The mechanism of the first mechanical clocks was complicated. It was heavy and large, thus there was no mass production of these clocks. They were installed on towers. A kettlebell was attached to the driving shaft of the mechanism, and a spindle with weights served as a regulator for the clock’s movement. The accuracy of such clocks was quite poor, they could lose up to 60 minutes per day.
An important milestone in the history of clockmaking was the introduction of the pendulum. The history of pendulum clocks began in the distant past: through a series of experiments, Galileo Galilei discovered the laws of pendulum motion, which are now taught in every school.
Christiaan Huygens designed the first model of a clock with a pendulum. Pendulum clocks continued to evolve for more than three centuries. Over time, the design changed, but their main function remained the same.
In Russia, pendulum wall clocks became widespread during the second half of the 19th century. These clocks were a cherished and treasured relic.
In fiction, authors create a specific atmosphere by mentioning a wall clock with a pendulum in their stories. For example, in Leo Tolstoy’s “Youth”:
