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?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there.
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.
