During the Islamic Golden Age, around 1150, engineers like al-Jazari refined the clepsydra, or water clock, introducing advanced gearing mechanisms. These innovations allowed for more accurate timekeeping and demonstrated the sophisticated understanding of hydraulics and mechanics in medieval Islamic culture. The development of these water clocks not only served practical purposes but also reflected the era's emphasis on scientific inquiry and technological advancement.

Refinements to the clepsydra during the Islamic Golden Age around 1150 enhanced the understanding of time, influencing medieval poets who incorporated these advancements into their cosmologies. The interplay between science and poetry enriched the literary tradition, as poets began to explore the metaphysical implications of time.