Clocks in Early Modern Science
Cathedral and town clocks had become great symbols of wealth and status, such as the magnificent clock built in the 1350s at the Strasbourg Cathedral. It showed more than just time of day, including elaborate mechanical figures and images and additional functions such as astrology.
Another fine example, still operating today, is the Orloj in Prague. It also has the delightful mechanical figures, but is most extraordinary for the complexity of its astronomical clock (with many functions) —
Peter Henlein, a German craftsman, invented the first portable timepiece in 1504. Small and elaborate clocks became quite the rage among the wealthy. Julien Coudrey was a clockmaker to the French kings in the early 1500s. He specialized in miniaturizing the works, such as this miniature watch intended to be used on the pommel of a dagger.
Clocks were also becoming more accurate. Tycho owned the first clock with a second hand, crafted for him because he desired great accuracy of time for his astronomical observations.
The early 1600s saw a great development of clockmaking, especially as consumer goods of fashion and status in the wealthy Netherlands.
