Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia, in the Holy City of Mecca, has introduced the newest largest tower clock in the world, larger even than England’s 4 sided Big Ben Tower Clock in London’s Parliament. It’s introduction was timed to coincide with the Muslim Holy Fasting Month of Ramadan. You may be expecting a grandfather clock post here, but this one is very special.
The four-faced clock, atop the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The clock faces are 43 × 43 m (141 × 141 ft). Saudi Arabia will test what it is billing as the world’s largest clock, the official news agency reported Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. The tallest tower in the complex will stand as the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, and the largest hotel in the world, with a planned height of 601 m (1,972 ft), including a 200 ft spire. Upon completion, the structure would have the largest floor area of any structure in the world with 1,500,000 m2 (16,150,000 sq ft) of floor space. (AP Photo/ Saudi Press Agency)
The four-faced clock tower is seen under construction in the Holy City of Mecca August 11, 2011. REUTERS/Hassan Ali
Below is a better picture to give both the look and feel of the actual 4 sided tower and clock being erected:
We will keep you posted as more details about this amazing new tower clock emerge. We would not be surprised to see grandfather clocks designs that emulate one or more of the 4 dials and design. It is a natural fit.
Also, stay tuned for further information on the chimes that will no doubt be heard from this tower clock. We expect some of the typical grandfather clock chimes, such as the Westminster Chime grandfather clock, but we may be pleasantly surprised by also hearing clock chimes of a distinctly different Mideast or Islamic nature.