Clocks that properly represent time.

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The discussion centers on the differences between continuous and ticking clocks, with participants expressing preferences for digital or continuous motion clocks due to their ease of reading and representation of time. Some argue that time should be perceived as a flow rather than in discrete units, while others highlight the historical context of clock mechanisms and their evolution. The conversation touches on the learning curve for children in reading analog clocks, with some participants noting that familiarity influences preferences. There is also a mention of biological clocks and the perception of time, suggesting that our internal sense of time may not align with mechanical measurements. Overall, the debate reflects varied opinions on how clocks represent time and their impact on our understanding of it.
  • #31
zoobyshoe said:
One of the reasons Tesla recommended that Westinghouse adopt a 60 cycle grid was so that clocks could keep time off the grid. Each revolution of their motors was in a fixed ratio to the 60 cycles and the gearing could be set up accordingly.

Not a very good argument. The UK didn't have any problem designing clocks synchronized to a 50 Hz grid.

The important thing for a clock using mechanical gears is that the frequency factorizes into small prime numbers, not the coincidence that time is already measured in "base 60" arithmetic.
 
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  • #32
Why all this obsession with minutes and seconds? This is still doing its job perfectly well (and you can read it from up to 2 miles away) http://www.coningsbyparishcouncil.co.uk/clock.htm.html
 
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  • #34
In my one second frame it is the constant motion of my consciousnesses that allows me the view of time flowing but to keep up with the rest of you I use my gps phone.
 
  • #35
Ha! Try one of these.

http://www.unitedgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ziiiro-Gravity-and-Mercury-Watch-Photo.jpg
 
  • #36
drizzle said:
Ha! Try one of these.

http://www.unitedgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ziiiro-Gravity-and-Mercury-Watch-Photo.jpg


This looks just as cryptic as your signature!
 
  • #37
One needs to keep de mind busy! :biggrin:
 
  • #38
Beautiful, but very feminine. Just not my cup of tea.
 
  • #39
Willowz said:
I was wondering about two types of clocks that I see often. One is continuous in manner and the other ticks from one second to the next.

Which clock properly represents time?

Personally, I think time should be represented as a flow and not in unitary fashion. What do you think?

Willowz said:
Does time flow in units? I'm not an expert, but wondering if describing in units (quanta) is proper.
Any clock is based on some periodic function. Analog and digital clocks both increment in discrete units, but can be mechanically engineered to appear to be continual.

Does the universe actually evolve in discrete configurations? Imo, no, but that's one way of modelling it.
 
  • #40
drizzle said:
Ha! Try one of these.

http://www.unitedgadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ziiiro-Gravity-and-Mercury-Watch-Photo.jpg

Wow, that's cool :cool:!
 
  • #41
Willowz said:
Beautiful, but very feminine. Just not my cup of tea.

Can you drink tea from them? :confused:

That would be more useful than to tell time! :biggrin:
 
  • #42
If you are offered a great deal on a Rolex, it might be wise to have educated yourself about watch movements beforehand. The difference is about the entire cost of the "Rolex" that you're thinking of buying.
 

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