Collection of Timekeeping Technology

The collection of timekeeping technology is chronologically and technically divided into several subgroups, consisting of elementary timekeeping devices, mechanical (wheel) clocks, electromechanical clocks, and electric clocks. The smallest group, the elementary timekeeping devices, includes water clocks, fire clocks, sand timers, and sundials; however, these are more significantly represented in the collection of astronomical instruments. The dominant part of the collection consists of wheel clocks. This includes both large tower clocks of various constructions, ages, and origins, as well as interior clocks, namely table, wall, and floor clocks, which represent a wide time span from the late 16th century to the present day. This subgroup, comprising several hundred pieces, also includes smaller groups of special clocks with musical movements, so-called mystery clocks, and a group of clocks from Černoles (Švarcvaldek) produced by village clockmakers. The collection of pocket and pendant watches is exceptionally extensive and valuable, with some of the more complex pieces being rare examples of European significance. The collection of mechanical clocks is further supplemented by various professional, control, and special clocks, as well as a collection of models of clock steps made by the prominent Czech mechanic and inventor of the 19th century, Josef Božek. A separate category consists of border clocks, which utilized both some electrical principles and traditional mechanical construction methods. The last, no less significant group of the collection comprises electronic clocks, in which the mechanical element has been entirely or nearly entirely eliminated, achieving the highest precision. The collection contains several exceptionally valuable experimental timekeeping devices, including a segment of the first Czechoslovak atomic clocks.