Abstract: A magneto-optical clock head is disclosed. The magneto-optical clock head allows a longitudinally recorded clock track to be read from a disk surface from a position outside of a head-disk assembly (HDA). The clock track has sections of alternating magnetization which define transitions. Importantly, the magneto-optical clock head is used to sense the transitions using the transverse Kerr effect, as opposed to the longitudinal Kerr effect as used in one prior technique. In one embodiment, the magneto-optical clock head includes a light source for generating a p-polarized beam which is aligned in such a manner that it strikes the clock track. A reflected beam is then produced which has an intensity that varies based upon the direction of the magnetization of the sections of alternating magnetization of the clock track due to the transverse Kerr effect.