Thousands of people meet at their feet every 31st of December to say goodbye to the year that is reaching its end, and to welcome the one that is arriving. Being witnesses of their cities’ history,
our main characters have become the centre of attention one night each year, when everyone watches closely as the minutes tick away. We are talking about the clocks. In particular, about five very special ones
that have become beacons around the world when it comes to celebrating the end of the year.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this New Year’s Eve
there won’t be any crowded gatherings to hear the clocks chime. However, these marvellous five clocks will accompany us from afar, and with infinite patience,
take their time while waiting for everything to go back to normal.
1. Big Ben (Londres)
London’s own Big Ben is a symbol the whole world looks at to make sure that, undoubtedly, we have entered the New Year. This clock, located at the Elizabeth Tower, came to life in May 1859.
Big Ben is undergoing restoration works since 2017, which is why the clock is currently sunk in a deep silence, which will only be interrupted to give the twelve chimes on New Year’s Eve.
The end of the rebuilding is planned to finish in 2021.
2. Astronomical Clock (Prague)
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is a true national emblem and a good luck charm that runs perfectly, ensuring the good fortune of the Czech capital’s inhabitants. It was assembled in 1410 and mounted on
the Old Town Hall’s tower, at the Old Town Square. Since then, it has fascinated locals and visitors alike with the march of its little figurines representing the twelve apostles that come out every hour on the dot.
3. Zytglogge (Bern)
If there is a country that has watchmaking coursing through its veins, that is Switzerland. Therefore, if there is a place where you’ll find a unique clock for the end of the year, that would be its capital,
Bern; where the Zytglogge stands. A contemporary to its Czech counterpart, it is also an astronomical clock that shows the onlookers a charming display of figurines once every hour. Rumour has it, moreover,
that it inspired Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity.
4. Puerta del Sol Clock (Madrid)
The Puerta del Sol clock in Madrid is the symbol the whole of Spain turns to with expectation every 31st of December. Built in 1866, its fame as the nerve centre to celebrate the New Year’s Eve began at the beginning of the 20th century.
Each year we see memorable images on television, depicting the Puerta del Sol area brimming with people who get together to eat twelve grapes, one with each chime. This year, however, we will see the unusual and astonishing image
of an empty square, given that Madrid’s regional government has banned going to town squares to celebrate the arrival of 2021.
5. En Figuera clock at the Cort Square (Palma)
Our journey ends very close to the first Relojería Alemana shop in Palma, only a few minutes on foot from the Calle Colón. The destination? The
Cort square, where the
En Figuera clock has been cheering the local’s at New Year’s
Eve for more than a century and a half. It is one of the most
iconic locations in Mallorca,
definitely worth a visit and a place to return to each 31st of December to start the new day well.
Whichever clock chimes in the New Year for you, at Relojería Alemana we will be waiting to
keep measuring time from our shops in Mallorca
this 2021. A new year in which we will continue to add items to our sophisticated
fine watchmaking catalogue with the most beautiful and reliable pieces as well as the latest creations by internationally renowned brands
HAPPY 2021!
