The Endearing History of Cape Town’s Famous Time Ball Tower

Next time you visit Cape Town, be sure to visit the famous Time Ball Tower at the V&A Waterfront for a glimpse into the city’s rich history. This iconic structure is located adjacent to Dock House Boutique Hotel by Newmark. If you’ve ever wondered what a time ball is, here are some interesting insights about these historic structures.

Come along as we explore the Mother City’s Time Ball Tower.

A Cape Town Icon

Cape Town, being a major port city, extensively used time balls, also called ‘fishermen’s friends’. The first time ball in Cape Town was constructed on a wooden tower in the Cape Town suburb, Observatory, in the mid-1800s. With the expansion of the docks in the 1860s, this ball became invisible to ships in the harbour.

Consequently, another time ball was built on Signal Hill. This time ball was later replaced by a tower in 1894—the Time Ball Tower. This particular time ball is made of fibre glass. While the Tower no longer serves a functional purpose, it continues to attract countless tourists at the V&A Waterfront throughout the year.

What is a Time Ball?

While it may seem mysterious from the outset, a time ball is actually an age-old time-signalling device. Historically, these devices consisted of a large metal or wooden ball that would drop at a predetermined time to help offshore ship navigators correctly align their marine chronometers with local time.

The time ball was introduced around 200 years ago, with its origins dating back to British maritime history. Of course, modern technology has rendered time balls obsolete, but the Time Ball Tower, located next to Dock House Boutique Hotel, at the Cape Town V&A Waterfront remains an interesting landmark. 

The Dock House Boutique Hotel

The Dock House Boutique Hotel sits gracefully alongside the Time Ball Tower, facilitating a comfortable private oasis while providing guests with easy access to the neighbouring V&A Waterfront. The hotel was the harbour engineer's residence in the 1800s and maintains much of its historical charm with chandeliers and classical interior decor.

Join us for a relaxing escape or book a wedding or corporate event at this rich-in-heritage hotel and enjoy the very best of Cape Town’s iconic attractions and hospitality.

Ranked as one of South Africa’s top 25 luxury hotels, The Dock House Boutique Hotel boasts elegant rooms, manicured gardens, stunning views and superb hospitality—synonymous with the Newmark Hotels & Reserves brand. Book your stay or special event venue and relish in South African history.