FeatureThe League Of Extraordinary Clocks – Truly Timeless Objets D’art

Even as we live in the digital world with accurate timekeeping and smartwatches that keep us perfectly on time, traditional timekeeping instruments have not lost their charm, which is why the good ol’ clock has never stopped ticking. That’s one reason why innovative timepieces that feature avant-garde and state-of the-art horological mechanisms – which now measure up to nanoseconds and tell time simultaneously in different time zones – thrive alongside classical clocks simply mark passing time, continuing to charm us unequivocally. Although precision timekeeping is not a luxury it once was, the fascination with clocks persists amidst those who appreciate the gentle passage of time. After all, clocks and watches have never been just about telling time. Even with changing times, they have been treasured for making a statement as objects of desire and works of art. Going beyond the primary function of telling time, they represent the marriage of innovation and craftsmanship.

Moving over their sheer functionality, the evolution of clocks has given birth to the world of horology that celebrates several technological innovations and creative milestones. The history of timekeeping has seen humans measuring time in various ways. These include tracking the movements of the sun using sundials, the use of water clocks, candle clocks, hourglasses, pendulum clocks, mechanical alarm clocks, quartz clocks, pocket watches, and manual-winding and automatic wristwatches. Each stage of development signifies a culture of change and progression that brought us closer to the modern-day watches.

The first mechanical clocks like the first mechanical watches were not Swiss. It was Germany and France that began timekeeping, gaining the reputation for precision and beauty. In fact, given that the standard time is calculated based on Greenwich Mean Time, it was indeed England that was the undeniable hub of clock and watchmaking in the 17th and 18th centuries, and most notably for pocket watches that were popularised in Britain. However, unable to keep pace with changing times, the English watch industry almost collapsed at the end of the 1800s, which led way to the phenomenal rise of the Swiss watch industry. In fact, clockwork shrank with pocket watches being developed in the 16th century and wristwatches following closely after. Fuelled by several revolutionary technology, both clockmakers and watchmakers alike were required to work with artisans such as cabinetmakers, goldsmiths and silversmiths, enamellers, engravers, and even those working in sculpture and porcelain. These craftsmen were challenged with accommodating internal watchmaking mechanisms into cases that, in both, shape and function, adapted to timekeeping technologies.

The craft of clockmaking has today only strengthened with updates in timekeeping technology. If a wristwatch can accommodate mechanical calibres to run half a dozen high-level complications, just imagine what all can be accommodated in a clock cabinet. There are mechanical clocks that are endowed with several features, while there are also those that simply tell the time as they grace walls or table-tops with their inimitable beauty. Take a look at these contemporary clocks that make for prized possessions as they spell horological ingenuity and creativity, all at once.

Gorgeous Works Of Artistry: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clocks

The Atmos clock was first designed by one Jean-Léon Reutter, who started making them in 1928, and has since been one of the most impressive horological masterpieces that you can place on your desk. For lovers of serious mechanical horology, the Atmos series includes clocks that has no external power source, and never needs to be wound by hand, nor is it powered – as most pendulum clocks are – by a suspended weight. A trailblazing invention that runs without any human intervention, the Atmos clock gets its power from minute changes in atmospheric temperature; hence the name. Featuring art deco styles to contemporary art, Atmos ranges from the artistic Métiers Rares to watchmaking complications.

The clocks set in transparent cabinets – such as the Atmos Classique, and the Atmos by Marc Newson – take you straight into the heart of the mechanism, with the inner workings revealed. The clock’s exposed lung breathes in perfect harmony with the changes in temperature, while the balance wheel offers a spectacle – a single oscillation per minute, which is 60 times less than a standard clock, or 14,400 times less than a wristwatch! Designed to function for over a thousand years, you can watch the time, months and moon phases pass by slowly on the elegant dial of the Atmos Classique Phases de Lune clock that comes in a cabinet that is available in a pink gold-plated option, or in steel or gilt brass.

Modern-Day Elegance: The Baume & Mercier Hampton Clock

If you want to make a statement with a stunning table clock that not only tells time, but is also steeped in watchmaking history since 1830, this Baume & Mercier table clock is a classic bet. A vision in refined sophistication, this clock reflects the brand’s philosophy in leveraging tradition in a contemporary and future-forward manner. This piece presents a perfect amalgamation of traditional Swiss watchmaking, high standards of workmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Like other offerings from Baume & Mercier, this timepiece is geared for a modern lifestyle and is quite practically the definition of accessible luxury, combining excellence, aesthetic elegance and timeless charm. To live life to its fullest, this classic table clock from the Hampton collection is an indispensable partner, with an alarm function to wake you up so you can achieve your goals. The Hampton Stainless Steel Quartz Alarm Clock reflects the classic Hampton design codes with its 54mm square case made of stainless steel and clean Roman numerals that mark the hours. A legible, white dial conceals the quartz movement, while the SuperLuminova on the hour and minute hands provide night-time visibility as well.

Superior Japanese Technology And Craftsmanship By Seiko

A clockmaker par excellence, Seiko began its journey in 1882 in Tokyo’s Ginza District where it started its first clock factory to repair watches and clocks, and has ever since been dedicated to the art and science of timekeeping. Being the second largest watch company in the world, Seiko’s technological development is focused on the creation of ‘emotional technologies’, which encourages interaction between the wearer and the product. Called Seikosha, Seiko’s clock division is true to its name and spirit, as ‘Seiko’ in Japanese translates to ‘exquisite’, ‘minute’ or ‘success’, while ‘sha’ means house. The pioneer in quartz timekeeping had its humble beginnings by creating wall clocks and has only charted success by creating the first quartz wristwatch – the Astron – and innovating with many other firsts in the world of watches. Even with clocks, Seiko stands for meticulous craftsmanship and timekeeping innovation, as seen in their elegant looking wall clocks that reflect the legacy of the brand with classical wooden cases with a piano finish and Roman numeral hour markers. With a world of vintage, traditional and modern clocks in its repertoire, Seiko continues to wow lovers of horology with its clockmaking skills from its diverse collection that offers Japanese beauty, quality and long-lasting performance.

While many of us are moving away from wearing traditional wristwatches to keep a tab of time through our mundane devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops, and more, the true pride of owing a beautiful piece of timekeeping in our homes is far from gone. From displaying time on iconic monuments and keeping time in the busiest airports and stations, to timing the world of sports and milestone scientific expeditions, the rhythmic ticking of a clock to denote the passage of time is here to stay.

There are clocks created by legendary watchmakers such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co. that take pride of place in several museums and auctions as objets d’art. And there are also modest home clocks like from Raymond Weil Freelancer, Chopard L.U.C, Frederique Constant, Seiko, and others. These pieces of horology carry forward the spirit of great timekeeping traditions even with the sharpest of technological advancements.

What do you think of these clocks from some of the biggest names in luxury watchmaking? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.