Clocks are instruments, some large and some small, that are used to measure, indicate and keep time.
A large number of different types of clocks are available, including Grandfather Clocks, Cuckoo Clocks, Alarm Clocks, Mantel Clocks, Musical Clocks, Table Clocks, Wall Clocks and Desk Clocks.
Imprecise, primitive clocks such as sundials and early water clocks were one of prehistoric mankind's earliest inventions. Time and time-keeping became increasingly important over the years, and clocks came to be invaluable aids to navigation during the Age of Exploration that began in the 15th Century. The need for precise navigation (which required knowing the precise time) probably spurred the development of the more accurate and smaller clocks that we enjoy today.
Clocks can be categorized by the type of mechanism they use to measure the passage of time.
They can also be categorized by the type of display they use to indicate the current time. There are mechanical, analogue clocks containing clockworks of various types and the typical analogue clock face with marked hours and minutes, and there are digital clocks, with essentially no moving parts and LCD or LED numeric displays.
Some mechanical, analogue clocks measure and maintain time by using one or more springs, while others, like Grandfather Clocks and Cuckoo Clocks, utilize pendulums. During their history, mechanical clocks have used a number of different mechanisms to indicate the current time. Many have striking mechanisms such as gongs, bells, or chimes to indicate the passage of hours or half-hours. Other mechanical time instruments are silent, and although silent clocks are more properly referred to as timepieces, most people think of them as being clocks. But whether silent or audible, just about all mechanical, analogue clocks also use at least two "hands" to indicate the passage of hours and minutes. Many also incorporate a third "hand" to indicate the passage of seconds.
Other clocks have no clockwork parts at all - they measure time by using the tiny movements of quartz crystals, the vibrations of a tuning fork, or, like atomic clocks, the decay over time of radioactive isotopes. Non-mechanical clocks such as these may have either digital or analogue displays.
A number of different styles, shapes and sizes of clocks are available. Wood, plastic, or metal of some type are the most frequently used materials for clock cases, but other hard, durable materials can be used, and clocks are available in designs that will fit in with any decor. Some clocks are highly decorative and definitely add distinction to a room, while others are very utilitarian in appearance. Accurate clocks are available in just
about any price range and in any style.
Time is important. Make time for yourself and buy a clock online.
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