage nautical design, but it works as a compass as well. 

Whether you're looking for a sundial to decorate your garden or to bring along with you on adventures, there is a sundial for you.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.