Why the most fascinating timepieces in history were often terrible at keeping time
In short: Oliver Cooke, horologist at the British Museum, explores six novelty clocks and watches from the institution's collection. This video highlights why these historical objects were prized for their ingenuity and curiosity rather than their ability to reliably track the passing hours.
The British Museum's Horological Study Room houses a collection of timepieces that prioritize novelty and mechanical wonder over precision. As Cooke demonstrates, many of these historical artifacts are staggeringly inaccurate, serving as decorative or experimental objects rather than functional tools for punctuality.
By examining these six curious examples, the video challenges the assumption that historical clocks were primarily designed for utility. Instead, it invites viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship and creative ambition behind devices that were never intended to wake you up or provide an exact reading of the time.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Curious Clocks and Watches through time with Oliver Cooke | Curator's Corner S8 E1
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