Tick-tock. The Mint Clock Tower stands before us. Its 60-foot height dominates the junction. A testament to art deco architecture it is.
This magnificent structure in George Town Chennai is more than just a clock. It’s a piece of history. It’s one of only four standalone clock towers in the entire city. The others stand in Royapettah Doveton and Pulianthope. But the Mint Clock Tower holds a unique place.
Before its construction imagine the scene. British officers at Fort St George fired cannonballs at 8 pm each day. This marked the time before standalone clocks existed. The first tower was built at Doveton Junction. Only then did this unusual practice cease.
The clock itself is a marvel of engineering. Gani and Sons an Indian company with Iranian roots built it. This company also supplied clocks to other towers across Madras. It’s a weight-driven mechanism. Six iron plates connected by a metal rope and chain of wheels. These plates slowly descend driving the clock’s hands. Once they reach the floor the clock stops. Someone must manually lift them each week. The clock needs winding every 30 hours.
For decades the clock was silent. Then in 2013 the Chennai Corporation decided to restore it. They teamed up with P Orr & Sons experts in clock repair. After months of meticulous work the clock ticked again. It was January 17 2014. It was a momentous occasion. The tower lives again.
The Mint Clock Tower’s architecture is noteworthy. It reflects the styles of both the Industrial and French Revolutions. Think sleek lines abundant concrete rich colours. Few floral engravings mark its surface. The dials are large. Each is four feet in diameter made of aluminum. The tower is a beacon of its time. A time when such structures were the height of elegance.
Today the Mint Clock Tower continues to stand tall. It’s a reminder of Chennai’s rich history. It’s a symbol of the city’s enduring spirit. Its steady ticking is a timeless rhythm in the heart of George Town. This is the Mint Clock Tower. A landmark for all time.