Time Measurement Differently: An Exhibition on Global Timekeeping History at Clock Museum Vienna

This presentation explores diverse historical methods of timekeeping, contrasting the conventional Western system with alternative models like the Japanese system used until the 19th century. It highlights how the length of day and night hours varied seasonally, requiring constant adaptation of mechanical clocks.

This display delves into the fascinating evolution of time measurement, highlighting that our current standardized approach to timekeeping, starting at midnight with fixed hour lengths, has not always been the global norm. It contrasts this with the traditional Japanese system, which was practiced until the 19th century and began time reckoning with sunset. This system featured six night hours followed by six day hours, with the duration of these hours fluctuating throughout the year. As winter nights lengthened, so did the hours, necessitating complex modifications to mechanical clockworks to ensure accurate timekeeping. The page showcases various related artifacts, including Japanese water clocks ('Shaku Dokei', 'Makura Dokei'), belt watches, and even compasses used for geomancy, illustrating the ingenuity and diverse methodologies employed in tracking time across different cultures and eras.