Historical information

The brass wall clock retains its key. It was provided by the Department of Shipping and Transport in about 1900 and is original to the lightstation. It was mounted in the watchroom, a small extension at the front of the lighthouse (later radar station), where lightkeepers completed many of their reports and recorded radio schedules, weather observations, distress calls and other data. Good, reliable clocks were also essential for maintaining a strict roster of hours for winding the clockwork mechanism that kept the lens active. The name of the clock’s manufacturer has not been determined. More specifically it was used for logging radio schedules that were made at five minutes to midday, everyday, and for recording the times of weather observations, distress and any other calls that came in. AMSA notes that ‘Lightkeepers who used this clock were said to have polished and wound it every week while it was in use until the 1990s when its otherwise impeccable time keeping mechanisms finally became inaccurate’.

Significance

The brass clock at Wilsons Promontory illustrates the importance of timekeeping in a nineteenth century lighthouse. Despite its slightly chipped face, the timepiece has first level contributory significance for its historic association with the watch room and confirmed provenance. The significance of this clock also lies with its complete provenance.

Physical description

.1. Brass clock with a circular white face and black roman numerals. Three brackets at back to attach to wall. Face of clock is covered by a hinged glass cover with a fastener. .2. key.

Inscriptions & markings

Roman numerals on face of main clock. "1-12" On inner dial "10-20-30-40-50-60"