Timekeeping Titans: 5 Colossal Clocks That Will Leave You in Awe!

Timekeeping has always fascinated humanity. From ancient sundials to modern digital clocks, our quest to measure time has led to some truly gigantic creations. Today, we’ll check out the world’s biggest clocks ever made, each one a marvel of engineering and artistry.

These colossal timepieces are not just about telling time; they are symbols of human ingenuity and ambition. Each clock on this list has its own unique story and design, reflecting the culture and era in which it was built. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of these monumental clocks!

Before we start, here are some key highlights to get you ticking with excitement:

Highlights

• Discover the largest mechanical clock in the world.
• Learn about a clock so big it’s part of a building.
• Uncover the stories behind these timekeeping giants.

The Great Clock of Westminster

The Great Clock of Westminster, more commonly known as Big Ben, is one of the most iconic clocks in the world. Located in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, this clock has been keeping time since 1859. Its name, Big Ben, actually refers to the Great Bell inside the clock tower, but over time, it has become synonymous with the entire clock.

Standing at an impressive 316 feet tall, the Elizabeth Tower houses a clock with four faces, each measuring 23 feet in diameter. The minute hands alone are 14 feet long, and the hour hands are about 9 feet. The clock’s mechanism is a marvel of Victorian engineering, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and Frederick Dent. It’s wound three times a week to keep it ticking accurately.

Despite its age, the Great Clock of Westminster remains a symbol of British resilience and tradition. It has survived bombings during World War II and continues to chime every hour, on the hour. The clock is so precise that its timekeeping is adjusted using old British pennies. Adding or removing these pennies from the pendulum can alter the clock’s speed by 0.4 seconds per day.

• Height: 316 feet
• Diameter of clock faces: 23 feet
• Minute hand length: 14 feet
• Hour hand length: 9 feet

The Mecca Clock Tower

Located in Saudi Arabia, the Mecca Clock Tower is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, which holds the title of the third tallest building in the world. The clock itself is a modern engineering marvel, boasting the largest clock face in the world. Each of its four faces measures a staggering 141 feet in diameter, making it visible from miles away.

The Mecca Clock Tower was completed in 2012 and stands 1,972 feet tall. It’s not just a clock; it’s a part of a massive skyscraper that includes a hotel, a shopping mall, and residential apartments. The clock tower is adorned with over two million LED lights, which illuminate the time and Islamic calligraphy. The top of the tower features a golden crescent that is 75 feet tall, adding to its grandeur.

This clock is not only a timekeeping device but also a symbol of Islamic culture and heritage. It’s designed to be seen from all around Mecca, especially during the Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims visit the city. The clock is so precise that it is synchronized with the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and is adjusted by a team of specialists to ensure its accuracy.

• Height: 1,972 feet
• Diameter of clock faces: 141 feet
• Number of LED lights: Over 2 million
• Golden crescent height: 75 feet

The Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Orloj, is a medieval clock located in the Old Town Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. First installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation. This clock is not just a timekeeper; it’s a complex instrument that displays astronomical information, such as the positions of the sun, moon, and zodiac constellations.

The Orloj consists of three main components: the astronomical dial, the “Walk of the Apostles,” and a calendar dial. The astronomical dial is a masterpiece of medieval science and art, showing the position of celestial bodies and the time in various formats. The “Walk of the Apostles” is a show that takes place every hour, featuring moving statues of the Twelve Apostles and other figures, such as Death and Vanity.

Despite its age, the Prague Astronomical Clock continues to fascinate visitors with its intricate design and historical significance. It has undergone several restorations over the centuries, the most recent one being in 2018. The clock remains a symbol of Prague’s rich cultural heritage and a proof to the ingenuity of medieval clockmakers.

• Year of installation: 1410
• Main components: Astronomical dial, Walk of the Apostles, calendar dial
• Recent restoration: 2018

The Clock of the Long Now

The Clock of the Long Now is a unique and ambitious project designed to last for 10,000 years. Conceived by the Long Now Foundation, this clock is being built inside a mountain in West Texas, USA. The idea behind the clock is to encourage long-term thinking and responsibility, providing a tangible reminder of the passage of time on a grand scale.

The Clock of the Long Now will stand 500 feet tall and will be powered by mechanical energy, using a combination of solar power and human winding. Its design includes a series of dials and chimes that will change over time, ensuring that no two days will sound the same. The clock will also feature a “century hand” that moves once every 100 years and a “cuckoo” that emerges once every millennium.

This project is still under construction, but its vision and scale have already captured the imagination of many. The Clock of the Long Now aims to inspire future generations to think beyond their immediate needs and consider the long-term impact of their actions. It’s a symbol of hope and a reminder that we are all part of a much larger timeline.

• Height: 500 feet
• Power source: Mechanical energy (solar and human winding)
• Unique features: Century hand, millennium cuckoo

The Ganzhou Giant Clock

The Ganzhou Giant Clock is located in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China. This clock is part of the Ganzhou Tower and is one of the largest floral clocks in the world. Its face measures 130 feet in diameter, and it’s made up of thousands of flowers and plants, creating a stunning visual display that changes with the seasons.

The Ganzhou Giant Clock was completed in 2008 and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The clock’s hands are made of stainless steel, with the minute hand measuring 65 feet and the hour hand measuring 52 feet. The clock is designed to be both a functional timepiece and a work of art, showcasing the beauty of nature and the passage of time.

In addition to its impressive size, the Ganzhou Giant Clock is also environmentally friendly. It uses solar power to operate, reducing its carbon footprint. The clock is a symbol of Ganzhou’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, blending modern technology with natural beauty.

• Diameter: 130 feet
• Minute hand length: 65 feet
• Hour hand length: 52 feet
• Power source: Solar power

These gigantic clocks are more than just timekeepers; they are symbols of human ingenuity, culture, and ambition. Each one tells a story of its own, reflecting the era and society in which it was built. From the medieval marvel of the Prague Astronomical Clock to the futuristic vision of the Clock of the Long Now, these timepieces remind us of the importance of time and the endless possibilities of human creativity.

Whether you’re a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful things, these clocks offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of timekeeping. They stand as testaments to our desire to measure, understand, and, in some small way, control the passage of time.

References

1. Abraj Al Bait
2. The Clock of the Long Now
3. List of largest clock faces – Wikipedia
4. The Largest Clocks In The World – WorldAtlas
5. The World’s Biggest Clock – Discovery UK