tm solaris by the moving mechanics forges kinetic timepiece

tm solaris by the moving mechanics

As the earth journeys around the sun, a clock’s hand translates its motion into measured ticks, marking our position in the cosmos – or perhaps just how close we are to our lunch break. Although the standard analog clock, or even the numbers on the face of a smartscreen, do just fine, there is still room for poetry in the marking of the hour. In the pursuit of romantic time-telling, in November 2023, The Moving Mechanics Company adds the Time Machine SOLARIS to its cabinet of curious contraptions.

in November 2023, The Moving Mechanics Company adds TM SOLARIS to its collection of kinetic art machines

all images courtesy of The Moving Mechanics Company

The Moving Mechanics Company (see here) uses a whimsical, mechanical language to craft their kinetic pieces. Their collection of time machines comes from the mind of Florian Schlumpf, whose creative background is informed by sculpture, mechanical engineering, and lots of cycling. In 2014, he released the first Time Machine, the TM1, at BaselWorld. Designed and built in Switzerland, these spinning works provoke audiences to meditate on their relationship to time.

based in Switzerland, the Moving Mechanics have become known for their Time Machine series with Florian Shlumpf

36 wheels create mechanical whimsy

Named after the Latin word for sun, TM SOLARIS seeks to echo the powerful nature of the solar body above. Its intricate layers of golden wheels and orbiting components call to mind the structure of a planetary system. Crafted from aluminum and featuring an anodized black and gold finish, it lends a visually intricate and opulent touch to interior spaces. Looking closely at the component parts reveals an intricate system of patterned gear teeth and spokes that propel the art piece over its midnight foundation.

named after the Latin word for sun, TM SOLARIS seeks to echo the powerful nature of the solar body above.

The TM SOLARIS elegantly denotes the progression of seconds, minutes, and hours with three distinct metal rings. The synchronous motor, meticulously engineered with 36 wheels, drives the clock’s intricate movements. This sophisticated timepiece measures 700 x 700 x 110 mm and can either stand independently or be wall-mounted.

TM SOLARIS elegantly denotes the progression of seconds, minutes, and hours with three distinct metal rings