"Meet you under the Echo clock." 

For generations of Southampton residents, this simple phrase was the prelude to countless encounters, a familiar refrain echoing through the city's heart. 

It wasn't just a timepiece hanging on Above Bar - it was the backdrop to first dates, family gatherings, and hurried meet-ups with friends. 

The Daily Echo clock, in its various forms, became deeply embedded in the personal narratives of Southampton, a witness to whispered secrets, joyous reunions, and the everyday pulse of urban life. 

Its "nostalgic importance is undeniable, a landmark holding so many memories for so many people.  

The story of this beloved clock is actually the tale of three distinct incarnations. 

The first, adorning the pre-war Daily Echo building, was lost to the devastation of the Blitz in 1940. 

In 1955, a "Stylish New Clock" emerged on the newspaper's new Portland Stone headquarters, a symbol of post-war resilience and modernity. 

This second clock, with its Roman numerals and elegant design, became the new meeting point. 

But time took its toll, and by the 1980s, the clock too had decayed and was removed.  

Read more:

Yet, the desire for this familiar face on Above Bar persisted. 

A fibreglass replica, the third clock, was created in the late 1980s, faithfully mirroring the 1930s style of its predecessor. 

This is the clock many will remember standing under until the Daily Echo relocated in the late 1990s. 

When the newspaper moved and the old building faced demolition, the clock disappeared from sight, its future uncertain.  

It was then that the depth of affection for this landmark truly surfaced. 

Saved from a demolition team by the passionate efforts of individuals like Mark Holman of Fork Handle Revival, the clock was secured less than a decade ago.

Holman, a born and bred Southampton native, recognised its significance, comparing its historical importance to the city's iconic Bargate and Civic Centre. 

The Daily Echo itself, described as "an intrinsic part of the city" and "the voice of the people for Southampton", lent its gravitas to its timepiece.  

The news of its rescue and subsequent restoration plans sparked immense public interest, with one social media post attracting more than 70,000 views. 

The restoration became a community affair, with local businesses like SW Asgood Engineering and Roosters Voodoo Paint lending their skills. 

Read more:

The aim was not just to repair an object, but to revive a piece of the city's soul. 

However, after many appraisals from various companies and much work by professionals, the clock was finally deemed as beyond repair.