LARGE SIZE CLOCKS MANUFACTURER IN MANGALURU | ASHIBA SIGNAGE
The origins of the first clock tower can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but the earliest surviving examples emerged in the medieval period. The oldest known clock tower in the world is the Tower of the Winds in Athens, Greece, built around 50 BCE. Designed by Andronicus of Cyrrhus, this octagonal tower featured a combination of sundials, a water clock, and wind indicators. While it didn’t have a mechanical clock as we know today, it marked an early attempt to create a public timekeeping structure.
The first true mechanical clock towers emerged in Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Salisbury Cathedral clock in England, built around 1386, is often considered one of the oldest working mechanical clocks. It didn’t initially have a dial but chimed at regular intervals, an essential feature of early clock towers. Another example is the clock tower in the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy, completed in 1499, which displayed the time with intricate astronomical details and mechanical figures.
These early clock towers served both practical and symbolic roles, helping communities coordinate daily activities and reflecting advancements in technology and craftsmanship. Over time, clock towers became prominent symbols of civic pride and architectural beauty across Europe and, later, the world.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the construction of clock towers across South India, blending modern architectural sensibilities with cultural heritage. These new structures, while built with contemporary materials and technology, echo the design and purpose of the historical clock towers that once marked the town squares and city centers. They are intended not only as functional timepieces but also as symbols of local pride, commemorating history while celebrating progress. This renewed interest in clock towers is helping to reinforce community identity and preserve a connection to regional traditions.
The Mangalore Clock Tower, also known as the Town Hall Clock Tower, is an iconic landmark situated in the heart of Mangalore, Karnataka. Built in 1964 by the Mangalore Municipal Council, the clock tower stands close to Town Hall and serves as a symbol of the city’s development and civic pride. This structure quickly became a central reference point in Mangalore, with its unique style distinguishing it from other architectural elements in the area.
The Mangalore Clock Tower is a four-sided structure with each side displaying a large clock face, allowing passersby from various directions to keep track of the time. Its architectural design combines elements of modernism with local influences, using white and red accents to create a striking contrast. For decades, the clock tower has been a place where locals and visitors alike gather, and it has featured in countless photographs, reinforcing its status as a cultural landmark.
In 2019, the tower underwent a significant renovation as part of a beautification project aimed at restoring and preserving Mangalore’s heritage sites. The restoration work included repairs to the clock mechanism, cleaning the structure, and upgrading the surrounding area to make it more pedestrian-friendly. The tower now features modern lighting, allowing it to remain visible and vibrant at night, enhancing its appeal as a local attraction.
Today, the Mangalore Clock Tower stands as a reminder of the city’s heritage, embodying the history, pride, and communal spirit of Mangalore.
The Mangalore Clock Tower’s dial was fabricated by Ashiba Signage in collaboration with Ms. Nayaks and Co., a renowned clockmaker with roots dating back to 1939. The goal was to replicate the clock’s historical British-era style, while upgrading it to modern standards. The dial design honors the tower’s classic look, with Roman numerals cut to high precision on CNC machines. The entire dial is backlit by a series of carefully engineered LED lights, providing a sophisticated glow that enhances the clock’s visibility and appeal both day and night.
This combination of heritage-inspired design and advanced technology reflects Mangalore’s status as a growing Smart City. The LED lighting not only serves a functional purpose but also accentuates the dial’s elegant appearance, transforming the clock tower into a stunning focal point for residents and visitors alike. By merging tradition with innovation, the restored Mangalore Clock Tower dial celebrates the city’s history and progression, showcasing an aesthetic that seamlessly fits into Mangalore’s modernized landscape while paying homage to its past.
