Clocking In: Timeline of Clocks

Early clock making efforts had mediocre results at best. Sundials, water clocks and marked candles were still only accurate to within an hour's time provided external conditions were cooperative. It was merely a millennia ago that the development of the "escapement mechanism" in China began to provide the necessary mechanical regulation to provide any real accuracy. It was five hundred years after this that clocks became accurate enough to include a minute hand.

The mechanical devices that work the clock have been fine-tuned in size and can easily be constructed small enough to fit on the band or bracelet of a wristwatch for constant personal reference. Miniature clocks can be set into other fine jewelry pieces such as pendants, brooches, tie clasps and clips.

The invention of the electric clock in the mid 1800's put our timekeeping efforts on the path to trustworthy measurement of the minutes of our lives. The modern atomic clocks used for official time stamp designations have become accurate to as much as one second or less per year. Throughout the world, time is not synchronized via these timekeeping devices and the internet so that global scheduling can be maintained.

Watches, clocks and other timekeeping devices have become ubiquitous in the modern world although the fascination with time has not diminished. While the clockmaker's art has always included style and aesthetic presentation to the devices that measure time, today's fashion conscious trends have created timepieces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Wood, chrome steel, precious metal or plastic, the traditional analog clock face can be inserted with style. Digital LED clocks add a look of functional style and can be incorporated with the office decor of almost any style.

A display quality clock is an essential and integral part of any successful office decor. Whether an impressive award piece or built into a desk items caddy, the ever-present desk clock will help keep your schedules timed. For the traveler who needs more than a wristwatch while abroad, one can choose from a wide assortment of sizes and functions of travel clocks to assure you are never late for an appointment.