These are not what they seem. They look like analog clocks, the ones with a second hand, a minute hand and an hour hand, but if you carefully watch the clock, you will se that the second hand moves directly from mark to mark, on each beat of tick, tock, tick, tock. Second to second, not smoothly like a wrist watch.
What happens when the second hand hits the 12 position, not much, until the minute hand moves over to the next minute mark, then and only then does the second hand continue on it way from mark to mark.
Are these really digital clocks in disguise?
I think they are, but because this is a old country there may be a fear that converting them to “real” digital clocks may cause panic throughout he countryside. Ok, not really, but it could cost a lot of money.
On a related note, the trains here mostly run on schedule. My route from Soest to Amsterdam requires me to change trains in Baarn I have about 5 minutes between trains, or I will have to wait 30 minutes, without fail the trains come and go precisely on time. Within 15 seconds of the scheduled time the train leaves the station.
The train remains in the station for about 2 minutes, exactly enough time for people to get on or off the train. People just know what to do, no pushing or shoving.
For the record, the train system here is not perfect, it does breakdown, and there are other delays caused by all sorts of problems. Considering the number of trains and stations here, it's a pretty good system....except that the ticket machines do not take Euro notes or regular credit cards for payment. You can't even pay for tickets at Centraal Station, at the ticket office, with a credit card. You can use a pin (bank) card or specific cards to pay.
