Why did People Build So Noisy Clocks in the Past?

Handmade wood clocks have been integral to human civilization for millennia, and their primary purpose has always been to keep track of time. However, there are many people who don’t like the ticking and even get annoyed by this sound. Did you find yourself in the same situation?

If yes, then our article will help reveal why people built such noisy clocks in the past. Let’s clear up a mystery together.

The Science of Sound

The science of sound clocks has been around for centuries, and clocks have always served an important purpose: to help us keep track of time.

But have you ever wondered why old clocks were built to make noise? It turns out, there's a scientific reason for it.

A sound is a form of energy, and when that energy is released, it causes vibrations.

These vibrations travel through the air and are detected by our ears, which then send signals to our brain that tells us what we're hearing. So when a clock makes noise, it's actually releasing energy in the form of sound waves. And those sound waves can travel long distances.

the vintage clock on the wooden dresser

How Sound Helps us Keep Time?

We often take for granted the ticking of a clock. It's easy to become so accustomed to the sound that we no longer notice it. But that sound plays an important role in helping us keep time. Our brains are wired to process information more effectively when it is accompanied by sound.

That's why we're more likely to remember something if we hear it, rather than just see it.

When it comes to telling time, our brains are able to process auditory information more quickly than visual information. That's why it's easier to notice how much time has passed when we hear a ticking clock than when we see a moving second hand

Why did Old Clocks Make Noise Back in the Past?

There are a few reasons why original cuckoo clocks were built to make noise. One reason is that people didn't have watches, so the only way to know what time it was was to listen for the clock to chime.

Another reason is that the noise helped to keep the clock from being stolen. People would hear the clock chiming and know that it was there, so they wouldn't try to steal it.

So, the noise was an important part of early clocks because it helped people to know if the clock was working. Loud clocks were once an important part of daily life. They helped people wake up on time and stay on schedule. They also served as a way to tell the time in public places like train stations and libraries. Today, most clocks are digital and they don’t make any noise. While this is more convenient, it’s also less effective in some ways. Studies have shown that people are more likely to wake up on time if they have a loud alarm clock. And in public places, digital clocks can be hard to see.

There’s something about the sound of a ticking clock that just makes us feel more awake. It’s like our brain knows that it needs to pay attention. Nowadays, we have watches and clocks that are more for decoration than anything else. But, it's still fun to hear an old clock chime every now and then.


The Advantages of Noisy Clocks

Let's take a look at a few of the advantages of noisy clocks. One of the big advantages of noisy clocks is that they help people to wake up on time. In the morning, the sound of the clock ticking or the bells ringing would help to rouse people from sleep. This was especially important before the advent of electric lighting when people needed to wake up with the sun. Noisy clocks were also helpful in other ways. They could be used to signal the start of the workday or the end of the day.


How Clocks Switched to a Pleasant Ticking Instead of an Annoying Noise?

The main cause of noisy clocks that were very annoying in the past was the pendulum.

the modern clock on the blue wall

Such a mechanism supported the very first clock invented in the 15th century.

The clock was very noisy, but over time, the clock improved and other mechanisms appeared that made it possible to reduce the intrusive noise and give the clock a pleasant ticking. Even today, there are clocks with pendulums, and they are very popular among fans of such clocks. Thanks to improved technology, these clocks have a quietly ticking mechanism and don’t create unpleasant noise. Modern clocks use a quartz crystal to keep time.

The quartz crystal oscillates at a very precise frequency and this frequency is used to keep time. The quartz crystal is encased in a special holder that amplifies the signal and makes the clockwork silent.

Final Thoughts

In the end, it is interesting to think about how the design of clocks has changed over time and our relationship to time has as well. Noisy clocks were once a way to show off one's wealth and status, but now we prefer clocks that are silent and unobtrusive. It will be amazing to see how the design of clocks changes in the future as our relationship with time continues to evolve. We sincerely hope that you enjoyed reading our article and learning something new and informative.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the origin of the name “grandfather clock”?

The term "grandfather clock" is thought to have first been used in the early 19th century. There are a few stories about how the term came to be, but the most commonly accepted story is that it was first used by a man named Henry Mill in England. Mill was an inventor and he is credited with inventing the first mechanical clock. He is said to have given a clock to his father and when his father died, the clock was passed on to his grandfather. The term "grandfather clock" is thought to have come from this story.

How much does a cheap wall clock cost?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the cost of a cheap wall clock can vary greatly depending on the specific clock and where it is purchased. However, a quick search online shows that many cheap wall clocks can be purchased for less than $10 USD.

What is a clock with a bell called?

A clock with a bell is generally called a grandfather clock, although this term is not always used.

Should you refinish an old wooden clock?

There is no solid answer to this question as it depends on various factors such as the type of clock, its condition, and your personal preferences.

However, generally speaking, it is possible to refinish an old wooden clock. This process can help to restore the clock's original appearance and can also protect the wood from further damage.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the wooden arts and crafts space, focussing on innovative wooden product design. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.

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