Time is standing still on Parliament Hill after the country's most famous clock stopped early Wednesday morning.

The hands of the clocks that adorn each side of the Peace Tower ground to a halt at 7:28 a.m. after a small electrical relay malfunctioned.

All four faces of the Peace Tower clock stopped at 7:28 Wednesday morning. (CBC)
All four faces of the Peace Tower clock stopped at 7:28 Wednesday morning. (CBC)

Dozens of tourists crowded around the Centennial Flame snapping photos of Parliament Hill were quick to notice the incorrect time on the clock, and the sound of silence.

The carillon of 53 bells timed to chime every quarter-hour are controlled by a mechanism connected to the now kaput clock.

"I was disappointed not to hear the bells. I have never been here before and, yes, it was a highlight for me," said one tourist.

Others were less forgiving.

Peace Tower Clock Facts
Number of clock faces: 4

Diameter of clock faces: 4.8 m

Length of minute hands: 2.57 m

Length of hour hands: 1.55 m

Source: Public Works and Government Services Canada

"I think it's stupid. We are on Parliament Hill and they can't have the right time on the clock," another tourist said.

It's the first time the electric clock has stopped since it was installed on the 92-metre tall Peace Tower 25 years ago.

Government officials said the clock is only in need of a simple repair, but it may be days before it can be fixed.

The American company that built the clock, the Verdin Company in Ohio, is sending a technician from a subsidiary in southern Ontario.

Government officials estimate it could take up to 72 hours for the repair work to begin.