A Time Well Spent

Horology - The art or science of measuring time. Clocks, watches, clockwork, sundials, clepsydras, timers, time recorders and marine chronometers are all examples of instruments used to measure time.

Chronometrophilia - A group of collectors and enthusiasts interested in the history of horology.

Clockwork and the mechanisms to tell/monitor the passage of time has always had a certain appeal to individuals. Sometimes an almost zealot passion in a few individuals, and that love of timepieces is just as alive in virtual mediums as well as the real world.

Some time back, a friend (who knows I like to try and build interesting clocks in Second Life), sent me a notecard from Selador Cellardoor regarding a project he and several others were putting together in SL. Imagine my excitement at hearing about a museum dedicated to Second Life Timepieces. I was invited to submit several (which I did) and 2 of my pieces were selected to be displayed. They would have liked to have displayed more but there are always space and prim considerations to be had.

So a few days ago, I decided to take a gander and look over The Clock Museum which recently opened.
I was decidedly surprised at the number of clocks I found there, the wide variety of clocks and .. really gained an appreciation for the number of clockmakers in SL. What follows here is just a few of the clocks that I personally found interesting..
Actually, I found all the clocks very interesting and more than once, found myself thinking "Hmmm.. wish I'd thought of that one". I teleported in from the landmark and embarked on a very lovely afternoon.

Well, obviously, knowing that two of my pieces were displayed somewhere, I went in search of them. I found the first clock displayed in the main building, in a little windowed alcove. It's one of my favorite builds because I tried to think of something other than hands turning, and it was the first time I timed particle effects. The Steamglobe Clock, that tells time by rotating disks instead of hands and blows steam on the hour is still one of my favorite creations.

As I wandered up to the second floor, I was really stunned by the sheer volume of clocks I was confronted with. I'm one of those passionate zealots that has a true fascination with clockwork. Here is a collection of some of the most eclectic and creative time keeping devices I've ever seen.

The first clock that really caught my attention as I wandered about was this very impressive looking timepiece by Gedden's Clocks & Watches called Modern Timepiece. Not only was it a marvelous modern affair, but it recalled more art deco lines and made one feel nostalgic for a time that's never really existed.

As I was passing by the balconey on the second floor of the museum, I kept camming from clock to clock. Being a big fan of Steampunk creations, obviously seeing the powering mechanism for a clock is a favorite pasttime. That's why this little clock, "Water Wheel Clock" by Abune Clocks & Lamps caught my eye. Not only is the mechanism visible, but I adored the lighter metallic coloring.

The next set of clocks to catch my eye.. well, were really hard to miss. Tucked in a corner on the first floor, another marvelous steampunky feeling clock, Factor Steam Clock by Beezle Warburton, is flanked by a more traditional clock, Black Forest Cuckoo-Waltz by Avalon clocks. And unable to miss it, this large eyecatching clock, PL Magic LED by Perpetually Looney, is a delight to watch change time.

Near the front door of the museum, on the wall are two clocks that really don't need to be missed. I have nostalgic (if not slightly creeped out) memories of those kit kat clocks with their wagging tails and constantly moving eyes. Clock R Us's "Kit Kat Clock" pretty much nails it on the head with their version. I stood for probably 10 minutes just watching it.

"Verbatim Premium" by Chronolabs made me laugh because of it's innovative use of sign boards. I always wanted one of those growing up, and now I can have one.. That tells time even.

As I moved out of the building (I happened to run into Selador as I was browsing the timepieces.. he informed me there was more out in the garden), the first clock I noticed along the path was my own "Hickory Dickory Dock". I have it out at my store, and it still makes me smile to see both mice caught.

As you wander along the paths, up the side of a hill, is a large clockface that is really eyecatching. "Clock Bell Tower" by Wunderbar Antiques is, by it's very existance, a LARGE clock. I didn't get to hear it chime, but I felt dwarfed by it as I stood there, looking up at it's large face.

As you wander up to another little structure, just a little hut along the path, there is an odd sculpture on the foundation. I thought it was a sculpture.. until I got closer and realized it was an astounding animated clock. "Large Ahnonay Clock" by Filbert Holmer, really caught my attention and I'm not even sure if it's part of the museum, but it's certainly worth seeing.

Lastly on my afternoon of a chronomentrophiliac's delight, I came across a lovely little hedge maze that lead to a beautiful gazebo with clocks inset into the four directions. 1PrimThings' "Clock Tower Gazebo" set off the centerpiece to the garden, and was a wonderful place to sit down, catch my breath and contemplate the passage of time as the sun set.

Thanks again to Selador Cellardoor for letting me know about the museum and for putting this project together.