You know you want to. Prolific blogger Rob Ketcherside has a site dedicated to historic Seattle clocks where you can take the clock walk. The tour doesn’t just include the 10 or so standing clocks around downtown, but many others you may not have thought of. It’s estimated to take about an hour and a half — not a huge time investment (sorry). These clocks were installed beginning in the late 1890′s usually by a local master jeweler. Around 24 were still standing in 1950 when they started to disappear from city streets due to their “obsolescence and homeliness.” Ah, the 50′s! Thanks to those who opposed these efforts, Seattle is home to one of the largest collection of street clocks in the United States. For more info, check out the 1980 Seattle Street Clock Thematic Nomination text. I snapped this shot of Century Square Clock on 4th and Pine, built by E. Howard and Company for Zedick Jewelers. It’s missing the original marquee, but remains significant. You’ve probably admired it while shopping for overpriced, midriff showing, novelty slogan’ed, corporate emblem covered, t-shirts at Abercrombie & Fitch as you tapped your foot to “Do You Believe In Life After Love?” by Cher (the remix).

Century Square Clock, 4th and Pine, Seattle.