essay on evolution of clock

Evolution of the Clock Report

Introduction, how the clock developed over early years (1-1500 ad) in terms of engineering, reference list.

A clock is perhaps one of the oldest human developments in engineering. The name clock is coined from two Latin sounds- clocca and clagan, which denote a bell. In the early ages, a silent piece for alerting people on time was known as a timepiece (Itano & Norman, 1999, p.56). In the modern usage, a clock refers to any instrument that can be deployed to measure coupled with displaying time.

Watches are version of clocks, which can be carried by an individual. Since time immemorial of the evolution of clock, the main purpose, irrespective of accuracy and preciseness of a clock version, is to determine time in lesser units relative to the accepted units of time such as a “calendar day, a lunar month, and or a year” (Itano & Norman, 1999, p.56).

Over the process of evolution in the engineering of a clock, several mechanisms have been invented and deployed in the construction of an actual clock, which has often been used in cities and within people’s dwellings since the middle ages. Indeed, “devices operating on several physical processes have been used over the millennia culminating into the modern version of clocks” (Jones, 2004, p.67).

These modern versions of clocks are mainly mechanical clocks having either analogue or digital display formats. One of the earliest clocks was the sundials whose operation relied on the natural phenomena of different sizes of shadows cast on an object as times progress in a day.

New engineering discoveries led to the emergence of new versions of clocks such as water clocks, candle clocks, pendulum clocks, incense clocks, and later clocks with escapements and gears followed by the most accurate clocks – atomic clocks. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the historic evolution of a clock.

The theoretical approaches deployed in the paper are from engineering paradigms. In this light, the paper tracks changes in the operation mechanisms of the clock in the quest to provide theoretical records of evolution of engineering.

Sundial Clocks

Sundial clocks were deployed to measure times through a shadow cast on a cylindrical stone. This clock was widely used during ancient times since it would measure time with high degrees of accuracy. However, the time measured by the instruments was merely the solar time.

The sundials were deployed to scrutinize the operation of the clocks until early in the recent times. Engineering designs deserve to be reliable over a wide range of variables. This requirement posed major challenges to the development of a more reliable clock sun was required to shine since for its operation.

Consequently, the clock could not function at night or during cloudy weather conditions. Seasons change. Hence, recalibration of the clock was necessary whenever such changes occurred. These limitations made provisions for the need to develop other techniques of times measuring in a more reliable manner. Such a technique was the development of candle clock.

Candle Clocks

There exists a historic timeline gap for when the candle clocks were discovered and or used first. Nevertheless, they were first mentioned in You Jinful poem written in Chinese language in 520. With regard to the poet, a calibrated candle was deployed to help people determine the time at night. A corresponding class of “candles were later to be used in Japan until early 10th century” (Itano & Norman, 1999).

The most famous candle clock is related to King Alfred the great. From an engineering perspective, the clock was made from six candles, which were composed of 72 pennyweights derived from wax. Each candle was 12 inches long calibrated at an interval of 1 inch. Another important requirement for candles used to make the clock was that they were all required to be of uniform thickness.

The candles were consumed for close to four hours with each mark representing a 20-minute time erasure. One of the challenges of the clock was that the candles could be extinguished once they were lit hence impairing the performance of the clock. However, this issue was later to be less of a challenge since “the candles were placed in wooden framed glass, to prevent the flame from extinguishing” (Itano & Norman, 1999, 41). As time progressed, the design of the candle clocks became even more sophisticated.

In 1206, Al-Jazari’s work had one of the exceptionally complicated candle timers. With regard to Lankford and Taylor (1999), one of his candle clocks “included a dial to display the time and, for the first time, employed a bayonet fitting, a fastening mechanism still used in the modern times” (p.131).

The rate of burning of the candle used for making the clock needed to have a rate of a known burning. A wick was fitted inside a hole passing through the candles’ center. An indentation was also provided to aid in the collection of the wax melted out as a strategy to help in the prevention of likelihoods of interference with the rates of burning of the candle.

Lankford and Taylor (1999) further add that the candle clock described by Al-Jazari had “the bottom of the candle rested in a shallow dish that had a ring on its side connected through pulleys to a counterweight” (p.132). As the candle progressed to glow, it was pressed up by the load at a steady pace.

As Rossum (1996) reveals, “the automata were operated from the dish at the bottom of the candle” (p.65). In fact, in the early ages, no other candle clock was discovered having this intensity of sophistication. The only variation was the oil lamp clocks. The oil-lamp clocks were made up of a reservoir to hold the oil. The oil was mainly derived from the whale. It was the most appropriate since it burnt cleanly and evenly.

The tank was then calibrated so that, as the its oil level fell, it was possible to have an approximate quantity of the time that had elapsed. Clocks made this way presented major challenges because resetting was necessary whenever the candles were totally consumed or the oil-lamp became empty.

Incense Clocks

Incense clocks were a major achievement in the development of clock since incense clocks were easily adaptable for interior application partly because the gadgets produced light in a constant manner and without fire unlike the candle timers. This condition made them more reliable since they were more accurate than the candle clocks. Although the use of incense candles has been identified by historians in Japan, there are speculations that the first incense clock could have been discovered in India.

In the 6th century, the clocks had paved their way into China. Many variations of these gadgets were used with the most common ones being the “incense seal and incense stick” (Lankford & Taylor, 1999, p.49). Although the incense wooden timer was principally made up of a marked incense wood, others were sophisticated by adding loads by means of strings at the wooden pieces.

As the incense burnt out, these weights fell on a gong, which produced a sound while hit to indicate the amount of time that had elapsed. In addition, “some incense clocks were held in elegant trays…open-bottomed trays were also used, to allow the weights to be used together with the decorative tray” (Lankford & Taylor, 1999, p.50).

An alternative way of alerting people that a certain amount of time had elapsed was the deployment of incense sticks with different fragrance. Incense wooden pieces were either straight or spiraled depending on the amount of time each was anticipated to last with the spiral one taking more time. The spiraled incense stick clocks were mainly suspended from ceilings in houses and or religious places.

Incense seal clocks had similar application to the incense stick clocks. The only exemption was that these types of incense clocks were principally meant for religious functions (Rossum, 1996). The clocks were also significantly common in social gatherings. They were also highly associated with Chinese intellectuals and scholars.

Essentially, a seal was made up of “a wooden or stone disk with one or more grooves attached to it and incense placed in it“ (Rossum, 1996, p.148). Although incense clocks had garnered many customers in China, they were also made in Japan though not as many as in China.

In the effort to alert people that a certain length of time had elapsed, resins and various types of aromatic sticks and or incenses with a variety of smells were securely placed in the powdered lines of the incense seal clock. For instance, the earliest seal clocks were constructed from stone or wood.

The Chinese people introduced metallic disks for use in making the clock. This invention occurred during the Song dynasty. This evolution provided an opportunity for artisans charged with the roles of making seal clocks an opportunity not only to make aesthetic seals but also larger ones. The use of metallic disks also permitted the designers to incorporate grooves and paths that varied to give a room for variations in the length of days in a year.

Water Clocks

Water clocks, alternatively called clepsydrae, coupled with the sundials are amongst the oldest clocks in the history of humankind. Due to their antiquity, Jones (2004) argues, “where and when they first existed are not known and perhaps unknowable” (p.33). However, people believe that some types of water clocks had been used in Babylon and Egypt in the 16th century.

These versions were mainly bowl-shaped outflow water clocks. It is also important to note that some other parts of the world including China and India had some evidence of having used water clocks. However, the precise date when this case occurred remains a nightmare because there have been arguments around this topic with some authors claiming that water clocks were used in China and India in 4000 BC (Jones, 2004).

Amid the historical debate around the subject of when water clocks first appeared in human civilizations of engineering endeavors, a substantive contentment among historians holds that, from 27 AD to 500 AD, Roman astronomers coupled with horologists engaged in the development of elaborate water clocks that were mechanized.

In the words of Rossum (1996), the main aim of engineering complicated water clocks was “to regulate the flow at providing fancier displays of the passage of time” (p.77). Astrological systems of the earth were even demonstrated by some types of water watch machines.

Muslims experts invented the most sophisticated water clocks. In particular, a design that was more fascinating was the elephant clock made by Al-Jazari in the middle ages. “The clock recorded the passage of temporal hours, which meant that the rate of flow had to be changed daily to match the uneven length of days throughout the year” (Rossum, 1996, p.57).To realize this endeavor, the clock design had two tanks.

To serve their work well, as Rossum (1996, p.57) points out, “The bottom tank was linked to flow the control regulator while the top tank was linked to the mechanisms that indicated time”. At sunrise, a faucet released a stream to run into the underneath reservoir under the check of a hang controller that was meant to ensure that a steady weight was assured at the receiving reservoir.

How the Clock Developed after 15th Century to the Mechanical Clocks

The design approaches and engineering technology levels in the early ages to Middle Ages did not give a room for designers to construct clocks with the hour, minute, and second means of measuring time. They only measured time in terms of hours. In fact, as Landes (2000, p. 43) reveals, “a clock that had minute dials first appeared in 1475 with clocks having both minutes and second dial appearing by 15th century in Germany”.

However, developments in the clock were still limited until when the massive mechanisms of improving accuracy of the clocks were developed. The mechanisms included the pendulum system and spiral springs. One of the historic events in the use of accurate clocks via both minutes and seconds dial was realized when Tycho Brahe (an astronomer) used such a clock to observe various stellar positions in the 16th century.

Pendulum Clocks

The development of mechanical clocks leads to miniaturization of the clocks. By the end of the 15th century, clocks such as the Al-Jazari elephant clock were considered as past tense so that smaller clocks could be made for domestic applications coupled with usages as personal watches by16th century.

This development was preceded by discoveries made by Polymath Galileo, an Italian Engineer. He revealed that the oscillations of a pendulum could indeed be deployed to operate and or control a timer. However, he never constructed a clock based on the principles of pendulum.

Christian Huygens, a Dutch scientist, would design a clock based on the concepts of pendulum investigated by the Polymath Galileo in 1656. Many versions of clocks based on the pendulum principles were later designed. The earliest designs produced errors in time measurement in the ranges of less than a minute within a day. The most accurate ones had errors of less than 10 seconds within a day. This realization was perhaps the best accuracy levels in time measurement during the 16th century.

In the 17th and 18th century, clock developments were mainly based on the precision and improved accuracy requirements. In this regard, Jesuits were incredibly instrumental. To emphasize on this point, Landes (2000) asserts, “in measuring an accurate one-second pendulum, for example, the Italian astronomer Father Giovanni Battista persuaded nine fellow Jesuits to count nearly 87,000 oscillations in a single day” (p.97).

Consequently, they played significant roles in the development of the pendulum clock since they participated in testing and spreading engineering ideas of time. Modern clocks such as long case clock have their origin anchored in the invention of engineering discoveries such as anchor escapement. This clock operation mechanism was discovered in the 1670s. Before the discovery of the mechanism, pendulum clocks principally depended on the verge escapement mechanism for their operations.

Verge escapement mechanisms needed an extremely large pendulum dangle in the range of 100 degrees. The anchor mechanisms served to reduce this swing to values of about four to six degrees. This reduction not only gave pendulum clock makers an opportunity to make clocks having longer pendulums but also clocks with slowed beats.

The overall effect was the reduction of the amount of power required to operate the clock following the reduction in friction. Apart from the reduction of wear in this generation of pendulum clocks, they also emerged as more accurate in comparison to those, which predeceased them.

These developments paved way for the creation of businesses, which principally aimed at manufacturing mechanical of clocks. Now, it is crucial to consider a discussion of clock makers before proceeding to discussion of evolution of other types of mechanical clocks.

Clock Makers and Evolution of Mechanical Watches and Clocks

Locksmith and jewelries were the first professional clock makers in the history of clock making. With regard to American Society of Mechanical Engineers, as years progressed, the craft and science (engineering) of clock making advanced from pure custom to mass production (2002, p.31).

In Paris, France, coupled with Blois were the main centers for making clocks for mass consumptions. Julien Le Roy and Versailles led the market in the design and production of ornamental and case-designed clocks. As Lankford and Taylor (1999) posit, “Le Roy belonged to the fifth generation of a family of clockmakers, and was described by his contemporaries as the most skillful clockmaker in France, possibly in Europe” (p.129).

Le Roy also invented a repeating mechanism, which made it possible to improve the accuracy and precision of the clock to higher levels than those recorded for the pendulum clock.

The clocks and watches that were designed by Le Roy also had a face that could be opened up to view the engineering behind the clock. The clock maker also supervised the process of making about 3,500 watches. Consequently, an intense scientific competition emerged with many researchers focusing on looking for other alternative ways of measuring time in ways that are more accurate.

In 1794, following the French revolution, the government of France mandated brief production of decimal clocks. These clocks had a day divided into 10 hours with each hour having 100 minutes. Through the effort of engineering modifications of Pierre Simon Laplace, pocket watch was modified into decimal form.

Although this technology was extended to many other watches apart from the Pierre Simon Laplace’s until 1801, conversion of all watches within France into a decimal form was impossible due to the high costs associated with the process. The decimal system was also not viable since it only served the astronomers implying that the system was not useful to the ordinary citizens. Thus, it was not considered any further in the early 1800s.

In the case of Germany, Augsburg and Nuremberg were there main clock makers. However, Black Forest specialized in the production of Cuckoo clock, which was wooden.

In the 17th and 18th century, the English people dominated the watch making industry. Indeed, at the dawn of the 19 th century, William Paley deployed the equivalence of a watch making to argue that all things are planned meaning that they have their planners and hence the theoretical reasoning behind the discipline of Engineering.

Looking at the design of watches from this paradigm, there emerged research and subsequent construction of more accurate watches and clocks such as chronometers, atomic clocks, quartz oscillators, and wrist watches among others. Some of these clocks are discussed below.

Patek Philipe invented the wristwatch in 1868. His watch was mainly purposed to serve as a woman’s bracelet. At the dawn of the 20 th century, Alberto Santos-Dumont requested his acquaintance who was in the clock making business to make for him a gadget (clock) that could assist him in times of flights since a pocket watch was not expedient. In response to this request, Louis created the first man’s wristwatch.

Later, military workforce were engaged in mass making of clocks for airplane controllers coupled with infantry. Such watches got immense popularity during the First World War though they remained a reserve for the middle class people.

During World War II, A-11 wristwatch became common among the US air force men. In Engineering perspective, the watch met Ego-metrics (the degree to which an engineering creation is usable by the targeted end user based on requirements for readability and usability) since it was calibrated with clear white numbers.

Another invention that shaped the clock evolution process was the quartz oscillators. These types of gadgets were highly inspired by the inventions of nano biosensor characteristics of materials. In 1932, these watches evolved to the levels of being able to gauge little differences in time due to the revolution of the earth.

Indeed, as Lankford and Taylor (1999, p. 129) point , “the NIST (national bureau of standards) used time standards based on the quartz clock as from 1929 to 1960”.

With the development of atomic clocks, which were more accurate than quartz clock, the organization shifted its time standards from being based on the quartz clock to atomic clocks. Atomic watches remain the most precise gadgets ever to be made. Their accuracy levels are in the range of a few seconds over a period of several thousand years. The first watch of this type was built in 1949.

Sundial and water clocks were the earliest clocks to be made. On the other extreme, the quartz watch and the atomic clocks form the most recent discoveries. As the paper unveiled, during the processes of evolution from the most primitive types of watches and clocks to the most modern ones, the main concern of this expert was to look for mechanisms of enhancing the accuracy and preciseness of the clocks and watches. This process occurred alongside improvements of the clock to serve the purpose of measuring times and esthetic purposes.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (2002). Proceedings of the 2002 ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences . London: American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Itano, W., & Norman, F. (1999). Accurate Measurement of Time. Scientific American, 269 (1), 56–65.

Jones, T. (2004). Splitting the Second: The Story of Atomic Timekeeping . Bristol, UK: Institute of Physics Publishing.

Landes, D. (2000). Revolution in Time: Clocks and the Making of the Modern World . Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Lankford, J., & Taylor, F. (1999). Time and timekeeping instruments. History of astronomy, 34 (3), 127-158.

Rossum, G. (1996). History of the Hour: Clocks and Modern Temporal Orders . Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

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The Development of Clocks and Watches Over Time

Learn the History of Clocks and Watches and When They Were Invented

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Clocks are instruments that measure and show the time. For millennia, humans have been measuring time in various ways, including tracking the movements of the sun with sundials and using water clocks, candle clocks, and hourglasses.

Our modern-day system of using a base-60 time system, that is, a 60-minute and 60-second increment clock, dates back to 2,000 B.C. from ancient Sumeria.

The English word "clock" replaced the Old English word  daegmael  meaning "day measure." The word "clock" comes from the French word cloche meaning bell, which entered the language around the 14th century, around the time when clocks started hitting the mainstream.

Below is a brief history of timekeeping. Read on to learn about the development of various methods and devices invented to record time over the years, including the evolution of clocks and wristwatches.

Timeline for the Evolution of Timekeeping

The first mechanical clocks were invented in Europe around the start of the 14th century and were the standard timekeeping device until the pendulum clock was invented in 1656. Many components came together over time to give us the modern-day timekeeping pieces of today. Take a look at the evolution of those components and the cultures that helped develop them.

Sundials and Obelisks

Ancient Egyptian obelisks, constructed about 3,500 B.C., are among the earliest shadow clocks. The oldest known sundial is also from Egypt; it dates back to around 1,500 B.C. Sundials have their origin in shadow clocks, which were the first devices used for measuring the parts of a day.

Greek Water Clocks

The Greeks invented an early prototype of the alarm clock in around 250 BC. They built a water clock, called a clepsydra, where the rising waters would keep time and eventually hit a mechanical bird that triggered an alarming whistle.

Clepsydras were more useful than sundials—they could be used indoors, during the night, and also when the sky was cloudy—although they were not as accurate. Greek water clocks became more accurate around 325 B.C., and they were adapted to have a face with an hour hand, making the reading of the clock more precise and convenient.

Candle Clocks

The earliest mention of candle clocks comes from a Chinese poem, written in 520 A.D. According to the poem, the graduated candle, with a measured rate of burn, was a means of determining the time at night. Similar candles were used in Japan until the early 10th century.

Hourglasses were the first dependable, reusable, reasonably accurate, and easily constructed time-measurement devices. From the 15th century onwards, hourglasses were used primarily to tell time while at sea. An hourglass comprises two glass bulbs connected vertically by a narrow neck that allows a regulated trickle of material, usually sand, from the upper bulb to the lower one. Hourglasses are still in use today. They also were adopted for use in churches, industry, and cooking.

Monastery Clocks and Clock Towers

Church life and specifically monks calling others to prayer made timekeeping devices a necessity in daily life. The earliest medieval European clockmakers were Christian monks. The first recorded clock was built by the future Pope Sylvester II around the year 996. Much more sophisticated clocks and church clock towers were built by later monks. Peter Lightfoot, a 14th-century monk of Glastonbury, built one of the oldest clocks still in existence and continues to be in use at London's Science Museum.

Wrist Watch

In 1504, the first portable timepiece was invented in Nuremberg, Germany by Peter Henlein. It was not very accurate.

The first reported person to actually wear a watch on the wrist was the French mathematician and philosopher,  Blaise Pascal (1623-1662). With a piece of string, he attached his pocket watch to his wrist.

Minute Hand

In 1577, Jost Burgi invented the minute hand. Burgi's invention was part of a clock made for Tycho Brahe, an astronomer who needed an accurate clock for stargazing.

Pendulum Clock

In 1656, the pendulum clock  was invented by Christian Huygens, making clocks more accurate.

Mechanical Alarm Clock

The first mechanical alarm clock was invented by American Levi Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire, in 1787. However, the ringing bell alarm on his clock could ring only at 4 a.m.

In 1876, a mechanical wind-up alarm clock that could be set for any time was patented (No. 183,725) by Seth E. Thomas.

Standard Time

Sir Sanford Fleming  invented standard time in 1878. Standard time is the synchronization of clocks within a geographical area to a single time standard. It developed out of a need to aid weather forecasting and train travel. In the 20th century, the geographical areas were evenly spaced into time zones.

Quartz Clock

In 1927, Canadian-born Warren Marrison, a telecommunications engineer, was searching for reliable frequency standards at Bell Telephone Laboratories. He developed the first quartz clock, a highly accurate clock based on the regular vibrations of a quartz crystal in an electrical circuit.

In 1908, the  Westclox Clock Company has issued a patent for the Big Ben alarm clock in London. The outstanding feature on this clock is the bell back, which completely envelops the inner case back and is an integral part of the case. The bell back provides a loud alarm.

Battery-Powered Clock

The Warren Clock Company was formed in 1912 and produced a new type of clock run by batteries, prior to that, clocks were either wound or run by weights.

Self-Winding Watch

Swiss inventor John Harwood developed the first self-winding watch in 1923.

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The Hands of Time: Who Invented the Clock?

The quest to uncover who invented the clock takes us on a fascinating journey through history, as clocks have been pivotal in shaping our understanding and measurement of time. From ancient sundials to modern atomic clocks, each advancement in timekeeping technology reflects humanity’s ingenuity and desire to quantify life’s most elusive dimension.

Table of Contents

Who Invented the Clock?

The invention of the clock cannot be attributed to a single individual, as it is the culmination of centuries of advancements in timekeeping technology. The earliest mechanical clocks, which represented a significant leap in timekeeping, appeared in Europe during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The exact inventor is unknown, but these early mechanical clocks set the stage for the modern clock.

In the 14th century, European clockmakers, working in monasteries and universities, began creating the first mechanical clocks. These were not portable timepieces but large installations in public places, like town squares and cathedrals. They were designed not only for timekeeping but also as symbols of communal pride and technological prowess.

These early mechanical clocks were vastly different from their predecessors. They used an escapement mechanism, a technology that controls the unwinding of the clock’s driving force, to regulate the movement of the gear system. This innovation was key to transforming timekeeping from an approximation to a precise science.

In 1283, a reference to a mechanical clock in a church in Dunstable, England , marks one of the earliest known mentions of such a device. However, the identity of its creator remains shrouded in mystery. Similarly, the Salisbury Cathedral clock, dating back to 1386, is one of the oldest surviving examples of a mechanical clock, yet the records do not reveal the name of its maker.

As the technology spread across Europe, several clockmakers made significant contributions, each adding to the evolution of the clock. By the end of the 14th century, mechanical clocks were becoming more common in public spaces across Europe, indicating a growing expertise and interest in mechanical timekeeping.

The transition from these early mechanical clocks to smaller, more precise timepieces was gradual and involved numerous inventors and innovations. Therefore, the invention of the clock is a story of collective ingenuity and progress, rather than the achievement of a single inventor.

When Were Clocks Invented? History of Timekeeping Devices

Clocks, as we recognize them today, were invented in Europe during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This period marked the transition from ancient timekeeping methods, such as sundials and water clocks, to mechanical clocks.

These initial mechanical timekeepers were monumental, installed in prominent public places like cathedrals and town squares. The invention of these mechanical clocks represented a significant technological advancement, enabling more precise time measurement than was previously possible with earlier timekeeping devices. The exact year of the invention of the first mechanical clock is not definitively known, but references to such devices started appearing in historical records around the late 1200s to early 1300s.

Sundials , the predecessors of mechanical clocks, serve as a testament to early human ingenuity in timekeeping. The journey into the realm of timekeeping begins with sundials, humanity’s first foray into dividing and understanding the passage of days. These ancient devices, which date back to 1500 BC, used the sun’s shadow cast by a gnomon (a stick or pillar) to indicate time. Found in ancient civilizations from ancient Egypt to Greece, sundials not only marked time but also symbolized the broader human quest to harness nature’s rhythms.

READ MORE: Ancient Greece Timeline: Pre-Mycenaean to the Roman Conquest and 15 Examples of Fascinating and Advanced Ancient Technology You Need To Check Out

Devices that Measure Duration, Elapsed Time, and Intervals

Before the advent of modern timekeeping, various cultures developed ingenious devices to measure time. From the incense clocks of East Asia, which used the burning rate of incense sticks to mark time, to the hourglass, a simple yet effective tool that used the flow of sand to measure shorter intervals, these devices reflected the diversity and creativity of human ingenuity in timekeeping.

Water Clocks

Water clocks , or clepsydras, present a fascinating chapter in the history of timekeeping. These clocks, dating back to ancient Egypt and China, used the flow of water to measure time. The Greeks refined this technology, introducing mechanisms for more accurate measurements, making water clocks a vital tool in various cultural and scientific applications, including timekeeping in monasteries.

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The 14th century heralded a revolution in timekeeping with the invention of the mechanical clock. These early clocks, driven by weights and gears, were not just timekeepers but also marvels of medieval engineering. They brought about a paradigm shift, moving humanity from natural cycles to mechanized time, and were crucial in urban centers for coordinating daily life.

Astronomical

Astronomical clocks, a blend of art and science, emerged as a grand expression of the era’s technological and astronomical knowledge. These clocks, often adorned in cathedrals like the famous one in Prague, displayed not only time but also astronomical information such as lunar phases, zodiac signs, and sometimes even planetary positions.

Spring-driven

The 15th century introduced spring-driven clocks, liberating clock design from the heavy weights and allowing for smaller, more portable timepieces. This innovation laid the groundwork for personal timekeeping and eventually led to the development of the first pocket watches in the 16th century.

The pendulum clock, introduced by Christiaan Huygens in 1656, marked a significant leap in accuracy. The regular motion of the pendulum allowed these clocks to be far more precise than their predecessors, transforming scientific timekeeping and becoming a symbol of precision in the Age of Enlightenment.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the advent of electric clocks. These clocks, powered by electricity , were more consistent than mechanical ones and laid the foundation for more advanced timekeeping technologies, including the electric synchronization of clocks.

In the 20th century, quartz technology revolutionized timekeeping. Quartz clocks use the regular vibrations of a quartz crystal to keep time, offering unprecedented accuracy. This technology is the cornerstone of most modern watches and clocks, reflecting humanity’s continuous quest for precision.

Atomic clocks, developed in the mid-20th century, represent the pinnacle of timekeeping technology. These clocks measure time based on the vibration frequencies of atoms, primarily cesium or rubidium, and are so accurate they will not lose a second in millions of years, underpinning the modern global timekeeping standard.

Notable Clockmakers and Innovators – Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker , born in 1731 in Baltimore County, Maryland, stands out in clockmaking history for his remarkable self-taught expertise. His clockmaking journey began in his early twenties when inspired by a borrowed pocket watch, he crafted a wooden clock from scratch. Despite his lack of formal training and limited resources, it took Banneker two years to complete the clock, which accurately struck every hour for over 50 years.

Banneker’s achievements in clockmaking, significant during an era when African Americans faced substantial barriers, marked him as a man of intellect and skill. Beyond clockmaking, he contributed notably to astronomy, publishing almanacs with astronomical calculations, and played a key role in surveying the boundaries of Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Banneker was an advocate for racial equality. He notably corresponded with Thomas Jefferson, advocating for the intellectual equality of black people and challenging prevailing racial biases. His work and advocacy left a lasting impact on American history, symbolizing not only technical skill but also a broader commitment to social progress.

The Impact of Clocks on Society

Clocks have profoundly impacted society, shaping everything from the structure of our workday to the precision of scientific experiments. They have synchronized global activities, underpinned navigation and telecommunications, and fundamentally altered our relationship with time, making punctuality and scheduling integral to modern life.

The Ticking Revolution: How Clocks Changed the World

The evolution of clocks, from sundials to atomic clocks, highlights their pivotal role in human progress. Beyond timekeeping, they’ve shaped daily life, science, and global communication. Innovators like Benjamin Banneker symbolize this progress, blending technological advancement with the human spirit. Essentially, the history of clocks reflects our civilization’s continuous pursuit of precision and understanding.

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Essay on Clock

Students are often asked to write an essay on Clock in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Clock

Introduction.

Clocks are devices used to measure, keep, and indicate time. They have been vital in societies around the world, helping us schedule our day.

Types of Clocks

There are various types of clocks including analog, digital, and atomic clocks. Each has unique features and uses.

Importance of Clocks

Clocks are crucial in our daily life. They help us manage our time efficiently, ensuring we meet our responsibilities.

In conclusion, clocks are an essential part of human life. They guide our daily activities, helping us maintain order and punctuality.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Clock

250 Words Essay on Clock

The concept of timekeeping.

Timekeeping is a fundamental aspect of human life, and the clock has served as the principal tool for this purpose. The clock is not merely a device to track hours, minutes, and seconds; it symbolizes the progression of human civilization, marking the transition from sundials to sophisticated atomic clocks.

Historical Evolution

Clocks have evolved significantly since their inception. Ancient civilizations used primitive methods such as sundials and water clocks. The invention of mechanical clocks in the 14th century revolutionized timekeeping, enabling more precise measurements. With the industrial revolution, the advent of electricity led to the development of electric clocks, which were even more accurate.

The Clock and Modern Society

Today, clocks are integral to our daily lives and societal structures. They regulate our routines, from work schedules to leisure activities, and are instrumental in scientific research, navigation, and even sports. The clock’s influence extends beyond practicality, shaping our perception of time and life itself.

Technological Advancements

The 20th century saw the emergence of atomic clocks, the most accurate timekeeping devices to date. These clocks utilize the vibrations of atoms to measure time, enabling precision to the nanosecond. This precision is critical in technologies such as GPS and high-speed data networks.

In conclusion, the clock is a testament to human ingenuity and our quest to understand and measure time. It is a symbol of our progress, a tool that structures our lives, and a device that continues to evolve with our technological advancements. The clock, in its many forms, remains an enduring and essential part of human civilization.

500 Words Essay on Clock

The clock, a ubiquitous object in our daily life, is a remarkable invention that has revolutionized the way we perceive and organize time. This essay explores the history, significance, and evolution of clocks, and how they have shaped our modern world.

The Evolution of Timekeeping

The concept of timekeeping dates back to ancient civilizations, where sundials and water clocks were used. These devices were based on the movement of the sun or the flow of water. However, their accuracy was greatly affected by environmental factors, leading to the development of mechanical clocks in the 14th century. These were powered by weights and springs, making timekeeping more precise and reliable.

In the 17th century, the invention of the pendulum clock by Christiaan Huygens marked a significant leap forward in timekeeping accuracy. By the 20th century, the advent of quartz and atomic clocks brought about a new era of precision, with atomic clocks being accurate to within a few billionths of a second per day.

The Significance of Clocks

Clocks have played a vital role in shaping human civilization. They have allowed us to structure our lives, from scheduling daily activities to coordinating complex operations. In the industrial age, clock-time became the standard for regulating work hours, leading to more efficient production processes.

Additionally, clocks have been pivotal in scientific advancement. The precise timekeeping of atomic clocks, for example, is crucial for GPS technology, enabling accurate global positioning. In the realm of physics, the concept of time dilation in Einstein’s theory of relativity would not have been conceivable without the precision of modern timekeeping.

The Clock in the Digital Age

In today’s digital age, the traditional clock has been transformed into a multifunctional device. Smartphones and computers not only display time but also serve as personal organizers, reminding us of appointments, deadlines, and other time-sensitive tasks. The internet has also enabled the synchronization of clocks worldwide, facilitating global communication and coordination.

Moreover, the advent of the internet of things (IoT) has given rise to smart clocks. These devices can be programmed to control other smart devices based on time, such as turning on the lights at a specific hour, thus further integrating time management into our daily lives.

In conclusion, the clock, as a tool for timekeeping, has evolved significantly over the centuries. From ancient sundials to modern atomic and digital clocks, each advancement has brought about greater precision and integration into our lives. As we move further into the digital age, it is intriguing to consider how the clock will continue to evolve and shape our perception of time in the future. The clock, therefore, serves as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of precision and efficiency.

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Ticking Through Time: A Journey Through Clock History

• Sundials: Ancient Solar Timekeepers  
• Water Clocks: Measuring Time with Liquid Precision  
• The Mechanical Marvels: The Invention of Clocks  
• Precision with Pendulums: The Pendulum Clock  
• Sand Clock History: An Ancient Alternative  
• The Allure of Elegance: Clocks in the 18th and 19th Centuries  
• Pocket Watches and Wristwatches: Personal Timekeeping Devices  
• Modern Masterpieces: The 20th Century and Beyond  
• Conclusion  

Embark on a fascinating voyage through the history of clocks in this blog, where we uncover the evolution of timekeeping devices from ancient civilisations to modern innovations. Understanding how clocks have evolved across centuries offers insights into the ingenuity and creativity of humans in their quest to measure time accurately.  

Have you ever wondered how we came to rely on our watches and smartphones to tell the time? It is hard to imagine a world without these conveniences, but the history of clocks is a story of human innovation spanning thousands of years.  

  From ancient time clocks like sundials to the latest smartwatches, the journey through clock history reveals fascinating insights into how timekeeping has evolved. Let us explore the remarkable transformations that have shaped how we measure and understand time.  

Sundials: Ancient Solar Timekeepers  

The earliest known timekeeping device is the sundial, used by the Egyptians around 1500 BCE. Sundials relied on the position of the sun’s shadow to indicate the time of day. These ancient clocks were designed with a flat plate (the dial) and a raised stick (the gnomon). As the sun moved across the sky, the shadow cast by the gnomon would move around the dial, indicating different times of the day.  

However, sundials had limitations; they only functioned during daylight hours and on clear, sunny days. The Greeks and Romans later refined sundials, introducing more complex designs that included vertical, equatorial, and portable sundials.  

Water Clocks: Measuring Time with Liquid Precision  

Around the same time in Babylon and Egypt, another ingenious timekeeping device emerged: water clocks, or clepsydras. These devices measured time by the regulated water flow from or into a container. The basic design consisted of a vessel with a small hole near the base. Water would either drip out constantly or fill the vessel steadily.  

These ancient clocks had a significant advantage over sundials, as they could be used even at night or on cloudy days. The Greeks and Romans advanced the technology of water clocks by incorporating complex gears and escapements, significantly improving their accuracy and versatility. This made them useful in many areas, like timing speeches and regulating the hours of city guards.  

The Mechanical Marvels: The Invention of Clocks  

The invention of clocks marked a significant leap in timekeeping. The first mechanical clocks appeared in Europe in the 14th century, primarily in churches and monasteries. These clocks used gears & weights to drive a mechanism that indicated hours and sometimes minutes.  

Built in 1386, the famous Salisbury Cathedral clock is one of the ancient mechanical clocks. Often installed in towers, these early mechanical clocks were monumental, and served to mark the passage of time & as public spectacles. They played a crucial role in regulating daily life in medieval towns, from signalling work hours to calling the faithful to prayer.  

Precision with Pendulums: The Pendulum Clock  

The 17th century witnessed a revolution in timekeeping with the introduction of the pendulum clock. Invented by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens in 1656, the pendulum clock vastly improved accuracy. The pendulum’s regular swing provided a precise timekeeping element, reducing errors from minutes to mere seconds per day.  

This invention paved the way for more reliable timekeeping and spurred further advancements in clockmaking. Their improved accuracy profoundly impacted navigation and scientific research, enabling sailors to determine longitude more precisely and astronomers to observe celestial events with greater accuracy.  

Sand Clock History: An Ancient Alternative  

While mechanical and pendulum clocks were advancing, another timekeeping device held its charm and utility – the sand clock or hourglass . With a history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, hourglasses were used to measure fixed periods, often in cooking or during speeches.  

The simplicity and visual appeal of sand clocks ensured their continued use, even as more precise clocks were developed. Hourglasses remained popular for centuries, often used in maritime navigation and even in churches to time sermons.  

The Allure of Elegance: Clocks in the 18th and 19th Centuries  

These centuries marked a period where clocks transcended their utilitarian roles to become symbols of art and elegance. This era saw the rise of the grandfather clock, also known as the longcase clock, that became a household staple. Often crafted from fine woods such as mahogany and oak, grandfather clocks featured beautifully carved cases, brass dials, and painted moon phases, making them the focal points of many homes. The craftsmanship in creating these clocks reflected the wealth and taste of their owners.  

In addition to these pieces, the period witnessed the growth of bracket clocks, mantel clocks, and carriage clocks. Often placed on wall brackets or shelves, bracket clocks were noted for their ornate cases and precise movements. Mantel clocks were designed to sit on fireplace mantels, and featured elegant designs that complemented interior decor. Carriage clocks were popular among travellers , as they were portable timepieces with sturdy cases and handles.  

Pocket Watches and Wristwatches: Personal Timekeeping Devices  

The 18th and 19th centuries also saw the emergence of pocket watches, and eventually wristwatches, as personal timekeeping devices. Initially worn by the aristocracy and wealthy merchants, pocket watches became more accessible to the general public eventually. These portable clocks were often made of precious metals and adorned with intricate engravings. Introducing keyless winding mechanisms and improved escapements in the 19th century made pocket watches more reliable and user-friendly.  

By the late 19th century, wristwatches began to gain popularity, particularly among military personnel. The convenience of wristwatches over pocket watches was soon recognised, leading to widespread adoption. Wristwatches were initially considered women’s accessories, but during World War I, their practicality for soldiers led to their acceptance as men’s timepieces. The development of wristwatches marked a significant shift in personal timekeeping, blending functionality with fashion.  

Modern Masterpieces: The 20th Century and Beyond  

The 20th century introduced groundbreaking materials and technologies that revolutionised the design and functionality of wall and table clocks . Developed in the 1920s, quartz clocks utilised the piezoelectric properties of quartz crystals to maintain time with extraordinary precision.  

In the latter half of the century, digital and atomic clocks further pushed the boundaries of timekeeping accuracy. Digital clocks, which displayed time in numerical format, offered a new level of convenience and precision. Atomic clocks, based on the vibrations of atoms, particularly of caesium, could measure time to within billionths of a second.  

These ultra-precise clocks became essential for scientific research, global positioning systems (GPS), and telecommunications – ensuring synchronisation and accuracy in various high-tech applications.  

Conclusion  

The journey through time showcases the evolution of technology and design of timekeeping devices, reflecting broader cultural and scientific advancements. The history of the clock is a prime example, illustrating how it has evolved from simple sundials to intricate mechanical clocks, and eventually to the precise digital clocks we use today. As humanity continues to innovate, the legacy of these remarkable timekeeping devices will undoubtedly inspire future generations.  

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Timeline of Clocks and Watches

• 3500 BC – First sundials build in ancient Egypt after they were imported from Babylon, with many ancient structures were built to mark the passage of time and determine arrival of planting seasons and harvest times.
• 2000 BC – Creation of Stonehenge.
• 1400 BC – Some cultures mark the passage of time by measuring time it takes to burn oil, incense and candles.
• 742 BC – First archeological proof of sun dial existence.
• 300 BC – First simple transmission gears created by Archimedes.
• 300 AD – Introduction of sand glass clocks.
• 885 – Candles with time markings introduced to the medieval Europe.
• 1092 – First mechanical water clock created by Chinese innovator Su Sung.
• 1368 – First mechanical clock makers appeared in England.
• 1490 – Locksmith Peter Hele invented first mainspring in Nurnburg.
• Early 1500s – Appearance of first small domestic (table) clocks.
• 1510 – First mechanical watch created in German cities of Nuremberg by Peter Henlein . These models were either fastened to belts or carried around the neck and they measured only passage of hours.
• 1530 – The oldest surviving mechanical clock.
• 1540 – Screws became used for clocks, enabling much smaller designs that kept time much better than first models.
• 1541 – First public tower clock fixed on one of the towers in Hampton Court Palace, England.
• 1577 - Jost Burgi invented the minute hand, even though 16th century clocks were very inaccurate.
• 1581 – Italian astronomer and physicist Galileo discovered the properties of pendulum.
• 1587 – Geneva became home to the thriving watchmaking industry.
• 1610 – Introduction of protection glass on watches. This finally enabled reliable protection of time dials on the portable small watches.
• 1635 – French inventor and clockmaker Paul Viet of Blois introduced first enamel dials.
• 1657 – Famous Dutch physicist Christiaan Huygens created first pendulum controlled clock.
• 1671 – Pendulum clocks received important upgrade with the introduction of pendulum suspension spring introduced by William Clement.
• 1676 – Famous London watchmaker Daniel Quare introduced to the public concentric minute hand for watches. He also worked on creating repeating watches.
• 1704 - Nicholas Facio managed to pierce rubies and sapphires, using them as a jeweled bearing for balance staff pivots.
• 1720s – Several important watch inventions - George Graham invented mercurial compensation pendulum and dead-beat escapement for clocks, John Harrison invented grid-iron compensation pendulum and George Graham invented the cylinder escapement.
• 1760s – Enlightenment era in Europe brought many advances to clock mechanisms. Need for accurate maritime chronometers soon enabled ordinary and cheap watches to become very accurate. This accuracy can be attributed to the inventions of Pierre Le Roy and Thomas Earnshaw who introduced to the public temperature compensated balance wheel.
• 1785 - Josiah Emery improved the design of lever escapement that was first introduced by Thomas Mudge in 1759.
• 1840 – First electric clock was created by Edinburgh clockmaker Alexander Bain.
• 1858 – Association of English clock and watch makers created the British Horological Institute.
• 1880 to 1884 – Standardization of time zones. England received GMT time zone with Greenwich becoming prime meridian for measuring longitude in entire world.
• 1895 – First modern electric clock created by Frank Hope-Jones. This clock became base of all modern clocks that are created today.
• 1900s – Clocks and personal watches enter into mass production.
• 1905 – Radio time signals became transmitted from Washington DC to help ships find longitude on open seas.
• 1916 – Introduction of Summer Time.
• 1945 – Physicist Isador was first to suggest that oscillations of atoms (atomic-beam magnetic resonance) can be used to create extremely precise clocks.
• 1949 – First atomic clock created by United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NITS).
• 1967 – Second is formally defined not trough movements of celestial bodies but as 9,192,631,770 vibrations of the cesium atom.
• Late 1990s – Over half a billion watches are sold every year.

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

European clocks in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Hooded wall clock with calendar

Clockmaker: Ahasuerus I Fromanteel

Longcase clock with calendrical, lunar, and tidal indications, also known as the Graves Tompion

Clockmaker: Thomas Tompion

Clock with pedestal

Case attributed to André Charles Boulle

Clockmaker: Franz Xavier Gegenreiner

Table or bracket clock with calendar

Clockmaker: Daniel Delander

Wall clock (cartel)

Clockmaker: Etienne LeNoir

Mantel clock (pendule de cheminée)

Movement by the workshop of Julien Le Roy

Miniature secretary incorporating a watch

Longcase astronomical regulator

Clockmaker: Ferdinand Berthoud

Clare Vincent Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2003

The adoption of the pendulum in the seventeenth century radically changed the European clock. The great advantage of the pendulum for controlling the escapement of a clock is that, unlike earlier controlling devices, the freely swinging pendulum has a definite period of its own. The principle was discovered in Italy by Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), but for the practical purposes of European clockmaking, the development of the pendulum began with the Dutch mathematician Christiaan Huygens (1629–1695). Huygens’ first version of the pendulum was invented toward the end of 1656. A year later, Salomon Coster (died 1659) of the Hague obtained exclusive patent rights for making Huygens’ pendulum clocks in the Netherlands. The Fromanteels, a prominent family of London clockmakers, sent a family member John (1638–1692) to become a journeyman in Coster’s workshop, and by November 1658, the Fromanteels were able to advertise their pendulum clocks in London. The Museum’s hooded wall clock ( 1974.28.93 ) of about 1660–65 by Ahasuerus I Fromanteel (1607–1693), the father of John, is a fine example of an English clock with a traditional verge escapement, now regulated by the newly developed short pendulum derived from Huygens’ invention .

About 1670, Isaac II Thuret (1630–1706), clockmaker to the French king Louis XIV, made a pendulum clock with a dial that indicated hours, minutes, and seconds. Now in the collection of the Museum Boerhaave in Leiden, the clock was, according to tradition, the personal possession of Huygens, and it is the oldest preserved astronomical regulator. A domestic clock ( 58.53 ) with a short pendulum probably made by Isaac or perhaps by his son Jacques III Thuret (1669–1738), with a magnificent case and pedestal by André Charles Boulle (1642–1732), made about a quarter of a century later, is in the Museum’s collection.

Although Huygens published his idea for a precision pendulum in a small booklet titled Horologium in 1658, he did not produce the full theory of the pendulum for the scientific world until the 1673 publication  Horologium Oscillatorium: sive, De motu Pendulorum . By that time, English and French clockmakers had already put the pendulum to use, permanently changing the technology of clocks. It remained for the English to complete this development. There were a number of practical problems, however, in making the pendulum the truly accurate timekeeper it was to become. First, the pendulum had to be lengthened and the arc of its swing reduced. A new escapement had to be found to help shorten the arc, as well as to diminish the retarding effect that the older verge escapement had on the pendulum. The standard solution proved to be the anchor escapement regulated by a pendulum of slightly more than 39 inches in length, giving a beat of one second and allowing seconds to be recorded on the dial of a clock without the use of complicated gearing. A weight at the bottom of the pendulum in the form of a double-sided convex disk was found to offer the least resistance to the air. The problem of making a case to stand on the floor to protect the long pendulum as well as the weights of a domestic clock was solved in the course of the seventeenth-century evolution of the longcase—or, more popularly, the grandfather clock. All these features are present in a longcase clock ( 1999.48.2 ) of about 1677–80 by Thomas Tompion (1639–1713).

By the end of the seventeenth century, clocks were accurate enough to be used for serious astronomical observation. Tompion had, in fact, made two year-going clocks with 13-foot pendulums for the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, that were finished in 1676. John Harrison’s (1693–1776) chronometer, familiarly known as H. 4, proved that it was possible to solve the age-old problem of finding the longitude at sea by the use of an accurate timekeeper. John Arnold (1735–1799) and Thomas Earnshaw (1749–1829) managed to make chronometers in sufficient quantities and at moderate prices so that by the early nineteenth century the chronometer had become a standard instrument of navigation.

Technical advances and superb workmanship combined to place England at the forefront of clockmaking in the latter part of the seventeenth and into the eighteenth century, so much so that in 1711, in order to protect the French trade, King Louis XIV banned the importation of English clocks into France. French clockmakers, on the other hand, took full advantage of the luxury trade that flourished in Paris, providing domestic clocks in splendid cases, ranging from products of cabinetmakers such as Boulle in the early part of the period to the cooperative efforts of bronze founders, porcelain makers , and marble cutters, which began to predominate before the middle of the eighteenth century. The cases were often closely related to the sculpture and smaller decorative objects of the period. Such clocks as a cartel or wall clock ( 1982.60.84 ) with a Chantilly porcelain case and a movement by Étienne I Le Noir (1675–1739), or a mantel clock ( 1991.8 ) with a patinated bronze figure titled “Time’s Employment” (l’Emploi du Temps) and a movement from the workshops of Julien Le Roy (1686–1759) and his son Pierre Le Roy (1717–1785), are fine examples of these decorative domestic clocks.

French clockmakers also contributed to the advancement of precision timekeeping in the eighteenth century; indeed, Ferdinand Berthoud (1727–1807) was making marine clocks, or chronometers, in Paris while Harrison was still trying to convince the English Admiralty that his chronometers could be put to practical use. By 1760, Berthoud had constructed his first marine chronometer, in 1773 he published his Traité des horloges marines , and in 1766 he obtained a standing order for two marine clocks a year for the French navy. Pierre Le Roy made experimental marine clocks and contributed greatly to the technical inventions that were necessary to the construction of a successful marine chronometer.

French domestic clocks with long pendulums such as one with a movement by Ferdinand Berthoud ( 1982.60.50 ) made use of the improved timekeeping properties of the steel and brass gridiron pendulum invented in England in the 1720s. The clock, made about 1768–70, also incorporates a system of gearing using Berthoud’s own variation on the kidney-shaped equation of time disk for indicating the annual irregularities of solar time, a device he published in 1763 in his Essai sur l’horlogerie .

Augsburg, which had been one of the chief suppliers of clocks to all of Europe during the late Renaissance, continued to make domestic clocks, some with highly decorative cases, such as one with repoussé silver reliefs ( 46.162 ) by Johann Andreas Thelot (1655–1734), one of Augsburg’s most renowned goldsmiths. Augsburg clockmakers never completely exploited the new horological technology, however, and they soon lost their prominence in the history of clockmaking.

Glossary of Terms

Anchor escapement Often found in late seventeenth- and eighteenth-century clocks with long pendulums, the device consists of a flat, toothed wheel mounted at the end of the going train of a clock and a separate, semicircular piece of steel with pallets at each end of the semicircle that somewhat resembles a sea anchor. The anchor escapement engages with the pendulum by means of a short rod, or crutch, attached to the arbor of the anchor at one end and terminating on the other in a fork or slot that clasps the pendulum rod or a pin that fits within a slot in the pendulum rod. When in motion, the anchor rocks to and fro, releasing one tooth of the wheel and catching another, thus releasing the energy of the going train at small intervals, usually of one second in a longcase clock.

Chronometer In modern usage, a timekeeper of great precision.

Contrate wheel A wheel in which the teeth stand up at right angles to the plane of the wheel.

Equation clock A clock that is made to display true solar time, the time measured by a sundial, which is governed by the diurnal revolutions of the earth in relation to the sun. Usually, such clocks also display mean solar time, or mean time, which is an average drawn from the length of all the solar days in the year and results in a day of exactly twenty-four equal hours. The difference between the two reaches a maximum of a little more than sixteen minutes.

Escapement The mechanism that converts the continuous motion of the series of wheels, or going train, of a clock to the back-and-forth motion of its regulator.

Going train The series of toothed wheels that connect with a power source and drive the timekeeping mechanism, as well as the hands, of a clock.

Gridiron pendulum A pendulum consisting of multiple rods made of two metals (often brass and steel) with differing coefficients of expansion, that are arranged so that the total length of the pendulum remains constant and unaffected by changes in temperature.

Regulator A stationary clock of great precision. It usually has a seconds-beating, compensated pendulum, whether of the gridiron variety or some other variety, such as the mercury-filled jar, that adjusts to changes in temperature that would otherwise affect the length of the pendulum. Some have specially designed escapements, as well.

Striking train The series of toothed wheels that connect a power source with a hammer that strikes a bell (usually in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century clocks) and measures out the number of strikes required.

Verge escapement A toothed wheel that is the last wheel in the going train of a clock across which is placed an arbor, or balance staff, with two pallets, or flags, attached to it in such a way that when the wheel revolves, the teeth of the wheel alternately engage a pallet, releasing the energy of the going train in short, measured intervals. It is the oldest practical form of escapement and can be used with circular balances as well as short pendulums.

Vincent, Clare. “European Clocks in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/clck/hd_clck.htm (October 2003)

Further Reading

Andrewes, William J. H., ed. The Quest for Longitude: The Proceedings of the Longitude Symposium, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, November 4–6, 1993 . Cambridge, Mass.: Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University, 1996.

Augarde, Jean-Dominique. Les ouvriers du temps: La pendule á Paris de Louis XIV á Napoléon Ier / Ornamental Clocks and Clockmakers in Eighteenth Century Paris . Geneva: Antiquorum Editions, 1996.

Baillie, G. H., et al., eds. Britten's Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers . 9th ed., rev. and enl. London: Methuen, 1982.

Brusa, Giuseppe. L'arte dell'orologeria in Europa: Sette secoli di orologi meccanici . Busto Arsizio: Bramante, 1978.

Kjellberg, Pierre. Encyclopédie de la pendule française du Moyen Âge au XXe siécle . Paris: Éditions de l'Amateur, 1997.

Landes, David S. Revolution in Time: Clocks and the Making of the Modern World . Rev. and enl. ed. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.

Maurice, Klaus. Die deutsche Räderuhr: Zur Kunst und Technik des mechanischen Zeitmessers im deutschen Sprachraum . 2 vols. Munich: Beck, 1976.

Smith, Alan, ed. The Country Life International Dictionary of Clocks . London: Country Life Books, 1979.

Additional Essays by Clare Vincent

• Vincent, Clare. “ James Cox (ca. 1723–1800): Goldsmith and Entrepreneur .” (November 2008)
• Vincent, Clare. “ Edgar Degas (1834–1917): Bronze Sculpture .” (October 2004)
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How Clocks Changed Humanity Forever, Making Us Masters and Slaves of Time

in History , Technology | February 19th, 2015 5 Comments

In 1983, the Har­vard eco­nom­ic his­to­ri­an  David Lan­des  wrote an influ­en­tial book called Rev­o­lu­tion in Time: Clocks and the Mak­ing of the Mod­ern World .  There, he argued that time­pieces (more than steamships and pow­er looms) drove the eco­nom­ic devel­op­ment of the West, lead­ing it into the Indus­tri­al Rev­o­lu­tion and even­tu­al­ly into an advanced form of cap­i­tal­ism. Time­pieces allowed us to mea­sure time in accu­rate, uni­form ways. And, once we had that abil­i­ty, we began to look at the way we live and work quite dif­fer­ent­ly. Lan­des wrote:

“The mechan­i­cal clock was self-con­tained, and once horol­o­gists learned to dri­ve it by means of a coiled spring rather than a falling weight, it could be minia­tur­ized so as to be portable, whether in the house­hold or on the per­son. It was this pos­si­bil­i­ty of wide­spread pri­vate use that laid the basis for ‘time dis­ci­pline,’ as against ‘time obe­di­ence.’ One can … use pub­lic clocks to simon peo­ple for one pur­pose or anoth­er; but that is not punc­tu­al­i­ty. Punc­tu­al­i­ty comes from with­in, not from with­out. It is the mechan­i­cal clock that made pos­si­ble, for bet­ter or worse, a civ­i­liza­tion atten­tive to the pas­sage of time, hence to pro­duc­tiv­i­ty and per­for­mance.”

It’s all part of the log­ic that even­tu­al­ly gets us to Ben­jamin Franklin offer­ing this famous piece of  advice to a young trades­man , in 1748, “Remem­ber that Time is Mon­ey.”

You can find sim­i­lar argu­ments at the core of this new­ly-released video called “A Briefer His­to­ry of Time: How tech­nol­o­gy changes us in unex­pect­ed ways.”  The video brings us back to the 1650s — to a turn­ing point when Chris­ti­aan Huy­gens invent­ed the pen­du­lum clock , which remained the world’s most pre­cise and wide­spread time­keep­ing device for the next three cen­turies. He was­n’t alone. But cer­tain­ly Huy­gens did much to make us mas­ters of time. And cer­tain­ly also slaves to it.

Relat­ed Con­tent:

Free Online Eco­nom­ics Cours­es

David Harvey’s Course on Marx’s Cap­i­tal: Vol­umes 1 & 2 Now Avail­able Free Online

“The Vertue of the COFFEE Drink”: An Ad for London’s First Cafe Print­ed Cir­ca 1652

The Mar­velous Health Ben­e­fits of Choco­late: A Curi­ous Med­ical Essay from 1631

Every­day Eco­nom­ics: A New Course by Mar­gin­al Rev­o­lu­tion Uni­ver­si­ty Where Stu­dents Cre­ate the Syl­labus

by OC | Permalink | Comments (5) |

Related posts:

Comments (5), 5 comments so far.

A flag­ship work on how the exact mea­sure­ment of time led cap­i­tal­ism (and vice ver­sa, of course) is this essay by British his­to­ri­an E.P. Thomp­son: https://libcom.org/files/timeworkandindustrialcapitalism.pdf

What is Time? –by J. Krish­na­mur­ti (Oct 13, 2003)

Do you know what time is? Not by the watch, not chrono­log­i­cal time, but psy­cho­log­i­cal time? It is the inter­val between idea and action. An idea is for self-pro­tec­tion obvi­ous­ly; it is the idea of being secure. Action is always imme­di­ate; it is not of the past or of the future; to act must always be in the present, but action is so dan­ger­ous, so uncer­tain, that we con­form to an idea which we hope will give us a cer­tain safe­ty.

Do look at this in your­self. You have an idea of what is right or wrong, or an ide­o­log­i­cal con­cept about your­self and soci­ety, and accord­ing to that idea you are going to act. There­fore the action is in con­for­mi­ty with that idea, approx­i­mat­ing to the idea, and hence there is always con­flict. There is the idea, the inter­val and action. And in that inter­val is the whole field of time. That inter­val is essen­tial­ly thought. When you think you will be hap­py tomor­row, then you have an image of your-self achiev­ing a cer­tain result in time. Thought, through obser­va­tion, through desire, and the con­ti­nu­ity of that desire sus­tained by fur­ther thought, says, ‘Tomor­row I shall be hap­py. Tomor­row I shall have suc­cess. Tomor­row the world will be a beau­ti­ful place.’ So thought cre­ates that inter­val which is time.

Now we are ask­ing, can we put a stop to time? Can we live so com­plete­ly that there is no tomor­row for thought to think about? Because time is sor­row. That is, yes­ter­day or a thou­sand yes­ter­day’s ago, you loved, or you had a com­pan­ion who has gone, and that mem­o­ry remains and you are think­ing about that plea­sure and that pain-you are look­ing back, wish­ing, hop­ing, regret­ting, so thought, going over it again and again, breeds this thing we call sor­row and gives con­ti­nu­ity to time.

So long as there is this inter­val of time which has been bred by thought, there must be sor­row, there must be con­ti­nu­ity of fear. So one asks one­self can this inter­val come to an end? […] Now if one is lost in a wood, what is the first thing one does? One stops, does­n’t one? One stops and looks round. But the more we are con­fused and lost in life the more we chase around, search­ing, ask­ing, demand­ing, beg­ging. So the first thing, if I may sug­gest it, is that you com­plete­ly stop inward­ly. And when you do stop inward­ly, psy­cho­log­i­cal­ly, your mind becomes very peace­ful, very clear. Then you can real­ly look at this ques­tion of time.

–J. Krish­na­mur­ti

What is time?

Time is Nature’s way of keep­ing every­thing from hap­pen­ing at once.

Clock time of the world has detached man from the time­less­ness of the fact of Exis­tence; clock time made man an earthling,another ani­mal with intel­li­gence! He start­ed think­ing that to make a liv­ing here,he must exploit Nature. Please see the fol­low­ing link to under­stand more about it: http://argumentsagainstscientificpositivism.blogspot.in/2016/01/the-initial-motivational-energies.html?m=1 Dar­win added to this ide­l­og­i­cal tragedy,that man need to com­pete each oth­er for achiev­ing suc­cess, the one and only motive in life; http://understandinginflationinanewlight.blogspot.in/2015/03/seeking-origins-of-notion-of-human.html?m=1

I’ve tak­en time to sit and think about noth­ing. It is dif­fi­cult to stop and think about noth­ing as time pass­es. Your mind still con­tin­ues to process thoughts as the sec­onds turns into min­utes then into hours. So time does­n’t stop just like your thoughts. As I sit here try­ing to clear my thoughts; time is still mov­ing. Who are we kid­ding; “Time” helps us shape our lives as we sit and think about our love ones we had once loved and now we are mourn­ing on the date and time we had loss them. Time helps us heal; as time con­tin­ues we do not for­get about the ones we lost but, the time we had with them.

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Clocks: A Brief History of Telling Time

Long before clocks, humans found creative ways to track time. From falling sand to slow burning incense, we tried it all. But it took a daydreaming astronomer and a whole lot of inventors to create the precise devices we rely on today.

Joy Dolo and her co-host Kira set off on a tour of timekeeping with reporter Carla Javier. Smithsonian curator Carlene Stephens joins them for a timely train ride, and shares the story of how railroads led to the creation of one standard time for all.

Plus, we’ll hear about a clock buried deep in a mountainside that’s designed to keep ticking for 10,000 years. You can learn more about the organization behind it, the Long Now Foundation, here .

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Essay on Clock: A Timekeeper in the Symphony of Life

The clock, a seemingly mundane instrument, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the rhythm of our lives. From the ancient sundials to the modern digital marvels, clocks have been our faithful companions, marking the passage of time and shaping human activities. This essay delves into the significance of the clock, exploring its historical evolution, diverse types, and the profound impact it has on our daily routines.

Quick Overview:

• The concept of measuring time has deep historical roots, with early civilizations relying on sundials, water clocks, and candle clocks. The mechanical clock, driven by gears and weights, emerged during the Middle Ages. Over centuries, clocks evolved into intricate timekeeping devices, culminating in the precision of modern atomic clocks.
• Clocks come in various forms, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Grandfather clocks stand as elegant heirlooms, wall clocks adorn our living spaces, and wristwatches accompany us on our daily journeys. The diversity of clocks reflects the fusion of functionality and aesthetics in timekeeping.
• The advent of technology has revolutionized timekeeping. Digital clocks, atomic clocks, and smartwatches exemplify the strides made in precision and convenience. Atomic clocks, utilizing the vibrations of atoms, have redefined accuracy, setting the standard for global timekeeping.
• Clocks are integral to our daily routines, guiding us through the structured cadence of the day. From waking up to deadlines, appointments, and leisure, every facet of our lives is intricately woven into the fabric of time. The clock serves as a reliable guide, ensuring order and efficiency.
• Beyond its practical utility, the clock carries profound symbolism. It represents the finite nature of time, urging us to value each moment. The ticking hands of a clock echo the heartbeat of existence, reminding us of the relentless march of time and the need to make the most of every fleeting second.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the clock is more than a mechanical or digital device; it is a silent maestro orchestrating the symphony of our lives. As we glance at its face, we witness the unfolding of moments, the progression of hours, and the cyclical nature of days. From the ancient sundials that marked the passage of sunlight to the precision of atomic clocks syncing with the vibrations of atoms, the evolution of clocks reflects humanity’s quest for measuring time with increasing accuracy.

The clock is an inseparable part of our routines, a steadfast companion in the journey of life. Its ticking hands remind us of the transient nature of time, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the moments we cherish. Whether mounted on a wall, adorning a wrist, or standing tall as a grandfather clock, the humble timepiece continues to be a cornerstone in our daily existence.

In embracing the significance of the clock, we acknowledge its role not just as a timekeeper but as a symbolic bridge between our past, present, and future. As technology propels us forward, the clock remains a timeless symbol, echoing the heartbeat of our shared human experience and beckoning us to navigate the intricate dance of time with awareness and purpose.

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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Trace the development of timekeeping with these helpful sites. Learn how the ancients kept track of time, and see how today's timekeepers aren't all that different.

Ancient Calendars Follow the ancients as they invent device after device to keep time. Some of these inventions may surprise you!

Time Measurement in Ancient Greece See how the ancient Greeks kept track of time, then compare them to other civilizations.

Time in Ancient Egypt The ancient Egyptians were advanced in many areas, including time measurement. See how this is so.

A Walk Through Time Follow the measurement of time through its historical development. See how the timepieces change from culture to culture.

Sun and Water Clocks Sundials and water clocks--two of the most useful inventions ever made. And they were easy to make, too!

Clock History Trace the evolution of the clock, from simple gears to elaborate mechanisms.

Calendars Through the Ages From timekeeping devices came the calendar, a counting of days until the next event, like a flood or the appearance of the Moon. Trace the history of the calendar at this exciting site!

Maya Calendar Round The Mayas had not one calendar but three! They all worked together to produce a series of dates. See this complicated system made easy.

Gregorian Calendar This is the modern calendar, the one we use today. It was quite controversial when it was introduced, hundreds of years ago. See why.

How the Days of the Week Got Their Names The modern Western days of the week got their names from Norse mythology and from Roman times. Discover the origins of the names of the seven days of the week.

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