Top 7 Oldest Clocks In The World

The history of clocks dates back thousands of years, and the oldest known timekeeping devices were quite different from the clocks we are familiar with today. Ancient civilizations had various methods to measure time, primarily driven by the need to track celestial events, agricultural cycles, and religious observances.

As timekeeping technology evolved, mechanical clocks became more advanced, leading to the development of pendulum clocks by Galileo Galilei and the precise marine chronometers used for navigation during the Age of Exploration.
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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 oldest clocks in the world that have been made by mankind.

7. Astronomical Clock in Exeter Cathedral (1483)

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Within the magnificent walls of Exeter Cathedral lie countless treasures and intriguing mysteries. Among the treasures within Exeter Cathedral is the Exeter Astronomical Clock, which stands as one of the oldest clocks in England and is believed to be part of a select group of ancient clocks worldwide. 

Historical evidence points to the construction of the Exeter Clock in 1484, and it has since undergone several upgrades and restorations in 1885 and 1910. This remarkable timepiece features a dial that indicates the Moon's phase, the day of the lunar month, and the current hour of the day. 

Curiously, it is thought to have served as the inspiration for the famous nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock".

6. Gdańsk Astronomical Clock (1464)

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The Gdańsk Astronomical Clock, also known as the Gdańsk Town Hall Clock, is a historic and fascinating timekeeping device located in the city of Gdańsk, Poland. It is one of the most renowned astronomical clocks in Europe and stands as a symbol of Gdańsk's rich history and engineering achievements.

The clock was originally built in the late 14th century, around the year 1464, by a group of skilled craftsmen led by Hans Düringer, a master clockmaker. Over the centuries, the clock underwent several renovations and restorations, but it has retained its iconic appearance and functional features.

The Gdańsk Astronomical Clock is integrated into the facade of the Gdańsk Town Hall, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance building located in the heart of the city's Main Town. The Gdańsk Astronomical Clock is integrated into the facade of the Gdańsk Town Hall, an impressive Gothic-Renaissance building located in the heart of the city's Main Town.

5. Ottery St. Mary Clock (1412)

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The Ottery St. Mary Clock, also known as the Ottery Tar Barrel Clock, is a unique and historic timekeeping device located in the town of Ottery St. Mary, Devon, England. The Ottery St. Mary astronomical clock belongs to a collection of clocks dating back to the 14th to 16th centuries.

The clock's mechanism was manufactured by Thwaites & Reed, renowned clockmakers of the time. The clock's mechanism is connected to this tradition in a unique way. At the stroke of midnight on November 5th, the clock activates, and instead of striking the hours with a chime, it triggers the release of a wooden figure carrying a tar barrel.
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This figure, known as the "Ottery Tar Barrel Man," moves around the clock's face as if participating in the Tar Barrel Rolling event.

4. Prague Orloj Astronomical Clock (1410)

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The Prague Orloj Astronomical Clock, commonly known as the Prague Astronomical Clock, is a magnificent and historic timepiece situated in the heart of Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is one of the most famous astronomical clocks in the world and a cherished symbol of Prague's rich cultural heritage.

The clock was installed on the southern side of the Old Town Hall Tower in the Old Town Square of Prague. Its construction dates back to the early 15th century, with the astronomical dial being added around 1410 by the clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and the mathematician and astronomer Jan Sindel.

Its design includes three main components: the astronomical dial, the hourly clock, and the fascinating Walk of the Apostles.

3. Wells Cathedral Clock (1392)

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The Old Wells Cathedral Clock, also known as the Wells Cathedral Astronomical Clock, is a historic timekeeping masterpiece located in Wells Cathedral, Somerset, England. It is one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in the world and stands as a testament to medieval engineering and ingenuity.

The clock was originally constructed in the late 14th century, with its mechanism believed to have been created around 1392 by an unknown clockmaker. The astronomical features were later added in the late 19th century, making it an early example of a combined astronomical and astronomical clock.

The Wells Cathedral Clock is situated on the northern wall of the nave, near the west front of the cathedral. It consists of two main dials – a timekeeping dial and an astronomical dial.

2. Le Gros Horloge (1389)

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The Old Le Gros Horloge or the Great Clock of Rouen, is a historic and iconic timekeeping marvel situated in Rouen, Normandy, France. It is one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe and a significant symbol of the city's cultural heritage.

The clock was originally built in 1389 by clockmaker Jean de Felain and astronomer Nicholas Bachelier. It was a remarkable collaboration of technical expertise and scientific knowledge of the time.
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Le Gros Horloge is located on a prominent archway that spans the Rue du Gros Horloge, one of Rouen's main streets. The mechanism of Le Gros Horloge was originally powered by weights and gears, and it required daily winding to ensure its accuracy. Despite its medieval origins, the clock's timekeeping precision was remarkable for its time.

1. Salisbury Cathedral Clock (1386)

Credit: Lens William

The Salisbury Cathedral Clock, also known as the Salisbury Astronomical Clock, is a historic and remarkable timekeeping device located in Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, England. It is one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in the world.

The clock was originally constructed in 1386, during the late 14th century, making it over 600 years old. The exact identity of its creator remains unknown, but it is believed to have been a collaboration between skilled clockmakers and astronomers of the time.

The mechanism of the Salisbury Cathedral Clock is powered by large iron weights, and it required regular winding to maintain its accuracy.

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