Fascinating stuff all this. I just had a very practical problem to solve so my interest was purely accidental but I have deep respect for the people that make such an outwardly simple thing the focus of their career to the point that they can contribute in a meaningful way to the field itself. Half the world (or more) does not recognize the degree to which we casually rely on incredibly precise timekeeping and how much of an achievement it is. More so because it is so invisible. What I've also found is that everybody in this domain is incredibly friendly and willing to share advice and knowledge.