Bank Of Spain´s Iconic Clock Stops For First Time In 130 Years From Filomena Freeze

The historical clock at the iconic Bank of Spain building in Madrid has stopped for the first time in 130 years after the mechanism froze in the record low temperatures brought by Storm Filomena.

The clock stopped last weekend for the first time in its near 130-year history.

According to the Bank of Spain, heavy snowfall and the sudden fall in temperatures meant that some of the cogs froze and stopped the hands from moving.

A master watchmaker who was asked to repair the clock was initially unable to go into the building until Tuesday after being unable to get there.

When he turned up later, the ice had been melted and the mechanism restarted.

He was able to confirm that no repair work was needed other than an extensive cleanup and spot of oiling to help it cope with the freezing temperatures in the coming days.

He also advised building maintenance staff to keep an eye on the clock to prevent it failing again.

The bank’s Works Commission decided on 17th August 1889 to put the huge clock on the building, which at that time was still being built near Cibeles Square where Real Madrid fans often celebrate their victories.

The clock was created by David Glasgow and watchmaker Gari who started work on it on 1st March 1891. It cost 386 GBP at the time and Bernando Asins was also paid to build the metal frame protecting it.

Since then, it has never stopped, even during the Civil War (1936-1939) when Madrid experienced several violent clashes. The nearby Metro station was even used as a shelter during bomb raids.