Time on a clock

Although its days have been marked by silence in recent times, the old clock on top of the Globo Hotel remains a symbol of the city of Pinar del Rio that winks at all the modernity visible from its position over the main local artery.

Designed and built in 1910 by the German J. F. Weuler, the artifact became part of the building after its reopening in 1917, witnessing since then the comings and goings of people walking along José Martí Street, most of whom find it hard to think about the provincial capital city without making immediate reference to the clock that boasts an impressive combination of bronze and wood and still works, chiming every hour and half hour.

Millions of chimes have been heard in this city which bear witness to different moments in history as the clock refuses to fall victim to the passing of the years.

Those who climb the 62 steps that lead to the room where all the machinery is located know of the existence of a 160-pound piece of wood that is still part of the mechanism.

José Betancourt Ordaz—Joseíto to his friends—has had a sacred temple there for about 15 years, when he decided to take charge of the artifact, start it up, correct the time and grease the pinions and the anchor, "which is what wears out the most", he explains.

This clock could tell more than one anecdote—and it certainly does—even to those who admire its dials and do not let themselves be carried away by the charm of a centenary piece of equipment that watches over the city’s daily rush.