Adrian’s Status

Adrian’s Status

Why Do Clocks Run Clockwise? The Surprising History Behind Time’s Direction

Adrian Macovei's avatar
Adrian Macovei
Jan 06, 2026
∙ Paid

Have you ever stopped to wonder why the hands on a traditional analog clock always move from left to right—to the right side of the numbers, sweeping in what we call “clockwise” motion? It seems so natural, so inevitable. But this direction isn’t a law of physics or some universal truth about time itself. It’s a historical accident, rooted in ancient s…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Adrian Macovei.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Adrian Macovei · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture