A Brief History of Clocks

August 09, 2017

You have definitely had to look up the wall to check what time the clock read at some point in your life- everyone surely had. We have all learnt to optimize our day by simply taking cognizance of the time- a feat has been achievable [though in part] through a functional clock. But how the clock originated is something you might have been least concerned about- why should you anyway? Notwithstanding, in this article, we shall be aiming turn back the hand of time to briefly touch upon the history of clocks.

Prior to the invention of clocks, people used different devices [like the hourglass, candle clocks, sundials, water clocks and so on] to measure time but as the need to get a more accurate timekeeping device became evident, horologists began to 'work around the clock'. And a major breakthrough was recorded in 1386 when the Salisbury Cathedral clock was built, and this was followed by 'Rouen' clock- this was the first clock to strike the quarter-hour mark. Onwards since then, varying designs of clocks have been developed, and clocks are now handy household items.

Timeline of Clocks

Horologists have come up with different clock types that function based on certain mechanisms, and it is only logical that we share some of this with you before bringing this write-up to a close. So, here it is:

1088: Su Song invented a form of astronomical clock that was water-powered.

1277: Spanish clockmaker, Libros del Saber created the 'Mercury' Clock.

1430: Phillip the Good invented the Spring-driven clock.

1656: The Pendulum Clock was developed by Christiaan Huygens.

1670: William Clement developed the 'Grandfather' clock.

1735: John Harrison built Chronometer [which was also termed 'sea clock'].

1746: The 'Millennium' Clock was designed by Monsieur Passemont.

1766: French horologist, Pierre Le Roy developed an advanced Chronometer.

1840: Alexander Bain invented the electric clock.

*Note: The year [of invention] is indicated on the left. Plus the list is not an exhaustive one.