POLSPOTTEN x La Marzocco Shot Timer Hourglass, 30 Sec.
The espresso is running, and for thirty seconds there's nothing to do but watch: fine sand trickles through a narrow glass waist, while something entirely different comes together in the cup below. Two rituals, side by side, at the same time.
This hourglass is a collaboration between POLSPOTTEN, the Amsterdam design house known for bold colour, and La Marzocco. It was created specifically for the ritual of making espresso: handcrafted, with a run time of exactly 30 seconds, in a strong colour that sets its own accent next to any machine. Functionally it's no more precise than a digital timer – but it's incomparably nicer to look at.
Waiting is rarely described as pleasurable, yet the anticipation of an event is its own part of the experience: the body responds to what's coming before the first sip ever arrives. An hourglass makes this brief wait visible instead of hiding it – a small, conscious pause in the middle of the day.
Nobody needs an hourglass to know when the espresso is ready – a glance at the clock works just as well. Whoever wants one anyway simply likes the small ceremony it creates. That's a question of ritual, not necessity, and our opinion on it is one of many.
At a glance
| Material | Glass, handcrafted |
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| Run time | 30 seconds |
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| Dimensions | Ø 4 × H 8.5 cm |
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| Colours | Blue, yellow, red, white (sold individually) |
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| Design | POLSPOTTEN x La Marzocco |
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Who it's made for
For anyone who likes to experience the espresso moment with all their senses – whether as a small ritual next to your own machine or as a gift for someone who makes coffee with an eye for detail. No particular machine is required, just an appreciation for a stylish detail on the counter.
Around your espresso moment
If you'd rather track the 30 seconds by weight instead of time, our Normcore collection has a compact, precise scale – or, with our Acaia collection, one with an app and flow-rate display. The hourglass also pairs well with the La Marzocco cappuccino, espresso and latte cup sets from the same Polygon collection. And for the espresso itself, it's worth a look at our coffee beans collection.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the 30-second run time?
As with any hourglass, the run time varies slightly with humidity and sand quantity – for accompanying the ritual, the accuracy is more than enough.
What colours is the hourglass available in?
In blue, yellow, red and white – each colour is sold individually, and you choose the variant you want at purchase.
Does the hourglass work with any coffee machine?
Yes, it's a standalone design object and works independently of whichever machine you own.
Does the hourglass make a good gift?
Yes, as a small, colourful detail it's a popular gift for anyone who connects espresso with ritual.
Can I see the product before buying?
Yes, you can see the hourglass in person at our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b).
Roastery tip
While the 30 seconds run, most people will enjoy a dense, aromatic espresso from our own roastery: Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight. If you're after maximum body with no acidity at all, you'll find it in Very Nutty. And if you feel like discovering a fruity experience for a change, we'd point you toward Wild Peach. That's our recommendation – one of many.
