Evolution of the Clock

Egyptians invent the water clock

100

About 1400 BC the Egyptians invented the water clock. It consisted of two containers of water, one of which was higher than the other. Water flowed along a tube from the higher container to the lower at a steady rate. Rings were marked on the inside of the lower container and when the water level reached one it meant another hour had passed.

"Candle Clocks"

101

In 885 Medieval Europe discovered and started using candles as a time source. The time it took each candle to burn was one hour. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/candle-clock-history-facts-and-limitations.html

First Mechanical Water Clock

Oct 6, 1092

The first mechanical water clock was invented by Chinese invovator Su Sang. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/

Table Clocks

Oct 6, 1500

The first appearance of small domestic (table) clocks. http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/historybrief.php

First Mechanical Watch

Oct 6, 1510

First mechanical watch created by Peter Henlein in Nuremberg, Germany. These watches were either fastened to belts or worn around the neck. These watches only told time in hours. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/

Tower Clock

Oct 6, 1541

The first public tower clock was fixed on one of the towers of Hampton Court Palace, England. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/

Minute Hand

Oct 6, 1577

The minute hand was invented by Jost Burgi. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/

Glass Protection

Oct 6, 1610

The idea of using glass as protection on watches greatly enhanced the reliability of these early time keeping devices. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/

Mass Production

Oct 6, 1900

Clocks and watches begin mass production. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/

Atomic Clock

Oct 6, 1949

The first Atomic clock was created by NITS. http://www.historyofwatch.com/clock-history/clock-timeline/