The Swiss art of automaton making - 5th February 2021

The precision skills behind some of the world’s most exceptional watches and automatons have been handed down through generations in Switzerland. Now these traditional crafts have been counted as being cultural practices of importance to humanity.

Mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics now feature on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They join, among others, the Argentine Tango, Chinese Calligraphy and Indian Yoga.

In his alpine studio, Swiss master craftsman Francois Junod is absorbed in his craft. This creativity sees moving mechanical artworks whirr into action. Birds whistle melodies and you see historical figures composing poetry.

Junod is currently working on an automaton of Leonardo da Vinci. His eyes blink as they carefully observe each pen stroke he makes.

Junod anticipates this UNESCO recognition may revive interest in his profession, reminding an increasingly digitised world of the enchanting nature of mechanical artworks.