Musical clock
A musical clock is a clock that marks the hours of the day with a musical tune. They can be considered elaborate versions of striking or chiming clocks.[1]
The music on mechanical clocks is typically played from a spiked cylinder on bells, organ pipes, or bellows.[2] On electric clocks such as quartz clocks, the music is usually generated using an electronic sound module; Seiko and Rhythm Clock are known for their battery-powered musical clocks, which frequently feature flashing lights, automatons and other moving parts designed to attract attention while in motion.[3]
One of the earliest known domestic musical clocks was constructed by Nicholas Vallin in 1598, and it currently resides in the British Museum in London.[4]
Elaborate large-scale musical clocks with automatons are often installed in public places and are widespread in Japan. Unlike conventional electronic musical clocks, these clocks plays pre-recorded orchestral or synthesized tunes.
Pipe organ clock
The pipe organ clock was a specific clock that chimed with a small pipe organ built into the unit. An example is a Markwick Markham made for the Turkish market, circa 1770.[5]
See also
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References
- Ord-Hume, Arthur W. J. G. (1995). The Musical Clock: Musical & Automation Clocks and Watches. Ashbourne: Mayfield Books. ISBN 9780952327004.
- Laurie Penman (13 December 2013). The Clock Repairer's Handbook. Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated. pp. 313–. ISBN 978-1-62873-070-8.
A clock that plays a melody at the hour is called a musical clock. Popular songs of the day often feature in musical clocks, and these may be used to date at least part of the mechanism.
- "Many New Additions To The Rhythm And Seiko Music And Motion Clocks Line Carried By The Ozark Mountain Time Clock Shop". 1888 Press Release. The Ozark Mountain Time Clock Shop. 9 July 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
- Clerizo, Michael (27 November 2013), "Keeping Time", The Wall Street Journal, retrieved 20 July 2016
- Baille, G.H. (1955). Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers. Britten's. p. 94.