Decimal or Metric units are used for most of our systems
of measurement; these include the Metre, Litre and Kilogram.
So why not Metricate the measurement of time? Divide
the day into ten equal hours, and each decimal hour into
ten decimal minutes.
The idea is not new, the French officially adopted decimal
time during the revolutionary period; unfortunately the
system was not workable and was abandoned soon after.
The idea of a decimal clock however lives on. Its value lies
in an educational context; to raise questions about units of
measurement and about the history and validity of our
current time system.
Matthew Read, a clockmaker from Selby, North Yorkshire
has designed and hand-made his interpretation of a decimal
clock. The clock is designed for display in a class or lecture
room, with a bold white on black dial. The mechanism is
visible, allowing the relationship between the driving weight,
gears, and the pendulum to be seen. Traditional and
up-to-date manufacturing methods were used to produce
this educational tool, precision instrument and fascinating
talking point.