The blue leds actually add a further layer of symbolism, invoking impermanence and the flight of fashions. When they became widely available (early 2000s?), for

The blue leds actually add a further layer of symbolism, invoking impermanence and the flight of fashions. When they became widely available (early 2000s?), for a short time blue leds were a distinction for premium devices, but soon they started showing up on anything electronic. Then people realized that they were extremely annoying to have in your room, since they shine like searchlights at night, and their use as indicator lights declined. This clock was unveiled in 2008, which I think was already at the tail end of the blue led's popularity. The clock is meant to last at least 200 years, but that design choice pins it down mercilessly to a fad that was dated in a few short years.