What is Horology?

Horology is a wondrous amalgamation of engineering, geometry, and art. Math and art combine to create everything from a simple clock to a breathtaking tower that casts a sweeping shadow over a city. From the Greek word “hōra” and the English suffix “logy”, horology is the art and science of clock making. Horologists (sometimes called horologers) are clock makers and clock repairers.

When most people look at an analog clock, they see the round face, thin hands, and numbers that mark the time of day. Geometry views the face of the clock as a circle, the hands as a time-keeping triangle, and the numbers as degrees. Below the surface, geometry continues to leave its footprint in the way the cyclical gears interact. Engineering lends its metallurgical expertise and builds the gears. Pinions, springs, and gears all move together like an industrial dance to keep a timepiece accurate and functioning. Most people never see the technical science that supports a clock.

Most people see the art even if they don’t recognize it as art. Many people see the beautiful brass pendulums or the elaborate numbers with sweeping flourishes and think of little else other than the time. Some modern clocks and most antique clocks are not only functional, but a visual feast. The ornate and elaborate finishes around the face of a clock or the body that houses the marvel of engineering make many clocks rival the artistic value of sculpture or paintings.

I Love Horologists

The theft of antique clocks is a big problem. Although some clocks might be stolen due to the rare and valuable materials used in their construction, many are stolen due to their beauty and monetary worth.

A stunning gilded clock circa 1780 was stolen from Venice. The mantel clock features a golden woman sitting upon a pedestal cradling a sphere. Numbers adorn the equator of the sphere. Her fingers point at the sphere thus indicating the time. A cherub sits atop the sphere and detailed garland decorate the whole clock. The bottom is signed by the horologist noting his rank of being a master horologist, but neglecting his actual name. We can only hope this clock was stolen by thieves who recognize the unique design and not someone who just wanted to melt it down.

It’s easy to see the art in an antique clock, but there are modern equivalents. In the 1980s, the Swatch Watch was extremely popular. Although many people complained that the watches were difficult to read and the functionality of the timepiece was sacrificed for the art, other people appreciated the trendy beauty of these watches. The horologists behind the Swatch Watch let art leave a mark on all aspects of the timepiece. The band, clasp, hands, and face of the clock all worked together aesthetically.

The Horologists' Watch

Many ultra-modern clocks being manufactured today also incorporate art in their design to such a degree that one may not be able to decide between calling the horologist a designer, engineer, or artist.

From an antique mechanical clock to our very modern Online Alarm Clocks with their retro digital displays, horology is a wonderful marriage of art and science.

Want to find out more about the subject of Horology? We suggest you try browsing Wikipedia’s page on Horology as well as visiting the official website of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors.

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