Do you know who invented the world`s first electric clock?
In 1840, Alexander Bain developed the world`s first electric clock and obtained a patent.
Alexander Bain(1811-1877, Scottish inventor)
Alexander Bain's electric clock from the 1840s
Then, Do you know who invented Japan's first electric clock?
In 1913, TOKYO KEIKI developed Japan's first electric clock and obtained several patents.
TOKYO KEIKI`s Electric clock on display in the headquarters of TOKYO KEIKI
(Patent No.28194) Base Clock for Electric Clock
At that time, TOKYO KEIKI`s electric clock had very high accuracy, with an error of less than one second in one day and night.
It was immediately adopted by the Japan Railway Corporation, and it was first installed at Shinbashi Station, Tokyo.
Shinbashi Station in the Taisho era, where TOKYO KEIKI`s electric clock was first installed.
After that, it was recognized for its value. So, it was also adopted at major stations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Moji(Fukuoka) and Sendai, as well as attached to the Tokyo University Yasuda assembly hall, Shinjuku Isetan Department Store, the former Asahi newspaper headquarters in Yurakucho, and many other public buildings.
Tokyo Station
Tokyo University Yasuda assembly hall
Shinjuku Isetan Department Store
Asahi newspaper headquarters in Yurakucho
Koishikawa Annex, UMUT still displays an electric clock (type A parent clock) made in 1924 from the TOKYO KEIKI.
If you visit Koishikawa Annex, you can see our electric clock.
* UMUT: The University Museum, The University of Tokyo.
* Source: Wikipedia, Wikimedia, J-PlatPat, Chiyoda Library, SHIMIZU CORPORATION