Kvartsur

Kvartsur is a term that generally refers to a quarter-hour clock or a timepiece that marks time in fifteen-minute intervals. This can manifest in various forms, from decorative clocks designed with prominent quarter-hour markers to more functional devices that specifically highlight these segments of an hour.

Historically, the concept of dividing the hour into smaller, easily digestible units predates the widespread availability of precise mechanical clocks. Sundials, for instance, could be marked to indicate these intervals. With the advent of clockmaking, the visual emphasis on quarter-hour points became a common design element. Many antique and modern clocks feature numerals or distinct markings at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, directly representing the quarter hours.

In some contexts, "kvartsur" might also refer to a clock designed for a specific purpose where quarter-hour accuracy is important. This could include timing devices for meetings, educational tools for teaching time-telling, or even certain types of industrial timers. The term is not as widely used as general terms for clocks like "ur" (clock) or "klokke" (watch) in everyday language, but it serves to describe a specific characteristic or function of a timepiece. The visual representation of the quarter hour on a clock face is often a key feature when the term "kvartsur" is employed.