Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Bisno Schall Clock Gallery! This website will unfold the story of one of the last remaining, fully operational Seth Thomas Tower Clocks in America.

The 1929 Seth Thomas Tower Clock is the only one of which we are aware that “does its thing” within an exquisite gallery of horology accommodating easily and comfortably 25 visitors.

Over the course of two-years (2010-2012) a team of Santa Barbara volunteer experts gathered in what had been a storage room in the tower of the National Historic Landmark Santa Barbara Courthouse. Their goal was to create an exquisite gallery in which the public could learn the history of horology and admire the fully functioning Seth Thomas tower clock – ticking the time through the decades since its installation in the late summer of 1929.

About the Gallery

Three Features

Seth Thomas Tower Clock

A large, completely restored and functioning Seth Thomas Tower Clock energized by gravity, controlled by a swinging pendulum, regulated by a double 3-legged gravity escapement and driving two hands on each of four large outside dials.

Interpretive Mural

An interpretive mural on 3 sides of the room, depicting the history of time keeping from ancient days to 1929.

Custom Electronics

Custom electronics measuring the accuracy of the pendulum’s swing,
triggering the sounding of bells, illuminating the twinkling of overhead stars and (making possible) the viewing of an explanatory video.