Mind-bogglingly beautiful and complex custom-made astronomical skeleton clock

Check out this amazing great-wheel skeleton clock commissioned from the Buchanan firm by clock expert Mark Frank. Inspired by a clock featured on the cover of the October 2003 issue of the Horological Journal, Frank set out to have commission made. The goals were to create a clock with an imposing scale, lots of movement, and a lot of complexity. I would say he has succeeded!

From the creator's web site:

This is a four train, quarter striking movement with the fourth train driving the astronomical systems. The escapement is based on Harrison's H1 design and is driven by dual swinging-frame remontoire. The clock's functions include: 400 year perpetual calendar, equation of time, sidereal time, sun/moon rise and set, moon's phase and age, tides, solar/lunar eclipses, planisphere, tellurium, and full-featured orrery to Saturn with functional moons. There will be over 20 complications.

The clock measures 25" wide by 29" height and 16" deep. It weights in at an impressive 600-700 pounds! Here is where you can read more and see in-progress photos of this incredible Astronomical Skeleton Clock.

If you are interested in skeleton clocks, try to get you hands on Continental and American Skeleton Clocks and Skeleton Clocks by F. B. Royer-Collard.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

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Call for artists - How do you as an artist respond to the concept of timekeeping?

I happen to be a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Colllectors (NAWCC). In addition to offering classes, regional meetings, and an excellent publication, they have an impressive museum dedicated to watches and clocks. The video above tells you a bit about their museum.

I've received word that they have issued a call for artists for an upcoming exhibition. Why post about it here? Contributing artists are asked to respond to the concept of timekeeping. Special consideration will be given to works that are functional timekeepers. As a central resource for various forms of kinetic art, this show is decidedly on-topic.

From the Call for Artists:

A Matter of Time — This exhibit invites artists to respond to the concept of timekeeping and how it is represented today. Artists are encouraged to visit the museum and www.museumoftime.org for more information. Special consideration will be given to those works that are functional timekeepers as well. So how do you as an artist respond to the concept of timekeeping?

All of the details for submitting a work of art may be found on within the official call for artist announcement. The key thing to note is that the deadline for submission is Friday August 30, 2013. You will need to get them JPEG images on CD no later than that date. There is no entry fee.

Even if you don't submit a piece or attend the show, I would encourage you to make the two hour excursion from Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington DC to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum. If you find yourself in Scranton or Lancaster, PA you are within minutes of the museum.

[ Thanks Aaron! ]

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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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