Almost as long as there were humans there were ways for telling time, as we looked to the patterns of the sun to track our days. The clock itself – our most modern method for telling time – had its humble beginnings in the early form of sundials through which ancient societies learned to interpret the shadows that the sun cast through the course of a day. Although it is difficult to pinpoint for sure, it is believed that early manifestations of mechanical clocks first appeared in Europe in the late 1200s.

The early designs of 13th century clocks began to use some mechanisms that would become quite familiar to us in later manifestations of clock designs; mechanisms such as weights, dials, and clock hands. Just a century later clock designs became more sophisticated – including operating gears and springs in their mechanics.

In the 15th and 16th century clocks of all different designs began to be manufactured and included such developments as a second hand on the clock dial and pendulum technology which would spark the design and development of the longcase clock – later to be known as the grandfather clock.

Clocks today are a tribute to these early designs, while offering consumers a modern variety in terms of style. Clockmakers long associated with high quality clocks are able to offer consumers the ability to keep efficient time and still enjoy beautiful designs through reputable suppliers such as 1-800-4CLOCKS.

The clock is much more than just a way to tell time; it is a link to our past and evidence that the more things change the more they really stay the same.