Weltzeituhr

Alexanderplatz is a popular destination for Berlin tourists due to the iconic TV tower right next to it. However, the time telling sculpture next to it is perhaps more interesting. The Weltzeituhr, or World Clock, is a modern-looking time sculpture that would not draw too much attention from most passersby. In fact it is so modern-looking that most people think that it comes from the 2000s, not the 1960s.

This clock was built in 1969 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic (as East Germany was formally known). Together with the tower, and the new socialist buildings around it, this was meant as a celebration of the GDR, as well as a testament of the success of the state.

The project was led by Erich John, sculptor Hans-Joachim Kunsch, and a whooping 120 engineers. Probably the most well-known technical feature is the use of a converted Trabant gearbox. Since it was difficult in the GDR to procure specialized components for such a single piece at short notice, the designers resorted to the robust and available technology of the "Trabi" to control the movement of the hour ring and the solar system above it.

It was considered a futuristic marvel and at the time was a massive tourist attraction. However, over the years the future caught up, making the clock look contemporary at best. Still it ticks away.