Sundials: Ancient Timekeeping
Before mechanical clocks, sundials were widely used. They originated in ancient Egypt around 1500 BC. Sundials indicated time by the shadow position of a gnomon, but were useless at night or during cloudy weather.
Water Clocks Flow Forward
Water clocks, or clepsydras, date back to 16th century BC in China and Egypt. These timepieces measured time by the regulated flow of liquid into or out of a vessel, offering night-time and overcast day utility.
Mechanical Clocks Revolution
The first mechanical clocks, appearing in Europe during the 14th century, lacked faces. Instead, they struck bells to signal the hour. This technology was pivotal for coordinating labor and religious practices.
The Springs and Escapement
The invention of the mainspring in the 15th century allowed clocks to become portable. The escapement mechanism, developed around the same time, increased accuracy by controlling the gear speed.
Pendulum Clocks' Golden Age
Christiaan Huygens created the first pendulum clock in 1656, improving accuracy to within seconds per day. This innovation dominated timekeeping for nearly 300 years and is still used in some clocks today.
Wristwatches Over Pocket Watches
Wristwatches gained popularity over pocket watches during World War I, as soldiers needed quick, hands-free access to time. Post-war, this trend persisted, leading to the widespread personal timekeeping devices we use today.
Atomic Clocks: Utmost Precision
Developed in 1949, atomic clocks don't measure time through mechanical or electronic oscillators, but by the vibrations of atoms. Cesium atomic clocks define the length of a second with an accuracy of one second in millions of years.
When did sundials first originate?
Around 1500 BC in Egypt
In the 14th century Europe
16th century BC in China
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