The clock is beautiful except for the one area where the black paint is too dark.  Many other people who have purchased this clock have commented on  this.  It is hard to read the clock when the hands are positioned in the black area.  You should tell the manufacturer to lighten up the black paint.  I am sanding it off.  That is helping to get down to the tan color underneath and has improved overall look of the clock.  I like it and will keep it.