One of the busiest weekends for clock keepers around the globe comes at the end of Daylight Saving Time as autumn intensifies. Dubbed the ‘fall back’, this annual tradition marks the beginning of shorter, darker nights to come and brings everyone a little extra sleep by signaling the time when we set the clocks back by an hour.
Clock-keepers Prepare to Turn Back Time
On the scheduled Sunday in late October or early November, clocks in most regions that observe Daylight Saving Time will be moved back an hour at 2 a.m. The United States will transition on Sunday, November 2, 2025, whereas Europe and the United Kingdom will change a week earlier. To switch clocks over neatly and accurately, clock-keepers for large public clocks, church spires, and historic timepieces plan for days in advance.
How Clock-Keeper Manages the Time
Clockkeepers don’t simply turn a dial and off. To ensure the time flows smoothly after the adjustment, they check synchronisation systems, trim pendulums, and each device. Many vintage clocks, especially those in cathedrals or town squares, still require manual adjustment, which takes time and precision.
Trained technicians often spend the night physically resetting hundreds of mechanical clocks overnight before dawn in cities such as London, New York, and Paris. Due to their efforts, public clocks remain the most reliable source of information for all people waking up to the new time.
Why do we Turn Back the Clock?
The concept of Daylight Saving Time is to conserve energy and make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. Mornings are brighter upon the arrival of fall due to the resumption of standard time, yet evenings become darker earlier.
Time changes were initially adopted by nations during World War I to improve production and conserve gasoline. The process is still in use today in over 70 countries worldwide, even though opinions about its effectiveness vary.
What the Change Means for You
Turning back the clock affects daily habits, sleep patterns, energy use, and timekeeping. Experts recommend taking advantage of the shift to remind people to reset household clocks, test smoke alarm batteries, and reset thermostats.
With the extra hour of sleep, individuals often notice enhanced sleep quality for several nights after the fall time change. It’s still important to plan afternoon outdoor activities earlier in the day, since early sunsets also affect mood and alertness.
Digital Services
Most laptops, telephones, and other electronic devices now update automatically, unlike old clocks. Clock-keepers emphasize the need to check older devices that may not regulate themselves, such as wall clocks, car dashboards, and ovens.
On the Monday after the change, a quick double-check prevents early arrivals or missed appointments.
Clock-Keepers Prepare to Turn Back Time
Certain countries continue to grapple with whether or not to abolish Daylight Saving Time altogether. Twice-a-year time shifts, critics say, disrupt sleep patterns and offer minimal energy savings in today’s world. Clock-keepers for the present continue their tradition of turning back time each fall, but legislation enacting permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time is introduced almost annually.
