What is the origin of the idiom "regular as clockwork" and when to use it?

The idiom "regular as clockwork" describes something or someone that is consistently reliable and predictable in their actions, like the steady ticking of a clock. This phrase can be used to describe individuals who are always on time, processes that consistently produce the same results, or events that happen exactly as expected. It conveys a sense of dependability and trustworthiness, emphasizing the consistent nature of the subject being discussed.