When was the mechanical clock invented?

The first mechanical clock invented was in China during the 8th century A.D. The first mechanical clocks in Europe began to appear in the early 14th century.

A Buddhist monk named Yi Xing made the first mechanical clock model in 725 A.D. Yi Xing made the clock to assist him in the creation of a calendar. Dripping water powered a wheel inside the clock, and a bell chimed each hour.

The earliest clocks in Europe were large and weight-driven, and built into towers. The Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens developed the use of the pendulum in clocks during the 17th century.