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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This mechanical watch shows the moving of the planets around the sun in miniature

Check out this unbelievable watch -- The magnificent Complication Poétique Midnight Planétarium -- which displays a tiny model of the solar system on your wrist. The watch shows representations of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The version without the diamonds will set you back $274,613 in U.S. dollars. The one with diamond is about $366,101!

An article on the watch may be viewed here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2548017/Forget-smartwatches-wear-150-000-PLANETARIUM-wrist.html#ixzz3VsKzrlM3

To learn more about this fascinating craft, I recommend Watchmaking by George Daniels. The book follows the making of the precision timekeeper, step by step, and is illustrated at each stage with line drawings and brief explanatory captions. The text is easy to follow and to not overly technical.

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Sandalwood wrist watch made from 50 hand-cut pieces

Of course, the mechanism within this watch isn't wood as it was in this amazing wood pocket watch that I posted about some time ago. However, hand-cut sandalwood does make up the the band's links, bezel, crown, case, and case back. Nearly everything you can actually see is made of real wood. Despite the fact that you can buy one of these for yourself for $139.95, no two are alike. The final appearance depends on the particular piece of sandalwood harvested from sustainable plantation-based stands grown in East Africa. The watch uses an efficient Miyota quartz movement, which provides reliable time for about two-years on one battery. Six adjustable links allow for a customized fit for a variety of wrist sizes. It also comes in a smaller lady's size.

It may not go with every item in your wardrobe, but I think this thing makes a nice fashion statement. What does it say exactly? I don't know. You tell me. I just know I like it.

Here is where you can get the The Gentleman's Sandalwood Watch.

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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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