The Missing Chinese Mechanical Clocks

The implications of European technological lead in the making of mechanical clocks in the Early Modern period

Old clock driving the mechanism for triggering the bells of a church in France

The mechanical clock was a unique innovation of medieval Europe. Already in 1309 there was a clock made of iron installed at the church of St. Eustorgio in Milan that struck the hour. That mechanical clocks got developed in medieval Europe is puzzling in many ways. In that time period the continent was considered backwards compared to advanced Muslim, Chinese and Indian civilizations.

I want to dig into this apparent contradiction and attempt to answer two important questions in this story:

1. Did the European mastery of clockmaking have any tangible benefits? Did the clock give any kind of strategic advantage to Europe relative to other advanced civilizations, such as China?
2. Why did mechanical clockmaking evolve in Europe, but not elsewhere?

Being able to measure time accurately is important in astronomy and navigation. Advancements in astronomy allowed Europeans to master ocean navigation rather than merely following the coastline. The mechanical clock thus played a significant role in securing European dominance on the seas and control trade networks all over the world.