Digital technology may have already progressed exponentially, but most of us still have a rather strange attraction to analog wall clocks. Who can blame us? These grand timepieces symbolize a period in human history when craftsmanship was much more important than technology.

History of wall clocks

The modern-day wall clocks we have today come from a long line of crude clocks.

The Sundial. The earliest clock instrument used for telling time was the sundial. The sundial tells the time of the day based on the shadows that the sun's rays cast on the marked surfaces. In its crudest form, the sundial is made up of poles or sticks set on the ground. Most wall clocks are still hinged on the sundial's look - in fact, some wall clocks are purposely designed to look like old sundials.

Wall clocks with brass dials. These were perhaps the earliest wall clocks made for mass use. But back then, these timepieces were very expensive. It took craftsmen several months to finish one. Only the nobility were able to display these brass dials in their mansions and palaces.

Start of the painted dials. Britain was first to revamp the traditional brass dials and introduce the modern clock dials we have today. Painted dials soon grew in popularity and were produced for the use of the masses. During this era, wall clocks started to be used not only for timekeeping but also as decorative and commemorative pieces. British capitalists started to use them to mark and celebrate various religious and cultural events and even famous sports and war victories.

Modern wall clocks. Most modern wall clocks are now mass-produced and made of cheaper materials such as plastic and metal. Technology enables manufacturers to fabricate wall clocks quickly without sacrificing quality. These pieces are now available for as little as $10.

There are still, however, specially made clocks that are loyal to original craftsmanship and design. These types still cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, but many people invest in them for decorative purposes - and their decision makes sense. Wall clocks are, after all, still cheaper than paintings but add just the same character and elegance to any wall.