Trying to figure out who invented the mechanical clock is like trying to decide who invented the bicycle. There are many possibilities but no one really knows for sure. The first clocks were public tower or turret clocks. They were meant to be heard and not seen, so they didn’t have dials or hands. They were basically automatic bell sounders. Until the first decade of the 19th century, both European and American clocks were products of the craftsman’s shop. Many people were required to … [Read more...]