Clockmaking masterpieces from Miki Eleta Occasionally you come across an exceptional artist with limitless imagination. Rarely do you discover someone who also excels at sharing their thought processes. Meet Zurich-based Miki Eleta who handcrafts his own contemporary timepieces in the tradition of Swiss horology. Each creation is driven by his deep fascination for time measurement, innovation and kinetic art. Discussing the making process Miki said, “Manufacturing a clock means to me feeling life and adventure. I respect all that has been invented so far – but I do not respect the idea that there is nothing left to discover. Therefore I do not stop searching for surprises, new forms, unknown movements and presentations. The realisation of imagination.” He told Clocktime News, “Sometimes, passion, interest and curiosity can replace the school bench. As an autodidact I have always found much motivation and inspiration when observing past solutions and chasing a different, new, unusual way to make it - hopefully - more interesting. “I never patent my solutions - once something is invented, I am always happy to share. In any case, every new clock is again another challenge, another solution. Repetition is boring - discovery and invention are stimulating. “Also, I always bring my clock in person to the new owner. I want to be sure that the future owner has a perfectly calibrated piece of art. FedEx and UPS are no way to transport and hand over pieces of art. One-to-one is the only relationship which counts.” Miki’s Horse Race Clock was inspired by an encounter with the rich Arabian culture on a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Against a backdrop of traditional architectural elements, the clock displays the Arabian passion for horses. Starting with the Eleta Chronometer escapement in the shape of a horse’s head, this motif is also found on the hour disc. Its cyclic display is his own invention and in this design the current hour can be read in Arabic numerals at position 9 (AM) or 3 (PM). The upper part of the tower rotates and shows the current minute, while the indication of the moon phase is located in the middle of the hour disc. The main attraction of this clock is the horse race: its construction ensures a different, unpredictable course with each run. This 700-piece handmade masterpiece is made of brass and steel, is partly gold and chrome-plated and features Lapis Lazuli, mother-of-pearl and titanium. The table clock is 54cm wide and 46cm in height and only has to be adjusted every 128 years. A different, new creation will be unveiled at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, from 30th January to 5th February 2025. Additionally, it can be seen by visitors to Watches & Wonders, in Geneva from 1st – 7th April , where he will exhibit with friends from the AHCI.
