Disclosed is a control unit for an automatic device (1) for preparing a beverage. The control unit is provided with a display panel (3) and an input means (4) which enables a user by means of designations of image elements shown on the display panel (3) to choose from a plurality of formulations a formulation for the beverage to be prepared. The control unit is provided furthermore with an operating unit (5) for displaying by means of the display panel (3) a visually observable reaction to designations provided by the user, and for controlling a preparation unit (6) of the automatic device (1) with an operating condition in which the display panel (3) shows a plurality of image elements (91A, 92A, 93A), which coincide with selection fields (91, 92, 93, respectively). The control unit is equipped with a clock unit (20) for establishing the time. A formulation for a beverage to be prepared is jointly determined by the selection of a selection field and a time established by the clock unit (20).
