Yes, time measurement and regulation have varied throughout history and across different cultures. The system of seconds, minutes, and hours that we commonly use today is based on the decimal time system, which was introduced during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. However, before that, various other systems were used to measure and regulate time.
One example is the ancient Egyptian system, which divided the day and night into 12 hours each, regardless of the changing length of daylight throughout the year. This meant that the length of an hour would vary depending on the season. The Egyptians also used a sundial to measure time during daylight hours.
In ancient Greece, different city-states had their own systems of timekeeping. Some used a 12-hour system, while others used a 10-hour system. These systems were not standardized across Greece, leading to variations in time measurement.
In ancient Rome, the day was divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness, with the length of each hour varying depending on the season. However, the Romans also used water clocks, or clepsydras, which measured time based on the flow of water. These clocks allowed for more precise time measurement.
In China, a system known as the "midnight-to-midnight day" was used, where the day was divided into 12 double hours. Each double hour corresponded to two of our modern hours, resulting in a 24-hour day. This system was in use in China for centuries before the adoption of the decimal time system.
There have been numerous other timekeeping systems throughout history, many of which were based on astronomical observations or the measurement of natural phenomena. The development of accurate mechanical clocks and the standardization of time measurement came much later in history.
So, to answer your question, yes, time could have been regulated differently in different time periods and cultures, and it has indeed been so. The system of seconds, minutes, and hours that we use today is just one of many ways in which time has been measured and regulated throughout human history.