People who have a penchant for things related to outer space will surely relate to MB&F’s latest creation. Called Solar Orbiter, it is a unique watch winder created by British designer Martin Smith and Laikingland to mark the 15th anniversary of the renowned M.A.D. Gallery owned and curated by the high-end watch brand. This mechanical timepiece keeper takes its cue from the sun, wind-powered sculptures, and the iconic Eames Solar Do-Nothing Machine.
Smith has already contributed to the gallery, with iconic works like The Applause Machine and Fingers. With this project, he carried forward his design approach of kinetic art, which is described as “chaotic, mesmerizing, sophisticated in its construction, and a bit quirky.” The main motive was to create a kinetic object that would signal the M.A.D. Gallery’s 15th anniversary.
The project began as a wind-powered concept but later transmuted into a watch winder. For Smith, the mechanism need not resemble a watch movement. His original idea was to use 15 wheels as a nod to the 15th anniversary, but unfortunately, a few more had to be added to make the sculpture function.
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Each mechanical timepiece keeper is built from nearly 300 handmade parts in steel, aluminum, brass, and carved wood. Measuring 60 cm (23.6 inches) in height, with a width and depth of 40 cm (15.7 inches), it is powered by custom electronics powered by a 12V DC transformer that allows for different winding speeds. You just rotate a knob, and all the parts, including the watch holder, start rotating.
This horological accessory quietly winds your watch while its visible mechanism makes it a kinetic sculpture. As a design element, there is an option to interchange its symbolic heart, hand, and star, which reference Martin’s previous creations for the M.A.D. Gallery.
Solar Orbiter is a limited edition sculptural watch winder that will be produced only in 10 numbered pieces, and you can purchase it for CHF9,900 (approx. $12,300) on the official website. Each unit comes in a custom shipping crate that features a screen print of the Solar Orbiter on the outside.
