Because the early a part of the twentieth century, the normal watchmaking dialog has been dominated by what we put on on our wrists. It’s onerous to think about that clockmaking and watchmaking should not synonymous immediately, or that the wristwatch isn’t the one type a wearable watch may take (maybe we’ll return to pocket watch in a distinct story). The mechanical desk or standing clock – as soon as the centrepiece of the house and the first rhythm of each day life – appeared equally destined to fade into the realm of antiques. Nonetheless, a quiet however highly effective renaissance is underway. In an period outlined by digital ubiquity, the mechanical clock is being reimagined not as a device for telling time, however as a spectacular type of kinetic artwork.
The strongest indicator of this revival is the re-entry of heavyweights into the sector. Luxurious powerhouses comparable to Vacheron Constantin and Chanel have lately joined the race, deploying their refined capabilities to win over collectors. Their contributions are nothing in need of monumental: Vacheron Constantin’s astronomical marvel La Quete du Temps and Chanel’s Couture O’clock and Lion Astroclock had been years within the making, arriving with a purposeful and aesthetic impression that has made waves throughout the trade.
Equally, the Naissance de l’Amour automaton from Van Cleef & Arpels stands as a coveted instance of métiers d’artwork, including a “cherry on prime” to this rising sector. It’s maybe no accident that Patek Philippe included a desk clock in its slew of novelties final 12 months, Ref. 27000M. This clock was the model’s commonplace bearer at Watches and Wonders Geneva, and we lined it a number of instances. That being mentioned, to name this a ‘rising sector’ is maybe a little bit over-the-top however it’s all relative.
The resurgence we’re involved with right here indicators a shift within the definition of high-end amassing. In the present day’s suave clocks have emerged as superb staging grounds for the elite to precise their inventive ardour, providing a tangible, mechanical counterpoint to a digitised world. Whereas historic patrons comparable to Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard as soon as commissioned beautiful timepieces from Patek Philippe, the fashionable collector can also be on the lookout for one thing new: objects that mix conventional complexity with modern daring.
Whereas the established maisons present validation, the true power of this motion usually stems from a smaller and highly effective group of unbiased creators. These artisans should not merely preserving a craft; they’re exploding its boundaries. From providing novices the possibility to construct their very own actions to creating “minute munching” monsters, these unbiased makers are proving that the static object will be probably the most dynamic drive in horology. Main this cost is a creator who works not in a manufacturing unit, however in a world fully his personal.
MIKI ELETA: THE KINETIC ARTIST
When discussing high-end clocks, as a substitute of focussing on model creations, industrial manufacturing, and precision devices, the discerning collector can’t overlook Miki Eleta, a attainable genius within the artwork of clockmaking. Eleta has developed an inviting world the place sophisticated luxurious is the essence of life, going a great distance in direction of supporting a revival of clockmaking.
Eleta’s journey started with an sudden encounter. A sceptic questioned his capability to be taught and work precisely, from the angle of constructing a timekeeping instrument. This was a problem that grew to become a life-changing expertise. “From then on, my complete focus was on proving him fallacious by creating a grand clock of excessive calibre within the first place,” Eleta recalled.
The trail was not straightforward and, in reality, was cluttered with unknowns. On the time, Eleta was creating kinetic artwork and possessed some mechanical data, however he admitted, “I nonetheless had loads to find out about constructing a correct clock.”
Eleta’s clocks are “purely an open canvas” of his realised ideas; they’re intricately playful creations which are (actually) extraordinary innovations. “I really like my freedom and really feel impressed by it each second… serving to me to place my concepts into follow on a scale that’s reflective of complicated magnificence,” he mentioned.
Not like producers who depend on industrial environments, Eleta works in his Zurich atelier with out CNC machines or modern design instruments. “I create each part for my clocks by hand,” he defined. “I create artwork impressed by sure occasions, cultures and feelings.” He utilises conventional supplies comparable to brass and metal for his or her particular properties, alongside treasured metals, gems, shells, and glass.
Nature stays his major muse, as seen within the Natuhrzeit clock in these pages. “I imagine in dwelling near nature because it supplies the whole lot one wants to remain creatively sharp,” mentioned Eleta. He cited the night primrose, whose petals open within the twilight, as a fascination. “The bodily mechanism concerned within the opening of the petals is fascinating. As I see it, I ask myself questions like: Why does this phenomenon occur? Might I implement it in a clock with absolute precision?”
Eleta’s work requires originality to persuade collectors of their value, in his opinion. Listed below are just some.
Caravan Clock & Horse Race Clock: Exhibited at Dubai Watch Week, the Caravan Clock adopted the success of the 2022 Horse Race Clock. Each items honour Arab tradition and function wonderful examples of problems with a high-appeal issue.
Svemir: The gold-plated astronomical clock, Svemir (2021), garnered vital consideration when the GPHG launched it within the “Mechanical Clock” class. Eleta famous, “It’s completely gratifying to know that they’ve returned to the origins of clockmaking by reintroducing the class due to the nomination of this clock”.
Minute Muncher: “Consider it or not, every one among us has such an uncontrollable animal inside that secretly eats away our minutes and we are able to’t assist it. That’s why I really like this ugly creature educating us to worth time and use it (with discretion).”
Eleta describes the artistic course of as an sudden journey of discovery. “I don’t stubbornly keep on with my concepts and as a substitute choose to give up myself to the realm of the artistic course of. Typically, it’s obstacles that drive me to assume past and confide in new potentialities,” he mentioned.
The bodily mechanism concerned within the opening of the petals is fascinating. As I see it, I ask myself questions like: Why does this phenomenon occur? Might I implement it in a clock with absolute precision?”
— Miki Eleta
MAISON ALCEE: THE DO-IT-YOURSELF LUXURY EXPERIENCE
Whereas France is thought for luxurious manufacturers comparable to Cartier – the Thriller Clock stays legendary – each watch and clockmaking have largely pale into the mists of the previous. Maison Alcee, based in 2019 by wife-and-husband duo Alcee and Benoit Montfort, is one the makers searching for to vary that.
Maison Alcee is distinct as a result of it invitations novices to take part instantly within the making of clocks. “We’re the primary clockmaking model tailor-made to assist the fanatics in assembling their very own timepieces with absolute integrity by offering them a watchmaking package designed for this very function,” Alcee defined.
The presentation field of the Persée clock accommodates 233 clock components, specialised instruments developed for the uninitiated, and a good looking e-book to information apprentices on their journey. The aim is to ignite ardour and supply a significant expertise the place house owners acquire perception into time itself. Consider Maison Alcee because the Lego of clockmaking.
Making a mechanical motion for this function was a big problem requiring in-depth data and endurance. Alcee reached out to trade specialists, together with famend grasp watchmaker Thierry Ducret, Swiss designer Antoine Tschumi, and watchmaking instructor Jean-Marie Desgrange. These specialists had been enraptured by her mission to move on the heritage of clockmaking.
“All of them have been a vital drive in making my dream come true,” Alcee mentioned. The ensuing mechanical motion is designed in order that anybody with ardour can match it inside a clock.
Maison Alcee makes use of supplies comparable to brass, stainless-steel, nickel silver, gold, and ruthenium, and applies PVD therapies to some. Greater than 90 p.c of producing happens within the Jura area between France and Switzerland, with last ending and meeting happening within the model’s Champagne workshop. To honour conventional craftsmanship, additionally they utilise a protecting mouth-blown glass dome, the Bouclier de Persee, created by a grasp glassmaker in Burgundy.
The model is deeply customer-centric. House owners can have their timepieces signed with their initials, similar to skilled watchmakers. Alcee recounted a buyer who referred to as his Persée clock an important piece in his front room, a end result that she says “speaks volumes about what we do.”
Alcee’s ardour was planted 25 years in the past. As a baby, she liked bringing supplies to life and thus skilled to grow to be an engineer. Her time at TAG Heuer and Richemont taught her that science and keenness are inseparable in timekeeping. Working with artisans, she noticed their motivations: reconnecting with actuality, elevating humanity by way of magnificence, and the internal delight of labor performed nicely. Maison Alcee is constructed on these pillars.
ALEXIS FRUHAUFF: THE NEXT GENERATION
The way forward for French clockmaking seems to be extra promising due to younger abilities comparable to Alcee and Benoit Montfort and, most lately, Alexis Fruhauff, the 2025 F.P. Journe Expertise Competitors winner. He gained the celebrated award for his Pendule à Seconde desk clock (above), a chunk impressed by the work of Nineteenth-century clockmaker Antide Janvier.
Fruhauff thrives on the problem of matching his predecessors. “Antide Janvier and Breguet had no computer systems to help them, but their technical ingenuity and excellent execution went on to command immense respect. Each part they created exhibits a circus of mastery, which could be very motivating,” he mentioned.
His prize-winning clock additionally pays tribute to his mentor, Jean-Baptiste Viot. The hour and minute arms had been designed as a nod to Viot, who opened his workshop doorways to the younger clockmaker. Fruhauff spent two years in Viot’s workshop, utilizing his gear to complete the clock.
Fruhauff’s ardour surfaced throughout holidays within the Jura area, close to the Swiss border and the Vallée de Joux. “I grew up immersed on this horology surroundings… My dad and mom would purchase me watch magazines,” he recalled. Upon returning to Paris, he was spellbound by the compactness of watch calibres, realising that the endurance and precision required suited his character completely.
Nonetheless, his journey was not easy. Academics initially discouraged him from guide trades, main him to pursue common research, the place he felt misplaced. Ultimately, he returned to his real love. Regardless of preliminary rejection from the Paris Watchmaking College, he endured, improved his expertise, and was finally accepted. He finally accomplished the equal of a BA, the DNMADE, gathering invaluable contacts alongside the way in which.
Fruhauff defines his clocks as “conventional with a refined modern twist.” For his Pendule à Seconde, he added a brass backplate with giant chamfers and polished inward angles to create aid. This seamless mixture of outdated and fashionable makes his work distinctive.
He utilises high-level supplies, together with conventional brass and metal, however innovates through the use of INVAR (a nickel alloy with low thermal growth that fanatics will likely be aware of) for the pendulum rod. He additionally incorporates Hardiall®, a new-generation materials from the aerospace trade (that the horologically inclined won’t know in any respect).
Successful the F.P. Journe prize was a game-changer, offering Fruhauff with visibility and confidence. He notes that rich collectors are driving the demand for beautiful timepieces. “We must always really feel grateful for his or her presence, as they make the creation of complicated and artisanal items attainable,” he mentioned.
“Antide Janvier and Breguet had no computer systems to help them, but their technical ingenuity and excellent execution went on to command immense respect. Each part they created exhibits a circus of mastery, which could be very motivating,”
— Alexis Fruhauff
Fruhauff sees unbiased watchmakers as painters, partaking in a deeply human type of inventive expression. He believes collaboration is prime to reviving disappearing professions throughout the commerce.
L’ÉPÉE 1839: THE AVANT-GARDE GIANT
Whereas particular person artisans make their mark, the Swiss model L’Épée 1839 serves as a strong drive within the trade, having by no means been out of the image since its founding. Initially well-known for carriage clocks chosen by royal courts, the model now dedicates itself fully to creating suave clocks absolutely in-house.
In keeping with CEO and Artistic Director Arnaud Nicolas, L’Épée clocks are not simply timekeeping devices. “They’re now reimagined as artwork items which are purely meant to evoke feelings of their house owners,” he mentioned. The model’s goal is to remodel clocks into kinetic items of artwork.
The method all the time begins with a narrative, which conjures up the design and the motion. This method permits L’Épée to attraction to a broad viewers, from pilots to inside design lovers.
The launch of the “Artistic Artwork Line” in 2014 remodeled the model’s picture. The Starfleet Machine, created in collaboration with MB&F, marked the start of a brand new period. “All these unbelievable feats (have) been attainable since 2009 after we embraced an avant-garde method to create kinetic artwork that’s in contrast to something seen earlier than in horology,” Nicolas defined.
In 2025, L’Épée’s Albatross (one other collaboration with MB&F) modified the sport, competing alongside different abilities like Anton Suhanov (the Easter Egg Clock). Nicolas views collaborations as a wedding the place each events win, believing that manufacturers refusing to collaborate will grow to be stagnant.
Part of the LVMH household since 2024, L’Épée is poised to develop its manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure. Nicolas famous that the acquisition deepens the model’s dedication to craftsmanship. “Another excuse that introduced us collectively is LVMH’s proactive function in the case of preserving and creating historic savoir-faire,” he mentioned.
PRECISION ART
The daybreak of beautiful clocks is turning into vividly obvious. From the kinetic genius of Miki Eleta and the tutorial innovation of Maison Alcee to the rising expertise of Alexis Fruhauff and the avant-garde imaginative and prescient of L’Épée 1839, the trade is witnessing a phenomenon which will have legs.
The passionate clockmakers of the twenty first century show that when an object as historical because the clock is designed with daring views, the result’s nothing in need of inspirational. The search for excellence is the dominating issue altering the situation for the higher, and if Fruhauff is appropriate, it is a extremely welcome growth.
WORDS THE WOW TEAM INTERVIEWS NAGMANI
This story was first seen as a part of the WOW #83 Spring 2026 Problem
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