The Ultimate Collector’s Guide to the Rare Garfield 2 Clock The rare Garfield 2 clock (more commonly associated with the promotional line from the 2006 film Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties) is one of the most highly sought-after novelty timepieces among pop culture and comic strip enthusiasts. Unlike the classic vintage Sunbeam wall clocks from the 1980s that feature his iconic swinging tail, the “Garfield 2” (or “Fortune Telling”) clock was released as a limited-run tie-in merchandise piece. Featuring the lasagna-loving feline perched atop a colorful, retro-style base, it blends functional analog timekeeping with whimsical, movie-themed aesthetics. Finding one of these pieces—especially in fully working condition with its original packaging—is a major milestone for any serious collector of Jim Davis’s legendary creation. The Magic of the Garfield 2 “Fortune Telling” Clock
The primary appeal of the Garfield 2 clock lies in its unique interactivity. While it displays the time accurately with a traditional analog face, it also operates as a novelty fortune-teller.
The Design: The clock often features a highly detailed, molded figure of Garfield, dressed up for his time in Great Britain from the movie’s storyline.
The Mechanism: The timepiece usually includes a built-in lever or mechanism. When triggered, it spins the internal hands, rings an hourly alarm, and changes a display window showing various “fortunes” or iconic phrases.
The Alarm: Designed with a classic bell system, the clock emits a loud ring—perfect for ensuring even the laziest of cats (or owners) get out of bed to find some lasagna. Why It’s Considered “Rare”
Because this specific clock was tied directly to a short theatrical window back in 2006, it wasn’t mass-produced indefinitely like general-store merchandise. Today, its scarcity is driven by a few factors:
Fragility: The fortune-telling mechanism, clock hands, and internal bell are fragile. Many models that pop up on the secondary market suffer from broken gears or missing parts.
Open Packaging: Many clocks were bought as toys and discarded over the years. Finding one still secured in its original blister pack or box is exceptionally rare.
Surging Nostalgia: With 2000s and 2010s childhood memorabilia experiencing a massive boom in the collector’s community, demand for this specific 2006 movie tie-in has far outpaced the surviving supply. How to Value and Authenticate Your Collectible
When you are ready to add a Garfield 2 clock to your display shelf, knowing what to look for will help you build a legitimate and valuable collection:
Check for Branding: Genuine 2006 merchandise should carry the official 20th Century Fox/Paws, Inc. copyright stamps, usually located on the underside of the base or on the reverse side of the clock.
Inspect the Mechanics: Always ask sellers to verify that the clock keeps time and that the alarm/fortune-telling function works. Mechanical failure significantly drops the market value of the piece.
Packaging Adds Premium: An unboxed, gently used version might fluctuate between \(30 and \)50, but a pristine, “New in Box” (NIB) clock with intact paperwork can fetch a considerable premium among hardcore Garfield fans.
Scrutinize Condition: Look out for discoloration (yellowing plastic) and internal battery corrosion—a common issue with vintage electronics. Caring for Your Vintage Clock
If you successfully track down this rare piece, proper maintenance is key to preserving its lifespan. Always remove the batteries when you are placing the clock on display, as old batteries can leak and permanently damage the vintage circuitry. Keep the clock out of direct sunlight to prevent the bright orange plastic from fading, and gently dust the hard-to-reach crevices around Garfield’s whiskers with a microfiber cloth.
If you’re looking to start or expand your collection, I can provide additional tips on: Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006) – IMDb
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