Time is at once the most valuable and most perishable of all our possessions. John Randolph of Roanoke gave an explicatory connotation of time. A representative and Senator from Virginia, he lived through 1773 until 1833. Timekeeping articulates about its derivation from times gone by. As science and lifestyles developed, its importance was felt gradually.

After timekeepers were introduced some five thousand years ago, value of time was apprehended. However, man ascertained calendars much before he counted moments. The Sun, the Moon, and the stars are cosmic bodies that have contributed extensively in determining seasons, months, and years.

The Egyptians contributed in fixing on a calendar that goes by the phases of the Moon. Around 3100 B.C., a discerning appearance of the Dog Star or the Sirius every 365 days made man conceive that 365 days could make a year. The Mayans of Central America considered the Venus too.

Thus, the existing calendar that we follow, ultimately considers the Sun, the Moon, stars and planets. Now, we have a solar calendar of 365 days and a leap year that occurs every four years.

Development of science influenced multi tasking. Thus, life raced up faster and the necessity to organize daily chores was felt enormously. The human intellect could not stop thinking, ways to count on the passing moments.

A keen observation on the apparent motion of the Sun by the Egyptians, and the consequent changes in positions of the shadows are significant. Budging shadows of the Obelisk monuments served as sundials during 3500 B.C. Initially, days were segregated into mornings and afternoons. Later, extra pointers at the Obelisk helped in partitioning the day into hours.

The ancient astronomical implement, merkhet further helped in determining directions and nighttime hours. The sundial resembled a hemisphere or a half bowl.

An advanced water clock was a necessity in studying astronomy, the science of celestial bodies and astrology, study of the impact of the celestial bodies on human concern. However, later, organizing working hours amongst laborers was inevitable during the Industrial Revolution.

A clepsydra or a water clock did not fail to function without sunlight. Ringing bells, gongs, and 24-hour mechanized water clocks were some of the designed models of clepsydras.

The water flow in the water clocks made of stone and metal vessels determined in counting moments, not depending on celestial phenomena. However, since the water flow was unmanageable, calculations were not accurate.

Horology revised clepsydras with modern techniques during the era after 325 B.C. Clepsydras mean water thieves in Greek who started using the device.

A relic and a showpiece, clepsydras speak history.

The Italian physicist Galileo, then a Dutch scientist Huygens and W. H. Shortt, all contributed in advancing the pendulum clock. After many errors rectified, clocks with two pendulums one slave and the other a master, originated. The slave pendulum gives a gentle push to the master pendulum and thus the course of oscillation. The slave oscillator too, regulates the hands of the clock. This facilitates the master pendulum to remain liberated from extra mechanisms and thus, errors at that time were avoidable.

Windup watches are still prevalent amongst the antique lovers. A spring when winded provides power. At the end of the fourteenth century, winded watches gained momentum. Self-winded watches were examples of advancement.

Quartz timepieces replaced the spring timekeepers substantially. Electronic oscillators imbibed in elevated clocks are made of quartz crystal. These recent models display time in numbers, hours, minutes, and seconds. The piezoelectric factor of quartz facilitates the operation of these clocks. They are excellent in accuracy and the price range is economical.

The atomic technology cast its influence on clock innovations. Lifestyles have been depending on accuracy for time. Be that for communication, travel, transport, transactions or daily chores, calculated time is become a requisite in every occupation. Yet, another innovation in horology leads the world come closer.

Globalization would have been impossible with places showing different timings. Therefore, the intellectual life form, human being came up with the Greenwich Mean Time or the GMT. This regularizes time throughout the globe and controls time zones of any and every country. Now, a 24-hour clock is followed along with the 12-hour calculation.

Out of 360 degrees imaginary longitudes, the 0 degree longitude, named as Prime Meridian is located in Greenwich, England. The apparitional lines calculate area and time. Other than its enormous use in travel and global communication, GMT is also used in astronomy.

Some famous clock towers of the world would include the Big Ben in London and Rajabai Tower in Bombay, India.

The Big Ben, the Clock Tower, or St. Stephens Tower is a tourist spot. Also known as, the Great Bell of Westminster, this tower was broadcasted on the New Year Eve in 1923. Certainly, the Big Ben cast its influence on Rajabai Tower, India.

Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, an English architect, the Rajabai Tower is a construction in the campus of the University of Bombay. It is a heritage monument and a tourism attraction, indeed.

A chronometer not only counts moments but a useful tool in determining longitudes during traveling and astronavigation for nautical almanacs.

Time goes by in a rhythm. A metronome is an instance that counts on beats, works on the time factor. Winkel envisioned the idea about this amazing implement, a pre requisite for musicians. However, Ludwig Beethoven designed a practical device out of this innovation.

Today, to feed growing aspirations of man, timepieces come in an array of variety models with augmented functions. Along with displaying time in form of numerals or digital display, calculator, recorder, direction display and date and month display are some of the common additional utilities.

Table clocks and wall clocks are manufactured with latest technology and best of artistic designs and patterns. Vivid colors, thematic motifs, and complex functions make these timekeepers a decorative centerpiece too. Woody finish, metal glaze, and animal figurines are universally in demand.

In addition, wristwatches are fashionably designed with varied materials and metals. Precious gemstones studded, LED technologies are hallmarks of precious wristwatches. Complicated functions make them more valuable and versatile. Wristwatches today, also serve as fashion accessories.

However, the key utilization of timepieces would remain the same, counting on moments. Thus, they make good gifts for any and every occasion. Weddings, inaugurations, and corporate celebrations are the best events to convey sentiments.

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The Author compiles and puts together information for interesting reading. Karishma Roy Editorial Assistance corporategifts email us