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The Modern Age |
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| During the 20th century, precision timekeeping and worldwide standardisation became increasingly important. The need to regulate labour processes saw the introduction of standard time and public clocks. An important role was played by the development of atomic clocks in 1948 by Harold Lyons, followed by the introduction of the first caesium atomic clocks in 1955. The atomic clock proved to be even more regular than the Earth's rotation. Thanks to industrialisation, everyone could afford accurate timekeepers. This was made possible by the invention of the quartz clock in 1927 by Warren A. Marrison and Joseph W. Horton and by the development of electricity-driven pendulums regulated by transistors in 1953. The first battery wristwatches appeared in 1956, the first quartz watches in 1967 and the first digital watches in 1971. Since the 1970s, our daily life has been regulated by digital timekeeping. |
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In the first half of the 20th century the design of clock cases was still practised by artists of the Nieuwe Kunst (Dutch version of the Art Nouveau or Jugendstil) movement and the Amsterdam School (expressionist movement of sculptors and architects). The clock movements inside are usually mass-produced abroad (especially in the Black Forest). Craftsmanship in clockmaking was stil stimulated by various clockmaker's schools. However, nowadays the Netherlands has definitively lost its leading position.
Nowadays mechanical clocks only serve decorative purposes. Examples are the many clocks modelled after period designs such as the Zaanland or the Frisian . Antique clocks are now sold by specialised antique dealers and auction houses, admired and cherished by private collectors and preserved and displayed in numerous museums around the world. |
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Politiek |
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"Vadertje Drees" epitomizes the welfare state. Since the 1973 energy crisis the tendency towards privatization increased.
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Cultuur |
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Mass production and mass culture turns clocks and watches into cheap and disposable fashion accessories.
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Architectuur |
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The stock exchange by Berlage is considered to be a great example of modernistic architecture. The building is inspired by examples from the Italian renaissance..
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Kunst |
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Piet Mondrian's 'Victory Boogie-Woogie'(1943/44) projects the rhythm of the metropolis.
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