Malta has a new national record, and it comes in the form of a grandfather clock unlike any other on the islands. Officially recognised over the weekend by Malta Records during a visit to a private residence in Mosta, the achievement celebrates the largest grandfather clock ever made entirely of glass using the stained-glass technique.

This impressive record belongs to Charles Micallef, a long-time local craftsman known for his devotion to traditional hand-made skills. His clock stands an impressive 187.5 centimetres tall, measures 53 centimetres in width and has a depth of 42 centimetres, making it both a technical feat and a stunning visual centrepiece.

Clocks hold a familiar place in Maltese life. Visitors will spot them everywhere, from church bell towers and village squares to ornate interiors in historic homes. Many of these timepieces were hand-built, maintained and restored locally, reflecting a long tradition where function and decoration go very much hand in hand.

Micallef’s record-breaking clock builds on that heritage, combining the classic form of a grandfather clock with stained glass, a craft closely linked to Maltese churches and historic buildings. The result is a piece that feels traditional, while standing apart from anything typically seen.

Beyond the record itself, Micallef is widely respected for his commitment to sharing his craft. Over the years, he has taught numerous students, particularly in the specialised art of stained glass, helping to ensure these skills continue to be practised and passed on.

As you explore Malta’s towns and villages, clocks very much become part of the scenery. Many parish churches feature prominent clock faces, often paired with a second “false” clock designed to confuse evil spirits, a detail that still catches visitors by surprise. 

Inside historic palazzos and traditional homes, grandfather clocks and mechanical wall clocks were once prized family possessions, carefully maintained and handed down through generations. Restoring and repairing these pieces remains a niche craft on the islands, with artisans often combining woodworking, metalwork and decorative arts.

Stained glass, too, plays a significant role in Malta’s visual identity, particularly in churches where colourful windows filter the strong Mediterranean light. Seeing this technique applied to a working grandfather clock offers a snapshot into how Maltese craftsmen continue to adapt traditional skills in unexpected ways.