This isn’t just a clock that sits on a table, this clock is an entire table. Visually and functionally unorthodox, “The Mystery Of Time” is a new limited edition time keeping piece of art from Timekeeper Chronometrie and Atelier Knesebeck (both out of Germany). Purportedly 10 years in the making, The Mystery of Time clock will have only 12 pieces made – each customized for the customer. In essence, the machine is a table with a complex clock that literally rises and lowers out of it in response to the day and night cycle.
The clock has a crystal dome as well as a series of sections that open up like flower petals. The Mystery of Time responds to light and raises up slowly when it sees light (meant to be during the day). When night falls the contraption slowly closes its “petals” and retracts into the base. The base is pretty incredible (and large). The real visual draw is the pedestal and clock enclosure. Make of crystal and 18k gold, it also contains precious stones and carved mammoth tusk (ancient ivory). The unit itself is powered by electricity, but the clock is traditionally mechanical.
Once completely raised out of the base, The Mystery of Time clock reveals its complications and construction. The most visible part of the mechanism is the very large tourbillon that rotates on these separate axis points. In the video you can see how large it is compared to the person in the film. Complications include a sonnerie (it chimes each hour), time, and an astrological display. This latter complication shows the earth with the moon. Each revolves on their own axis while the moon revolves around the earth. This all occurs in real time, and most of these components are fashioned in gold.
If the owner of The Mystery of Time wants to see the unit lower and rise from the pedestal as it does each night and morning, they can do so from a control unit. More than a clock, this item of curiosity is a piece of mechanical art – a sculpture in motion. While the clock itself is purely mechanical, a computerized electronic system in the base adjusts the time each day so that it is accurate. The time is displayed in a “mystery fashion.” The clock dial sits on a stand of sorts, and no connection between the mechanism and the hands are to be seen. This is because the hands are mounted of sapphire discs, that are driven by gears in the bezel. Classic mystery clocks from the early 20th century used this technique, which has been revisited for The Mystery of Time.
It takes a special type of collector who has the resources, appreciate, and sheer floor space to fully appreciate The Mystery of Time. It does not surprise me that it took 10 years to make, and would further not surprise me if the price is in excess of one million dollars. Once again, there will only be 12 pieces of The Mystery of Time made by Timekeeper Chronometrie – each unique to the customer.
It’s available in JamesList’s Extraordinaire section.
See a video of The Mystery of Time clock here.
By Ariel Adams
