Umberto Tolino: Irony, Clarity, and Concept in Contemporary Clock Design

Umberto Tolino is a Milan-based designer who moves fluidly between visual communication, product design, and conceptual experimentation. A graduate in Industrial Design from the Politecnico di Milano—with a thesis for Philips Design—he has been working since 1997 on multidisciplinary projects that explore not only aesthetics, but also meaning. As a co-founder of the collective rnd_lab, Umberto Tolino brings together research, wit, and cultural commentary in everything he creates.

Between Communication and Creation

Over the course of his career, Umberto Tolino has collaborated with universities, design studios, and industry leaders—developing a unique language grounded in irony and precision. His work has been featured in design magazines, exhibitions, and global trend forums. A trend spotter and design culture reporter, he also teaches visual communication at the Politecnico di Milano, both in Italy and internationally. His design philosophy walks the fine line between functional clarity and emotional provocation.

Progetti and the Art of the Unexpected

Among his most celebrated contributions is the Progetti Whatever clock, a piece that redefines timekeeping with tongue-in-cheek brilliance. Designed for Progetti, this clock humorously arranges scattered numbers beneath the word “Whatever,” questioning the tyranny of time while functioning as a fully working timepiece. It’s this blend of smart irony and design clarity that places Umberto Tolino among Italy’s most distinctive voices in modern wall clocks.

Time as Commentary, Clocks as Culture

For Umberto Tolino, clocks are more than functional décor—they’re visual essays. His collaboration with Progetti allows him to question habits, reflect behaviors, and challenge conventions through design. With a minimalist aesthetic and conceptual depth, his works speak to design lovers who seek pieces that provoke thought and spark conversation. The Progetti Whatever clock doesn’t just tell the time—it tells a story.