Comments on: The astronomical clock of Besancon

The astronomical clock of Besancon

jonson — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 14:26:20 -0800

The astronomical clock in the French city of Besancon is quite a mechanical marvel. Built in 1860, its inner workings are comprised of more than 30,000 interoperating pieces, driving 37 separate clockface gauges. It is one of the finest intersections between art & mechanics that I've ever come across.

By: jepler

jepler — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 14:40:42 -0800

Heck! I spent 6 months in Besançon a few years ago, and I never heard of this thing. Now I have two reasons to go back (the other being cancoillotte, which I haven't been able to find in the states)

By: c:\awesome

c:\awesome — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 14:41:55 -0800

So this clock, it vibrates?

By: tellurian

tellurian — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 16:16:58 -0800

Wow! That's some serious horology going on there at the purists site. Nice one jonson.

By: arto

arto — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 16:35:44 -0800

Fascinating. There's something really cool about pushing purely mechanical technology that far. Nice find!

By: c13

c13 — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 16:50:24 -0800

Damn, if only I could have a wrist watch with that many hands... This is pretty cool.

By: jouke

jouke — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 17:59:39 -0800

Thanks. That's a reason to visit Besançon when I'm in the neighbourhood. Reminds me of this mechanical model of the universe that's a century older.

By: jonson

jonson — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 18:05:54 -0800

what??!?! reminds you of what for God's sake??!?!?

By: peacay

peacay — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 19:20:57 -0800

The fixed link for Eise Eisinger's Planetarium (from jouke). The unofficial site has some more photos. Thanks jonson - that is an amazing piece of craftsmanship. c:\awesome writes "So this clock, it vibrates?" The erudition and original pithy humour keep me coming back.

By: aramaic

aramaic — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 19:28:39 -0800

Forgive me for being brief, but....OMFG!

By: crunchland

crunchland — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 19:33:31 -0800

all I can say is, somebody sure was overcompensating for something when he built that clock.

By: jonson

jonson — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 21:10:11 -0800

crunchland, you should see the number of interoperating pieces in the designer's codpiece!

By: QIbHom

QIbHom — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 08:04:23 -0800

That is just amazing. Wish the pics were more clear. Just frigging amazing.