The first time pieces started approximately 6,000 years ago for religious rituals. These devises were often candles and lamps. Farmers used sections of time for planting, growing and harvesting. It was not necessary to know the exact time.

The next instrument was Sundials from Egypt which marked the daily progress of the suns movement across the sky. This method was known to be accurate and useful. You can still purchase clocks that look like sundials today. These were made of brass and only the rich could afford them. Briton transformed the brass dials with painted ones. These were inexpensive and clocks started being used for decoration as well as keeping time.

The first antique wall clocks were called lanterns. They were made out of brass, very heavy and were hung on walls. The concept of personal clocks was introduced in the 17th century.

All clocks have inner workings that would surprise and amaze you. We usually just take it for granted. There are analog clocks which have a face and hands and battery operated and there are digital clocks which are usually powered by an electric current with number displays.

Clocks keep cultures and societies united and functioning. Most western cultures value punctuality especially in the business community. There is a saying, "Time is money!"

Most clocks are mass produced now using cheaper materials such as plastic and metals. Most Americans find that clocks are cheaper then most paintings to help fill their empty walls. They also are a status symbol and bring elegance and character to one's surroundings.

Some types of clocks, but not limited to are: Antique, Wall, Contemporary, Nautical, Atomic, Decorative, Traditional, Mantel, Grandfather, Cuckoo, Kitchen, Alarm, and others. There are two types of movement. They are mechanical and quartz battery operated. Some mechanical clocks produce a chiming sound. Clocks are also powered by solar energy, winding mechanism, and batteries.

Clocks may cover centuries but always give off visual pleasure. Without clocks life would be chaotic. Most humans wear them on their wrists, keep them next to their bed, and display them in almost every room of the house. Although often, they may never pay much thought to their clocks and their function.

Here is a list of a few popular clock brands that are well known for their skilled craftsmanship and supreme quality. Howard Miller Company, Bulova, Geochron , Ridgeway Clock Company and Seth Thomas Clocks.

The next time you look at any type of clock, take a minute and think of what your life would be like if this instrument did not exist.

Author Bio: Barbara Tobiasz resides with her husband (Joe Tobiasz, Owner/Webmaster: http://www.wall-decor-concepts.com) in the Chicago area, studied at the Art Institute and taught for the Chicago Public Schools. She has volunteered her services for many organizations with her creative expressions in the interior design field. Her hobbies include reading, taking long walks with her dog and working her magic turning ordinary rooms into creative works of art.