Charming clock with two optional volumes, low or loud. The low is sufficient to wake you if you are in an apartment setting and don't want to wake the neighborhood, and loud if you need it. It's electric but has a battery back up for power outages. Two options for waking, gently increasing light and/or the two volume bell. The dial is gently lighted so you can see it if you wake up and want to know what time it is but not so bright it keeps you awake. I love it!