Before clocks, sundials were used to show the time through the positioning of a shadow on a flat surface, but clocks as we know them have now been around for a while now. Throughout their time, some of them have become incredibly famous throughout the world and some has become huge tourist attractions as well. Here are some of the world’s most famous clocks:

Big Ben – London

Officially called Elizabeth Tower, Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell clock tower at the Palace of Westminster. It was completed in 1858, with the tower holding the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world; the Big Ben is also the third tallest free-standing clock tower. This is the most famous landmark in London, England, and one of the most famous monuments in Europe.

Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia

From 1901 until 1908, the Philadelphia City Hall held the title of the tallest building in the world, with its height of 548 ft (167 metres). This famous tower has four clocks, one on each side, with each clock being 26 ft (8 metres) in diameter.

Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel – Mecca, Saudi Arabia

This complex is one of the tallest buildings in the world, with a height of 1,972 ft (601 metres); it is also the tallest clock tower in the world, holding the world’s largest clock face. Each of its four clocks measures 141 ft x 141 ft (43 metres x 43 metres).

The Prague Astronomical Clock – Prague

This medieval clock is the main feature of the famous Old Town Square of Prague. Many tourists visit the square, waiting to watch its famous figures moving at the stroke of the hour. The astronomical clock was first installed in 1410, making it one of the oldest still operating in the world today.

Rathaus-Glockenspiel – Munich

This famous tourist attraction was built in 1908 as part of the New Town Hall, and the clock tower has become a famous tourist attraction in Europe. Every day at 11:00 sharp, and during summer at 12:00 and 17:00, crowds watch as the clock re-enacts two stories from the 16th Century. With 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures, this 12 to 15-minute show is a true spectacle that can’t be missed!

The Saviour Tower – Moscow

Located in the famous Red Square, close to Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Saviour Tower is part of the Kremlin Walls. The huge clock tower was designed in 1491 but it was only installed in 1625. Along with the Red Square and Kremlin Walls, it is one of Moscow’s best-known attractions.

The Zytglogge Tower – Bern, Switzerland

This medieval tower was built in the 13th century and, since then, it has served as a guard tower, a prison, a clock tower, and as a memorial. The clock seen today is an astronomical clock that dates back to the 15th Century, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bern.

Have you visited any of these famous clocks? At Martins of Glasgow, we deal with smaller clocks, providing the best quality repair service on not only clocks, but also watches, and jewellery. If you have any need of a repair, get in touch with us today by calling 0141 946 6333 or emailing martin@martinsjewellers.co.uk.