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Why horology?

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Humans have long been fascinated by horology, or the study of timekeeping. And it’s not just the mechanisms themselves that have captivated us—it’s the idea of measuring an intangible.
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Beyond watches themselves, what is it about horology that interests you? Why have we as humans been obsessed with the concept of time since, well, the dawn of time? Are there certain moments in horological history that you’re particularly fascinated by?
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MikeMD
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DanTreview
159
Jan 23, 2019
Horology or watches/timekeepers? Vastly different questions. But, for me, horology is the study of time, not just timekeeping. For that I would say Stephen Hawking and his study of the ontology of time is intriguing. His conceptual books (not the math stuff) are exciting and raise a lot of great questions. After him, John Harrison, the guy who figured out how to measure longitude on the open sea. In terms of watches, I'm blown away that something so small with so many tiny moving parts can be so accurate, and make a great piece of jewelry.
Dakotab
116
Jun 5, 2018
I find the mechanisms amazing in the simplicity of the complexity. And, as an interesting juxtaposition, that an automatic watch may be the closest thing to a perpetual motion device that man has ever created.
Asheikm
2537
Dec 18, 2017
I am intrigued by the importance we have given time as a discrete quantity. I don't think we really can treat it that way, but that is what the social norm is. For example, how much life can be lived within a unit of time? I am also intrigued as to why the ancient Sumerians decided to use the base-60 numerical system to measure time, that we still use today. I guess my interest in horology started, as a child, when I first learned about water clocks.
Flypanam
249
Nov 18, 2017
Watches and horology are amazing because they represent an amalgation of art, engineering, science, and the abstract. Each watch is a work of art, undoubtedly. The various styles, and artistic motifs between each watch type and manufacturer are interesting to compare. Plus, the engineering that goes into a mechanical watch just fascinates me. The fact that these collections of metal bits can tick and move at precisely defined rate is just insane. And it goes without saying that time itself, an abstract concept, can be so clearly defined and delineatedby a device that one can wear on a wrist is is it a miracle of science as well.
danothemacman
67
Nov 18, 2017
FlypanamWow! Well said.
DanTreview
159
Jan 23, 2019
FlypanamYou rock, dude.
I've always been fascinated by the scientific debate over time and its role in general relativity/physics.
https://phys.org/news/2012-04-physicists-abolish-fourth-dimension-space.html
amitchheda
0
Jul 12, 2017
Woow lovely watch. Wats the make bro. Please share details...
cmbezln
132
Jun 14, 2017
because i love hors.
MrSharkbait
479
Apr 12, 2017
I just like to watch it go 'round and 'round...
Chopinho65
8
Apr 10, 2017
For me it's a few interrelated elements: 1. The magical aspect of time being a thing that we measure as humans in such precise terms, 2. The creativity, craftmanship and beauty of a mechanical movement, finely balanced and with the possibility of lasting for generations (there's something beautiful in that) 3. The ever increasing rapidity of change and upgrades inherent in our technologically driven society - everything is upgraded constantly. Yet a watch of 30, 50, 70, 100 years or more can maintain its functional design and its intrinsic beauty. 4. Finally it's the design - so many designs and aesthetics to admire, loathe, desire and possibly acquire. in a nutshell watches are about the human spirit and mind, our innovation and our desire for aesthetic beauty - that's also true of many tech devices but they won't sustain like a mechanical watch!
Vince13
13
Feb 4, 2017
Nice watch where can I get one?
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