Clock Walk Tour: Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?
Even if you don’t wear a wristwatch, there’s no excuse for not knowing the time when you are in Seattle. There are clocks all over the place.
The time-challenged, or any visitor or newcomer to the city, may enjoy the Seattle Clock Walk, a walking tour of 27 public clocks in the downtown area. Most of the clocks are located at some city hub, so it’s a good way to see the sights and get a feel for the city as well.
Seattle takes their public timekeeping quite seriously. According to Seattle Municipal Code 15.12.040, all public clocks must be working and display the correct time. If not, they must be completely covered. They cannot be covered for more than 14 days or the city has the authority to remove the clock. Tough talk!
The self-guided Clock Walk starts at Union Station and ends at Belltown Billiards, with lots in between. I think my favorite is #20 on the tour, the clock at Century Square at 5th & Pine (in photo at right). At a leisurely pace you should be able to walk from clock to clock and complete the tour in around 90 minutes, and you’ll have lots of clocks to make sure that you’re not late for you next appointment.
If you’re not up to the walk, you find a photo tour online, along with a little history of each of the clocks.
The Clock Walk website also has a list of all the clocks in the Seattle area, including those outside the downtown walking area. including photos and a little history. Rob Ketcherside is the originator of the Clock Walk, and he says that he’s always on the look out for more clocks to add to the list. In addition to the clock being public, he’s got just a few other requirements:
Analog clock – there are too many digital bank clocks for me to include at this point
Exterior clock – there may be interesting clocks inside of public buildings, but that’s too much work
Within the city limits
Photo credit: flickr
7 Comments
Oh, I love clocks! It’s probably that whole time and relativity thing, but I do love clocks.
These clocks are all pretty cool looking, and some of them have quite an interesting history. I’m wondering if any other cities have a similar clock walk.
Thanks for the write up!
I’m sure there are cities with more clocks, and even more historic clocks. Seattle has more “post” clocks, though, like your favorite at Century Square. Even New York got rid of so many that they’re hard to find.
Rob: Happy to give the tour a little press. It’s a fun walk. I love the “post” clocks!
The Seattle Clock Walk will be on satellite tv.
Tuesday, February 20, DISH Network will show Episode 98 of “Perils For Pedestrians”.
Contents of Episode 98 (2004):
–We learn about Pedestrian Level of Service in Fort Collins, Colorado.
–We look at the Active Living Partnership in Denver.
–The developer of the Stapleton Airport site values walkability.
–Victoria, British Columbia, hosts the ProWalk/Probike conference.
–Cobblestones form tripping hazards for senior citizens.
–We go on the Seattle Clock Walk.
DISH Network Channel 9411 — The Universityhouse Channel
Tuesday — 9:30 pm Eastern, 6:30 Pacific
Episode 98 is also available on Google Video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9034833429572241902
Note: Public access cable channels are showing different episodes than DISH Network.
Thank you.
Thanks for the info, John. I’m going to do a new post and update readers on this option.
[...] If you were interested my previous post about the Seattle Clock Walk, but weren’t interested in Seattle. . .outdoors. . .when it’s cold and rainy, here’s a chance to catch a glimpse of 27 public clocks in the downtown area without ever leaving the house. [...]