Are traditional analogue clocks disappearing from our lives and cityscapes, just like telephone booths and advertising pillars? While some may believe public clocks are becoming fewer, the reality may be more nuanced. Time researchers and watch companies weigh in on the current state of watches and time itself.
According to urban researcher Dietrich Henckel, many people believe there are fewer pointer clocks in public space than before, with fewer people wearing classic wristwatches. Time researcher Karlheinz Geißler went so far as to diagnose a “clock twilight” in his book “The clock can go”. However, the trend towards expensive wristwatches as a status symbol remains in certain circles, with luxury watches often appearing in pop culture.
Henckel notes that various developments are superimposed upon the question of whether analogue clocks have really disappeared. On one hand, more people are taking a less structured approach to time, while on the other hand, normative time pressure remains ubiquitous. Public clocks may no longer be necessary with mobile phones and pedometers constantly displaying the time, but they still offer reliable orientation and can hold emotional value.
Interestingly, clocks in public spaces still have a place in modern society. According to a spokesperson from advertising company Ströer, “Several thousand public clocks are fixed points in the cityscape and guarantee an attention-grabbing function through their placement in the inner cities.” Deutsche Bahn still maintains around 17,000 clocks as a service for their customers.
While digital time displays are becoming more prevalent, the common order of society necessitates precise coordination of times. Henckel notes that punctuality is necessary for computer stock exchange trading, train traffic, and even delivery services. The reality of delivery services is often conflicting – on-time deliveries can disrupt schedules and accurate estimations of delivery times can often be inaccurate.
In conclusion, analogue clocks may be disappearing from some areas but they still have a place in public life. The nature of time and its relationship with technology and society will continue to evolve, but perhaps the traditional watch will never truly be obsolete.
