Dozens of residents and community leaders braved the gloomy conditions to catch a glimpse of the town’s new 6m-high structure, situated on Murray Tce near the Big Fruit Reserve.
The project cost about $14,000.
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan joked during his address to attendees that the LED display, which alternated between time and temperature, highlighted just how cold it was for a summer day in Central Otago.
The clock was "gifted" by the club to the Central Otago District Council to commemorate Rotary’s 40-year anniversary.
It follows months of deliberation earlier this year between council staff and the club to find a suitable site for the clock.
A proposal for the clock was approved by the Cromwell Community Board in August.
Rotary Club members Andrew Burton and Fin White were delighted with the final product.
"Everyone who has spoken to me has said what a great idea it is," Mr White said.
"We just thought the town needed a clock," Mr Burton said.
Several local businesses contributed on the project.
The clock’s pole was made up of steel from an old advertising hoarding at The Gate which was salvaged.
