The Swiss art of automaton making - 5th February 2021

For centuries, the finest watches and automatons have been created in Switzerland. These talents have now been accepted as culturally important.

Swiss watchmaking and automaton making are now seen by UNESCO as significant as human heritage. They have been added to an international list which features Indian Yoga and the Argentine Tango.

One expert craftsman, Francois Junod, produces automatons in a workshop in the mountains. He’s surrounded by moving objects. Birds call and a figure can be seen writing a poem.

At the moment, Junod is working on a Leonardo da Vinci automaton. The machine’s eyes cross from left to right, as they follow the pen in his mechanical hand.

Junod hopes UNESCO’s steps draw attention to this dying tradition. In our digital times, it could help people discover the craft’s magic and mystery.