It was a clock that most people in Watford only saw for around an hour a week - but it has become part of the town's history.
The Watford Observer Clock was never intended to become an icon. It was originally part of an advert for the paper at Watford FC's Rookery Stand, in the centre of the O in Observer.
But it became part of matchdays, with generations of fans and players glancing up at it to see how long there was left to play.
The old Rookery Stand. Photos: Watford Museum
The stand is gone and the clock is now on display at Watford Museum alongside recollections from fans of what it meant to them.
One wrote: “No design classic, no masterpiece, but a chunk of metal. OUR metal. An icon, not of minutes and hours, but of years. Glorious years of devotion, toil and unwavering love.” Another said: “The clock was a constant presence in our home away from home, showing the link between town and club.”
The clock in its display case at Watford Musuem
Read more: Watford's history in 50 objects: Charlie the Chimp
The Watford Observer Clock was chosen to be second item in ‘a history of Watford in 50 objects’ and is also a finalist in the Hertfordshire Museums Object of the Year competition.
Voting is open. Search for @hyoc2020 Museum Object of the Year and vote for your favourite object here.
- Watford Museum has reopened to the public. People can currently visit on Saturdays, with pre-booking essential. Housed in the former Benskins Mansion, the Grade II listed building holds treasures of Watford history from Cassiobury to printing to Watford FC. To find out more, visit www.watfordmuseum.org.uk .
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here