Tortoise automaton the size of a watch and adorned with jewels

Master watchmaker Raúl Pagès has set himself a goal: contribute to historical continuity and uphold the centuries-old tradition of prestigious automata. Marvel at the amazing craftmanship that went into making this gorgeous jewel-encrusted tortoise automaton!

From the video description:

Master watchmaker Raúl Pagès unveils his first creation, the "Tortoise" automaton which moves thanks to a mechanism similar to a watch movement. With this unique piece, entirely manufactured in Switzerland, the independent brand PAGÈS brings back to life the forgotten tradition of prestigious automatons.

Here is where you can learn more about Raúl Pagès creator of automata and master watchmaker.

[ Thanks Larry! ]

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The clatter and whir from the wooden marble machines made by Paul Grundbacher

Woodworker Extraordinaire, Matthias Wandel, has a web page on his informative site featuring seven incredible marble machines made by Paul Grundbacher.

According to Grundbacher, a native of Switzerland, he usually skips the other design steps and jumps right into working with wood -- mostly ash, maple, and linden (aka basswood) scraps a from a local factory. Why not? It may not be the most efficient design process, but it's not all about efficiency. Sure, many of his failed experiments may end up going into the fireplace, but he spends his time working in the medium he prefers. I admire that.

Grundbacher makes his own dowels using a technique he learned from his father. That's smart, given how warped and out-of-round some store-bought dowels are.

Here is the page on Matthias Wandel's site about Paul Grundbacher's wooden marble machines.

[ Thanks Walter! ]

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Exquisite Jaquet Droz watch features a complex bird automaton

First off all, note the name on this watch. Right, that's the same famous Jaquet-Droz often mentioned on this blog in the context of the amazing writing, drawing, and music-playing automata.

This amazing timepiece is what is known as a "minute repeater", meaning that it audibly chimes the hours and minutes on demand. Very hand in the dark and very complicated to pull off mechanically.

You could stop there, and I for one, would be impressed. But that's not all.

The most notable thing about this watch is that it has proper automaton within. Some automaton watches consist of a simple figure moving with the second hand. Not this one. Rather, this incredible watch features two birds tending their young in the nest. The birds move their hands and one spreads its wings. Meanwhile, the hungry chicks reach for their food and a hatchling emerges from an egg. That's a complicated automaton in any context. This is all done on the inside of a watch!

This watch comes in two varieties and can be yours for a price. It is $472,500 for the 18k red-gold version and $493,500 in 18k white gold and diamonds.

You saw it here first.

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Profile of the Jaquet-Droz: master watch, clock, and automata makers

If you missed this video the other day over at the excellent Spiel und Kunst mit Mechanik blog, it is a must see. The film documents some of the achievements of the famous Jaquet-Droz family of watchmakers.

The list of accomplishments outlined in this 13 minute film is astounding. Among other things, the Jaquet-Droz are credited with:

• The first sing bird autoamta
• The first singing bird watch
• The self-winding watch
• The Writer automaton
• The Draftsman automaton
• The Musician automaton
• The pump winding system for watches

This is only a partial list to which we must add numerous advances in watchmaking technology, and supreme artistry in the aesthetic elements of watches and clocks. Finally, though the film does not mention it, Henri Maillardet, creator of the drawing automaton that was the inspiration for the one in the film Hugo, spent time as a young man working in Pierre Jaquet-Droz's workshop. Maillardet doubtless learned much of what he needed to know to build his own drawing automaton from the Jaquet-Droz.

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Alexander Pushkin automaton by François Junod

Check out this video of a breathtakingly complex and beautiful automaton by François Junod. Junod and his team specialize in the manufacture and restoration of automata as well as custom made pieces such as the one shown here depicting Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Considered a master in the art and craft of automata making, Junod is one of only a very few people making automata of this sophistication in the tradition of Pierre Jaquet-Droz and Henri Maillardet.

Learn more about the automata of François Junod on his web site.

[ My thanks to automaton artist Thomas Kuntz! ]

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Self-winding clock that uses changes in temperture

I'm sure you've heard of self-winding mechanical watches. While clever, they aren't quite as magical as the sound for they use the swinging of the wearer's arm to continuously rewind an internal spring. Here is a clock that self-winds - the Perpetual ATMOS Clock. Clearly, you don't swing the clock around on the end of your arm. So, how does it wind itself?

The secret lies in small changes in air temperature. When the temperature rises, gases inside of a small chamber expand, which compresses a spiral spring. When the temperature drops again (as it is bound to do), the gas condenses and the spring relaxes. The resulting reciprocating motion, though small, is enough to winds clock's mainspring.

Here is a where you can learn more about the Perpetual ATMOS Clock.

[ Found via the MAKE magazine blog ]

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DVD about the three The Jaquet-Droz automata

Including perhaps the famous writing automaton created by Maillardet, there are no finer examples in art of automata than the masterpieces created by the Swiss-born watchmaker Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721–1790). Around 1770-1772, Jaquet-Droz created three incredibly sophisticated automata know as The Writer, The Draftsman, and The Musician.

The video clip shown here is from an excellent DVD entitled The Jaquet-Droz Androids. The film covers all three Jaquet-Droz automata.

Learn more about this documentary and order a DVD at www.automates-boites-musique.com.

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Swiss singing bird music box clock automaton

Here's an attractive, fairly recently made miniature singing bird music box by Swiss manufacturer Reuge.

From the eBay listing:

Offered for sale is a singing bird music box made in Switzerland by Reuge, probably made in the 1980's. The multi-colored bird is in full feather and will sing a beautiful song. This is in perfect working and singing condition, having been recently serviced by a professional restorer. The clock is separate from the bird automaton and does not activate it. The bird plays by pulling out the knob on the right-hand side. It is in very fine condition, mechanically and cosmetically.

Here's the eBay listing for this particular Swiss singing bird music box clock automaton

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Accordion player automaton nickelodeon

Here's an interesting coin-operated automaton depicting an accordion player currently on the eBay auction site.

From the eBay listing

Made by Swiss automaton builder Zwahlen from Yverdon ca. 1960. Moves finger, lips,eye brows, eyes and plays with tape recorder inside. You can put loud/soft and playing time.

Here's a link to the eBay listing for this Accordion player automaton nickelodeon.

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Vintage automatic cigarette dispenser music box

Here is a neat vintage automatic cigarette dispenser on eBay. There is a button on the front that when pushed starts a the music box. The multiple doors of the dispenser gently open to reveal the chamber inside and reverse side of the doors where cigarettes have been placed. The doors then close on their own to finish the cycle.

Here is the full eBay listing with many other pictures for this Vintage automatic cigarette dispenser music box

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Junod's Wonderland - video of a true master

A wonderful video with English translations profiling a modern master of classic automata. I'm so glad people like Francois Junod and his team still exist.

From the YouTube description:

Swiss artist Francois Junod has changed the automaton into a new art form. He calls his unique creations androids - mechanical robots designed to resemble humans in both appearance and behaviour. (swissinfo, Julie Hunt) visited his studio in St Croix, in the Jura mountains.

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Antique sailing ships automaton and music box

The two small wood and paper ships inside this 19th-century automaton have French flags, so it is likely of French make. The base of the scene is hollow so it can house a Swiss music Box and the tiny mechanism that causes the two ships to rock up and down on the painted tissue paper waves. A very charming antique automaton.

Here is the full eBay listing with many more photos of this antique sailing ships automaton and music box

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Army Knife big enough for the entire Swiss Army

Every decade of my life has included a Swiss Army knife in my pocket. My personal Swiss Army Knife progression has been as follows:

1 - Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife

2 - Swiss Army Super Tinker Pocket Knife

3 - Swiss Army Deluxe Tinker

4 - Victorinox Swiss Army Champion

I'm years overdue for my regular upgrade which I suppose is either the SwissChamp XLT or the SwissChamp XAVT

Or...I could just go for Mother of All Swiss Army Knives.

There are, however, a few drawbacks to this option. First, this knife is made by Wenger. And though they are an official and reputable maker of Swiss Army knives, you'll see from the list above that I am a Victorinox man through and through. Second, this baby will set you back $999 USD. Finally, this knife weighs in at nearly 3 pounds! There is no way.

My jeans wear out in the same spot -- right were my knife sits. Fortunately, worn jeans are trendy right now. Perhaps I'll just stick with the SwissChamp and switch to the version with the black handle, or the beautiful hardwood handle (shown at left). Nice.

I may even down-grade to the Swiss Army Craftsman Pocket Knife because honestly, I have yet to use the hook disgorger/fish scaler on the Swiss Champ.

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Video of Three Jaquet-Droz Automata in BBC Film

While a bit longer than most videos I like to post, this one is worth a look. The first several minutes contain footage of the three famous automata created by Pierre Jaquet-Droz: The Musician, The Writer, and The Draftsman.

The automata footage is in the first few minutes. If you are curious about the French Revolution, Mozart, and Ben Franklin, by all means...watch the rest of the clip. Pretty interesting stuff, actually.

The video is from part 8 "The Drive For Power" of a 13 part series "The Ascent of Man" by Jacob Bronowski available as a 5 DVD set.

Here is a link to the The Ascent of Man 5 volume set.

Magic Decapitation Automaton by Artist Zdenka

Swiss artist, Zdenka, is apparently known for her work in making fully functional limited edition automata in the style of the 1800s. There does seem to be a lot of detail and workmanship this magic-themed automaton. I have seen antiques that perform this same trick. The listing says she uses rare doll bodies to make up these pieces.

This Magic Decapitation Automaton is currently open for bids on eBay.

DIY Music Machine - Programmable Gloggomobil

I published a post not long ago about an inexpensive Programmable DIY Mechanical Music Box that uses paper strips to program the song to be played.

Here is its upscale cousin -- the Gloggomobil, made by Naef, a swiss company.

The wooden barrel is spun by means of a hand-crank on the side. Small pegs are inserted into pre-drilled holes in the barrel to determine what note plays and when. The music plays on a small-scale metallophone or Glockenspiel (like a xylophone but with metal tuned bars rather than wood).

Where you see more than one peg on a line, the instrument will play a chord. It looks like it comes with pair of mallets for composing or non-automated playing.

The Gloggomobil will set you back over $1000 USD, but I am told it is of excellent craftsmanship and that they are made in limited quantities. This design cries out for a DIY version.

Once again, my thanks goes out to Falk Keuten who tells me he has had one of these amazing musical, mechanical gizmos for 30 years.

Check out a few more details on the Gloggomobil.

The Shadow Automata of Emmanuel Cottier

Dedicated reader of The Automata / Automaton Blog and kinetic sculpture expert, Falk Keuten, has offered some additional information on The Musee National De Monaco.

He tells me that there they had on display a mechanical shadow theater by the artist Emmanuel Cottier -- Swiss clockmaker who worked in Carouge, near Geneva.

The exhibit documented in photographs and posted online is from an earlier exhibition at the museum of Carouge near Geneva. The mechanisms are fascinating. The text is in French. For non-French speakers, simply follow the link in the lower right labeled "Pour voir la suite..."

Enjoy the Shadow Automata of Emmanuel Cottier. [Thanks Falk!]

You can learn more about this collection at The Musee National De Monaco from the book: The Mechanical Dolls of Monte Carlo

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Swiss Watches and Objects with Automata

The photographs are too darn small, but you really must take a look at these watches and clocks with integrated automata. The site says they date from 1770 to 1850.

The cursor doesn't change when you roll over it, but the text that says "Full printable version" is a link that will open a small window with a photograph of the item.

Most unusual is the derringer that is really a small clock with a singing bird automaton. That's got to be one of the strangest combination of things I've ever heard of. Funny, beautiful, clever, incongruous, and chock full of man-hours. Yup, you guessed right: I love it.

See this Collection of Swiss Watches and Objects with Automata

The Musician Automaton by Jaquet-Droz

Another of three surviving Jaquet-Droz automata is The Musican. Here is a clip from THE JAQUET-DROZ ANDROIDS by Philippe Sayous. She is actually playing a custom made organ. As if that wasn't amazing enough, she moves her head to read the sheet music and can be seen breathing. Jaquet-Droz's attention to detail is astounding considering the mechanical sophistication required for the basic effect.

The full video (in French or English, NTSC or PAL) can be ordered at www.automates-anciens.com.

The Musician by Pierre Jaquet-Droz

The Draftsman Automaton by Jaquet-Droz

One of three surviving Jaquet-Droz automata is The Draftsman or. Check out this clip from THE JAQUET-DROZ ANDROIDS by French producer and director Philippe Sayous. The video (in French or English, NTSC or PAL) can be ordered on his site www.automates-anciens.com. The automaton not only draws elegant pencil drawings, but it also blows the dust from the drawing. Amazing.

The Draftsman by Pierre Jaquet-Droz