Europe
2021.03.29 00:53 GMT+8

Daylight saving: Meet the German collector racing against time to change hundreds of clocks

Updated 2021.03.29 00:53 GMT+8
Thomas Wintle

 

The clocks have gone forward in Europe, meaning brighter evenings and longer days. But for German clock collector Werner Stechbarth, it means a race against time. 

Twice a year, Stechbarth, who has been collecting clocks since 1975, has to adjust 365 clocks by an hour. 

"Back in the day when I was still a bit hectic I used to have clock parties," he says. "I invited friends around and between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. we changed all the clocks, but that was when I was young and beautiful. Now I do it all alone."

 

READ MORE 

How did Norway record zero excess deaths in 2020?

How virtual auctions are driving record art sales amid the pandemic

Stopping plane contrails 'can halve' climate impact of air travel

 

It's a time-consuming job – Stechbarth usually leaves three to five days for the task. However, because the clockaholic loves them so much, he says it's the perfect task for whiling away the hours. 

"My clocks are the love of my life, I love them above all else," he said. 

"In the evening, other people take sleeping pills so they can sleep. I sit in my comfy chair, turn everything off, look at my clocks, listen to the ticking and watch the hands moving. 

"And then I feel so calm and relaxed that I can go to bed and sleep beautifully."

 

Video editing: David Bamford

Source(s): Reuters
Copyright © 

RELATED STORIES