It's About Time: Perpetual Calendars

2012 is finally here, so it's about time we turn our attention to the most of-the-moment home accessory. If you're tightening your belt during this post-holiday season, opt for an investment when it comes to your new time-telling purchase with a perpetual calendar. You can use the cleverly designed timetables until you cash in your chips, and with so many beautiful, modern designs available, you can choose one you won't get sick of, too.

Perpetual Calendar by Gideon Dagan, top, $40

Designed in 1998 for the Museum of Modern Art, Dagan's perpetual calendar uses two variable magnetic balls to mark the day and month and can be wall-mounted or set on a desktop.

The Font Clock by Established & Sons, bottom left, $1,390

A time-teller for typography geeks, the Font clock celebrates the iconic flip mechanism of a calendar clock with twelve different contemporary typefaces, raging from Bodoni to Helvetica.

Timor Desk Calendar by Enzo Mari, bottom right, $210

Designed by Enzo Mari in 1967, the Timor is as stylish as ever with a retro modern look. The interactive flip calendar is made of PVC signs featuring lithographed characters on a plastic base, available in two base colors.

Max 365 Perpetual Calendar by Massimo Vignelli, left, $74

If the question, "What day is it?" is one that oft pops into your head, renowned Italian designer Massimo Vignelli's daily calendar is a must have for your wall. Minimal, visually powerful, timeless and easily understood, it's (almost) all you need.

Formosa Perpetual Wall Calendar by Danese Milano, right, $270

Designed in 1963, the Formosa calendar uses a quartet of lithographed PVC cards to display the day, month and day of the week, and is available in riveting red or classic black.

Cubes Perpetual Calendar from MoMA, middle, $15

Enjoy bright hues and playing with blocks? The MoMA's perpetual calendar adds a flash of color to your desktop with lively, contemporary flair. Better yet, it's a bargain.