Who We Are
The Workshop and Our Beginnings
Founded in 2016, I studied in several fields including watchmaking and micromechanics.
We quickly realised that there are many ways to make an object, and that some do not suit us.
Example: the making of a watch
A watch can be made in two ways:
- By using only traditional techniques.
- By using only modern methods.
The Differences Between Traditional and Modern Techniques
Modern Techniques
Modern techniques have several characteristics:
- They rely on computers to control the machines.
- They allow for very precise manufacturing.
- They depend heavily on tools and technology.
- They are often expensive to set up.
Traditional Techniques
Traditional techniques have several characteristics:
- They require the maker to produce their own tools.
- They use sturdy period instruments.
- They demand a high level of manual skill.
- The tools are rare, sometimes costly, and no longer manufactured.
The Limits of Both Approaches
Both methods have their limits:
- They are expensive.
- They create dependence on tools.
Our Choice: Simple, Handmade Tools
Our working methods have some particular features:
- They are limited by the tools we make ourselves.
- We choose to use simple tools.
- This approach is inspired by medieval watchmakers.
The Legacy of the Medieval Watchmaker
The history of the medieval watchmaker shows that:
- Before becoming a distinct trade, the watchmaker was part of the locksmiths’ guild.
- The first clocks were made of forged steel.
- They were crafted using simple tools.
Processed image, from an original held by the Municipal Library of Lyon (A16AMM000371), The Watchmaker by Jost Amman.
Forging at the Heart of Our Work
Forging lies at the centre of our practice and connects our current work to ancient know-how.
Forging According to Diderot
Diderot described forging as follows:
“Forging is striking metal on an anvil with a hammer. One forges both cold and hot.”
Forging Alone, on a Small Scale
Unlike medieval craftsmen, we work alone. Working in solitude involves several challenges:
- Some techniques cannot be reused.
- Forging large metal bars requires a great deal of effort. It is long and difficult work to do alone.
Forging in miniature remains demanding, but it is more manageable when working solo.
For this reason, we focus exclusively on creating miniature objects.
Essential Tools for Forging
A few tools are essential for forging:
- An anvil, made of steel or stone.
- A hammer with a wooden handle and a steel or stone head.
- An air source, often a wooden and leather bellows.
- A charcoal hearth made of earth and clay, used to heat the metals.
The Materials We Use
The materials we work with include:
- Steel, wood, clay, leather, copper, and bronze.
- These materials are used to make both our tools and our miniature objects.
Presentation of Our Creations and Materials
A presentation of our creations can be found on the “Specialities” page of the website.
The tools, materials, and their specific characteristics are described in the “Journal” section of the site.
Attention : Les techniques présentées sont données à titre indicatif. Les utiliser sans connaissances peut être dangereux, voire mortel.
Warning: The techniques shown are provided for information purposes only. Using them without proper knowledge can be dangerous or even fatal.
Tous nos produits sont destinés exclusivement à un public adulte.
All our products are for adults only.
Artisan d’art – Automates mécaniques
Craft artisan specialising in mechanical automata