Denmark: Copenhagen – Jens Olsen’s World Clock

Jens Olsen’s World Clock or Verdensur is an advanced astronomical clock. The clock was designed and calculated by Jens Olsen (1872–1945), who was a skilled locksmith, and later learned the trade of clockmaking. He also took part in the beginning of the clock’s construction, and died in 1945, 10 years before the clock was completed. The clock consists of 12 movements which together have 15,448 parts. The clock is mechanical and must be wound once a week. Displays include lunar and solar eclipses, positions of the stellar bodies, and a perpetual calendar, in addition to the time. The fastest gear completes a revolution every ten seconds and the slowest every 25,753 years. The clock was started on 15 December 1955 by King Frederick IX and Jens Olsen’s youngest grandchild Birgit.

It was fascinating to look at the clock itself which was beautiful, and the room also has displays about the history of the clock and how it was designed and constructed.