Types of Clock Used by People in Past Ages to Keep the Track of Time

Content Curator

Figuring out time is so easy today, right? Just have a look at the clock and there you go. Well, people of medieval and ancient ages also used to do the same, though their methods were more demanding. Time-identifying was a task in itself for them as, at times, they also needed to perform some calculations.

Water-Clock, Cannon-Clock, Hourglass, people have tried multiple methods for identifying the time in past. As their needs increased, they developed more and more innovative methods to find solutions to their problems. These old-fashioned clocks served their purposes, at a time when no one needed to run to their offices.

Though we won’t find them easy to use now, these clocks are surely fascinating. Have a look and find out how many of these clocks you knew before.

1. Sundial

Sundial is one of the most commonly talked clocks used in ancient ages. It consisted of a “gnomon”, the projecting piece, which cast shadow of the Sun to tell the time. Did you know that Jantar Mantar in Jaipur houses the world’s largest sundial?

2. Moondial

Most of us are already aware of the Sundial, but what about the Moondial? A moondial comprises a moon-table which connects the phase of the moon to the apparent lunar time based on the moonlight.

3. Merkhet

Merkhet is the alternative to compensate for a sundial’s failure during the night. It tracks the alignment and visibility of various stars and was known as “star clock” in ancient Egypt.

4. Obelisk

Obelisks can be considered as huge structures made up of concrete which also act as a sundial. They are still commonly seen in Renaissance countries.

5. Elephant Clock

An invention by Al-Jazari, an elephant clock is an assortment of strings, drums, serpent, and water to tell time. It indicates time every half hour or full hour.

6. Hourglass

The most popular ancient method of tracking time, an hourglass consists of 2 glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck which allows sand or any other element to pass through it.

7. Water Clock

A water clock tells time by measuring a regulated flow of water. The influx of water at a constant speed is directed into 12 columns meant for different months.

8. Incense Clock

An incense clock measures time by burning incense and they also release fragrances. Certain incense clocks release different colours to indicate different hours.

9. Time Ball

The time ball had a bit different kind of purpose. It was used to drop a huge wooden or metallic ball at a predetermined time to direct navigators to aboard their ships and set their chronometers.

10. Oil Lamp Clock

An oil lamp clock had a reservoir of oil that lowered as the oil burned to indicate time. Whale Oil was the most commonly used oil and the clock traces back its popularity to the 18th century.

11. Church Bells

Church bells have always been a popular time tracking system, yet we rarely discuss them. Till date, there are many bells tolling every day and telling time to people.

12. Clock Towers

Clock towers can be simply described as the heritage sites in cities guiding people towards their better time.

Many of these clocks have already disappeared but some are still in use. If you have ever used any of these clocks mentioned above, do share your experience.