Historic and evocative, the iconic time-ball installation at the harbour has been restored to full glory.
Debbielouise / Wikimedia Commons
In the heart of V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s maritime heritage shines once more with the reopening of the Time Ball Tower on Thursday 13 November 2025, reports TimeOut.
Before the era of GPS and radio navigation, mariners relied on precise time-keeping to determine their position at sea. The Time Ball Tower offered just that: every day at 1 p.m., a ball would be raised and dropped so ships in the bay could recalibrate their chronometers. Built originally in 1894 (though the institution dates back to 1836) and relocated when city development obscured its original view, the tower served for decades until it was rendered obsolete by modern technologies.
After falling into disrepair, this remarkable structure has been given a new lease on life. The restoration was led by heritage architects and engineers, delivering a faithful revival of the tower’s original character and purpose. Visitors will now be able to admire it up close and even witness the time-ball drop as it once did.
The restoration is not just about the mechanics of the tower, it is a celebration of Cape Town’s enduring role as a global maritime hub. As stated by V&A Waterfront CEO David Green, the revival of the Time Ball Tower deepens the cultural and tourism offering of the city’s historic harbour precinct.
If you’re visiting the V&A waterfront precinct, this is a free and unique attraction, right beside the Dock House Boutique Hotel, above the Ulundi parking garage. The time-ball drop happens twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays) at 1 p.m.; the ball is manually raised to the top of the mast at 12:55 p.m., ready for its descent.
For travellers looking to connect with Cape Town’s past, even amid modern retail, dining and leisure options, the Time Ball Tower offers a beautifully tangible link. Whether you’re drawn to maritime history, vintage engineering or simply striking photo-ops, make time (literally) for this rediscovered landmark.
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