Warning!! definately a newbe question here

[bugsb1]

I've been seeing alot of clocks, with Tempus Fugit written on the face. What is the significance of that is that a brand or replica?

Thanks
Tim

 

[bkerr]

Just means perfect time.

 

[bangster]

Tempus Fugit = "Time Flies". Venerable Latin slogan.

but...

"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana." --Groucho

bangster

 

[Ansomnia]

"Tempus fugit" is simply a common Latin saying which today would be interpreted to mean "time flies".

Here is the Wikipedia blurb on this saying if you don't believe me. You can find this saying on many clocks from the 18C onwards through to modern day replicas. It's nothing special. From my own experience, it is far better to see the signature of the maker or a more personalized expression on old clocks instead of "tempus fugit" - because it's been way overused.


Michael

 

[bangster]

A lot of them probably should use "Caveat Emptor."

 

[bugsb1]

Thanks Everyone, good information. I agree that it is overused and the ones I've been seeing definately look like replicas..

 

[Steven Thornberry]

Everyone translates it "Time flies," (and that's not wholly incorrect) but possibly more accurate Latin is "Time flees (or escapes)."

 

[bkerr]

Boy, I answered that one too quick!

You guys are right. One less crow in the world, just ate 'em

 

[bangster]

Everyone translates it "Time flies," (and that's not wholly incorrect) but possibly more accurate Latin is "Time flees (or escapes)."

Right. fugere, the root of such words as 'fugitive', 'refugee', etc.

Literally, "Time gets away from you." Or, as Willy Nelson said, "Funny How Time Slips Away."

A flea and a fly were caught in a flue
The flea and the fly didn't know what to do
Said the flea, "Let us fly!"
Said the fly, "Let us flee!"
So they flew through a flaw in the flue
--Momma Goose

 

[chimeclockfan]

Some older clocks had it, most most repro/vintage clocks have it, too.

 

[Scottie-TX]

When I first saw and didn't know it's meaning, I just thought it looked and sounded very erudite - recherche'. Still do.

 

[Steven Thornberry]

And "Eheu, fugaces, Postume, Postume, labuntur anni" was just too long to fit legibly on the dial.

 

[bangster]

And "Eheu, fugaces, Postume, Postume, labuntur anni" was just too long to fit legibly on the dial.

Whot?

 

[Steven Thornberry]

Whot?

You've forgotten your Horace?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odes_(Horace)

 

[bangster]

Illegitimati non te carborundum.
—Talbot Cadoody