Astro-skeleton, July 2019.

This video montage shows various sections of the Astro-skeleton clock as of July 2019. The machine is now mechanically complete. There are still a host of bugs and adjustments to be made. Then the machine must be completely disassembled, polished, frames lacquered, various screws blued, all of the roller bearings in the main trains replaced with full ceramic bearings to make the machine a dry-runner. Then case work.
As one can see, for pure showmanship, this creation is tough to beat. We believe for its size, it is the most complex skeleton clock ever created. The entire project can be seen from its inception here: www.my-time-machines.net/astr.... The page this video was from is: www.my-time-machines.net/astr....

[@evahdarth4406]

This is by far the most beautiful thing I've ever seen... This to me is far superior to the Mona Lisa

[@anonymous-rb2sr]

Hleketile Chauke the Mona Lisa isn’t that great, it was a quick tiny portrait done by da Vinci, far from his best work and painting wasn’t even his best skill It just became famous because it was stolen twice and the media kept talking about it

[@droidzwierz5646]

Same

[@kerrycox4531]

Agree

[@bogdanjodczyk3477]

A true work of art World Championship Great respect

[@davidvanooijen9543]

A true masterpiece. I haven't seen anything of this quality and originality before. Respect!

[@juango500]

This. this is what true mastering of mechanical engineering looks.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

That’s a query I have had many times. Mechanically one would avoid this type of scenario. To make it work we must not only practice good engineering design and fabrication methods, but exceed them by magnitudes. Akin to making the space shuttle that has over a million parts (we have only 7000). But the principal is the same. All wheels that rotate less than once per hour and are lightly loaded run in oil-free jeweled bearings, not unlike what Atmos has done successfully in their clocks. I have one my Father bought when I was 10 years old, and it sits now on my mantle still running continuously without attention for the past 53 years. For wheels that run faster or are moderately to heavily loaded we use ball bearings. For all those bearings located in hard to service areas we use ceramic, oil-free bearings. For serviceable areas (yes there are some!), we use stainless bearings that have light lubrication. All ball bearings within the main trains are covered on both sides with a plastic ring to mimic a jewel bearing, but also serve the purpose of keeping out contaminates. The escapement, of course being a Harrison grasshopper, requires no lubrication. You see where I am going here, I avoided oil wherever possible. As you know oil is the main reason clocks have service problems, from drying out, thickening or becoming a grinding paste from contamination. As Breguet is alleged to have said, “Give me the perfect oil and I will give you the perfect watch.” The perfect oil, of course does not exist, but the best alternative is none. All I can tell you at this point is that the power requirements we need to run the machine are far less than anticipated, we are very pleased with the performance. Also remember that the majority of the wheels you see are used in the complications which all run very slowly and are lightly loaded.

[@ALEXGIBSONCMG]

@Jonas Jace get a room you two

[@TheSharoncat]

Wow what a master ⚜️⚜️⚜️🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@sciencetechnologyengineeri1964]

Ok

[@InstrumentFan2510]

Can I have this clock

[@InstrumentFan2510]

And a big table for that clock

[@mctavishmcardle6906]

this is one of the most astounding & marvelous things I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. an absolute masterpiece of art & mechanics

[@bonesshed.]

There are not enough words to describe how utterly fantastic this creation is !!

[@Zenas521]

One of the finest time pieces I have ever seen. A real master work in horology.

[@ALEXGIBSONCMG]

i was just about to say the same

[@dennisschaaf8813]

Are you trying to impress us that you know the definition of "horology"?

[@GODOFLIQUOR]

@@dennisschaaf8813Horology is a common term in watchmaking you retard

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@dennisschaaf8813 Are you trying to make the world cringe that your vocabulary is so limited, it makes you jealous to come across others who are better educated?

[@captcarlos]

Words fail me. A stupendous achievement. The vision and perseverance of all involved, The art and the skill displayed..

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thank you Carl. It's been a long journey over the past 16 years.

[@londonnight937]

The creator of this clock must be very very very skilled and very very very dedicated. They say that if you want your name to be remembered after your death for the most amount of time, build a clock.

[@sahilsardar1237]

You are a genius Mark ! The composition of art n mechine ever seen ! I love you !

[@robertdiamond2830]

Whilst I have never seen a more beautiful clock in my life and I have to conclude that its maker is nothing more that a genius - if it was mine, I would never leave my house again and instead, marvel at it beauty and complexity all day long. It is truly magnificent.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

That's exactly what it was designed to do!

[@ganpatraogole7896]

Astounding!! Such a precision, unable to believe.

[@markgoddard2560]

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. Evolutionists would have us believe that this evolved from a Timex watch without any design or forethought. Yet for all its glory, this thing of beauty is nothing compared to just one human cell with its DNA.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

🤦‍♀️ I’m embarrassed for you.

[@achillesbuchanan2095]

Utter magnificence. Deserves a Nobel Prize.

[@hartman12349]

Lord God, this is what I call art, a masterpiece, a great compliment to your hands and patience.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks Paul, it's been a long journey, but is close to the end now.

[@KallouWhatElse]

I don't have words strong enough to tell how this clock is !!!! LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!

[@pkiminza]

amazing simply amazing the amount of work and dedication.

[@gandalfthewhite2373]

Extremely exquisite, a masterpiece in the highest order... I have this feeling we are headed towards a steampunk world. This here; is the type of mastering skill our children have to take on!

[@venanciafox8765]

Good Lord, this is the most intricate and astounding work of art I've ever seen! 😱💞👍

[@brennanlangless8912]

This is incredible right now and it’s not tuned up yet could watch it for hours and hours and hours on end

[@jonno52]

Holy cow, what a fantastic piece of horological skill and ingenuity. Congratulations Mark.

[@FireX7_211]

Out of all the clocks ive seen and even worked on or owned, and even all the mechanical things, this is the coolest. Honestly to see this in full production id buy no matter if it costs a lifes savings even.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

I'm glad you like it! Yes it does cost a life's savings but I am blessed to be able to pay it.

[@audinos1840]

I’ve never seen anything as elegant.

[@PeterPeer]

I am in awe. This is a masterpiece!

[@Gearz-365]

Oh my goodness.... SUCH A MECHANICAL MASTERPIECE!!!!

[@AMan-he9sz]

Stunning - beautiful - incredible.

[@vitortavares2739]

Absolutely fantastic. Congratulations to the owner and the maker. This wonder is the synthesis of both the best of the clocks ever made and the top clockmakers skills

[@MarkFrankclocks]

I and Buchanan thank you.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks, this clock was the best of horological systems, such as remontoire, astronomical complications and design that I could glean from mine and other collections I have seen as well as those in museums in Europe. Buchanan's skills are next to none.

[@jayebirdjb7143]

Textbook definition of a piece unique. Amazing!

[@mbcommandnerd]

Chime mechanism close-ups begin at 7:37 for those who want to see that, as that’s probably one of the best parts of this clock, besides the grand orrery, lunar calendar, regular mechanical calendar, live star chart, and the very complex dual-arm dual-wheel grasshopper escapement.

[@samsonkiprotich6184]

mark Frank, you a living legend . even my eyes doesn't believe what am seeing

[@TommyJobson]

That really is quite some achievement! It makes clock No.4 look simple!

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks Tommy. I've looked at your restoration video. Buchanan's No. 4 is a beautiful piece. I knew the original owner of the clock and have seen and played with it. The finished polish on that clock will be better than on mine, but seriously, to make that kind of perfect polish on a machine of this magnitude would take an additional year just to achieve that level. Right now the the clock is disassembled for final finishing work, bluing screws, installing ceramic ball bearings in hard to service places (no oil needed here). It should be done in about six months - at long last after 16 years since the initial design concept drawings! Have you seen his son's copy of the Breguet dual pendulum clock at Buckingham palace? It's perfect.

[@bijankumar2922]

Really amazing one n wonderful piece ! I get afraid to love it as if my love may disturb it's peaceful movement !

[@QasimEisa]

The masterpiece of all mechanical work done since 1665!

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks, glad you enjoy it, but what, if I may ask, was the other mechanical work in 1665?

[@hammer-r]

Who the hell has the capacity to design and build it. Friggin wow. Well done. Wish I could have one. Simply amazing.

[@donaldold]

Well done for such great work, you must be very proud and deservedly so.

[@AEKarnes]

This is the most brilliant mechanical artwork in the world. On par with first order Fresnel lenses and sprinting steam locomotives. Well done sir.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks for the compliment. I went to your website and the Claymills engine was beautiful. That era shows such pride in the workmanship, especially evident in the control panel / gauge board.

[@AEKarnes]

@@MarkFrankclocks You are absolutely right and I am very glad to see someone with the resources to do it furthering that kind of craftsmanship. I've been following the construction of this clock almost since the beginning, I need to look more in depth at your drawings.

[@ronald44181000]

The math alone to figure out how many teeth to a wheel and pinion combination must have taken a Very Long Time to figure out. I tried once when I was younger to do the math for an Escapement Clock that would run for 8 days and had to give up after a year of getting nowhere fast. This has got to be the Greatest Accomplishment that i have ever seen in my 61+ years of life.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

This page from the construction index of July 2019 will give you an idea of the math. This was needed for just one of the scores of components in the machine. www.my-time-machines.net/astro_11-16.htm .

[@kathyflorcruz552]

You could gaze at this magical thing for days & still not see all of the spectacular gears & details of this beautiful machine. In fact I'd bet it could cast a spell on anyone who looks too long. Amazing!!

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Kathy, that's precisely the object of this project. Glad you have confirmed it. What you see in the video does not do justice to the real thing!

[@ethansammis7429]

@@MarkFrankclocks My mom and my friends were interested in watching your video of this type of clock

[@Arxiuz2]

this is the literal definition of a time machine

[@MakoyUnggoy]

You never shown the portal to step in after you've activated this time machine, time travel at last, pure genius!

[@cat637d]

Amazingly stunning, this miracle of machinery must be the pinnacle of the clock makers art. It should have a museum built around it!

[@ramiabram6010]

The coolest thing I've ever seen ❤

[@duprie37]

Astounding. Someone needs to make a documentary about this extraordinary work of art.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

I am working on both a printed as well as an on line documentary. But you can see the entire project now on a month by month basis from the beginnings in 2003 with text, photos and videos of the build here: www.my-time-machines.net/astro_index.htm .

[@seansersmylie]

Very beautiful work!!

[@mekagoenlaputahostia]

What a beautiful piece of engineering 🤩

[@Christian-Klaff]

Was für eine traumhaft wundervoll einzigartig und außergewöhnlich schöne Uhr! Für so ein ungewöhnlich faszinierendes Stück würde ich alles geben! In diese einzigartige Uhr habe ich mich auf Anhieb verliebt 😍!!!

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Vielen Dank!

[@henry_2235]

THIS IS SO COOL!! I don’t really have anyone to talk to about my hobbies and interests so reading these comments feels like I found my people.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Yes, Henry you have.

[@Ulisse.Quadri]

This construction is a true work of art that involves knowledge and skills in the field of mechanics, watchmaking and astronomy. Only in the cathedral of Besancon was I able to admire something as beautiful as your building. I am truly admired and I give you the best comments.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thank you for the kind comments. The alternate pecking birds for the raising of the strike racks was inspired by a similar design in Schwilgué's Easter Computus in the Strasbourg Cathedral clock. One of many designs I borrowed from the prior masters of horology.

[@Ulisse.Quadri]

@@MarkFrankclocks Thanks for the reply. I also built some astronomical clocks: that of Galileo and a copy of the astrarium found on the Torrazzo of Cremona (Italy). But nothing to do with your masterpieces. You can see my watches on my website: www.ulisse.bs.it My dream is to build the comput ecclesiastique similar to that of Schwilgué. For this I ordered from Afaha the book By Joseph flores which describes the model built by Frederic KlingHammer. You have probably already built the comput ecclesiastique and I would like to know your experience. My email address is: infoATulisse.bs.it in case we can exchange our impressions. Sorry for the bad English ...

[@daniellclary]

If this thing is accurate, then OMG, what a mathematical engineering genius! And so many little intricate parts! There no way to fully appreciate everything that is in there.

[@matusalen1009]

youre epic mate i wish i get to make something like this at some point of my life truly inspiiring!

[@deverzegelaar]

I am absolutely gobsmacked:D. This is so much nicer than wristwatches , because it's big enough to see it .

[@valshu7644]

Я просто ПОТРЯСЁН!!! Понимаю, что всё можно рассчитать, выпилить, выточить, но здесь качество исполнения просто невероятное!!! Это какое-то волшебство.Мастер с большой буквы. Ну или просто ВОЛШЕБНИК.

[@scottcapron1873]

I love it! That looks like the type of device my big dog would love to knock over.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Well, it'd have to be a pretty big dog as the clock weights a bit over 300 lbs.

[@ultraluxeest1991]

So. Much. Happening. Love it.

[@rbfara7320]

a masterwork indeed. genius

[@nemesis1291]

Truly amazing!

[@jakehanifee8856]

By far this is the achievement of a lifetime. It is sure to preserve your legacy in the annals of horology

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks. But the credit goes to the real magician, Buchanan of Chelmsford who actually built the clock. I only had a hand in the design and financing. You can see the complete build over the past 15 years here: www.my-time-machines.net/astro_index.htm

[@Gr8Success]

man i have fallen asleep a couple of times during this video its very powerful

[@mahmoudtalaat131]

beautiful.

[@vendter]

Congratulations!

[@renegadeflyer2]

Who needs a TV, to entertain guest, when they have one of these. I think this would keep them busy for a while.

[@3dstereoman]

Hoe kan dat nou dat je zoiets kan maken je blijft stil zitten kijken en genieten,hartstikke bedankt dat ik dat mag zien.

[@hardy3559]

It’s magnificent

[@jallark9041]

Gonna need a movie that takes place in a giant city version of this

[@Stevosupremo205]

Absolutely priceless.

[@botavictor5832]

I have your website bookmarked for years now and check it every day for updates :)

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thanks, I hope you enjoy it. I have the website maintained exactly for that purpose.

[@jaredcoleman5376]

This is so amazing wow

[@bilgiac1100]

Wow! It 's amazing

[@wyyrdojim]

Magnificent!🫨😎

[@ishakbendawid5063]

Extraordinaire , l'intelligence par excellence.

[@cmCodyPlayz]

Very cool machine I wish I could have a clock like that one I love your clock 😍😍😍😍

[@brunococchietto7496]

can you imagine cleaning it and oiling it, must be a nightmare.

[@joseluiselizondo1550]

Que maquina mas hermosa !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cynthiacupler8005]

Wow , awesome.

[@cajetandabre4489]

Miracle of human brain. Nothing is impossible

[@vicentesantoscaraveo4578]

Asombroso sin duda algo hipnotizante.

[@dennisschaaf8813]

Well, I'm impressed.

[@annecohen8927]

What’s not to like about this clock? I don’t have any negative things to say about it because it’s so mind boggling beautiful!!! I wish I have a clock like that !!

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Thank you!

[@drahtartheye]

Amazing

[@minicar47]

Dit zijn grote kunstwerken. Geweldig 👍🙏😊

[@LiLi-or2gm]

Congratulations, Mark! It's been what, almost 16 years since you started on the Astro-skeleton? It simply has to be one of the most beautiful mechanical devices ever built (not sure how such a measure could be applied with any real certainty, but by most standards, this has to be near the top).

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Yes, 16 years. Thank you so much for comment, I don't know what to say. It will be finished in about six months. It currently disassembled and going through final polishing and finish work.

[@lasalax7698]

sinceramente es impresionante, su creador es un genio.

[@jameshicks7125]

This is exquisite! Wow! I am building an optical mechanical planetarium projector from scratch. I am using what ever I can find as premade mechanical parts I can modify or build around to make it work. It's a kluged together Frankenstein by comparison. I want to build a grand orrery someday and this is very inspiring. I'll never reach this level of precision and craftsmanship in my remaining years. I am in awe, especially since it appears that the moons also have proper motion.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Yes the moons for Jupiter and Saturn are accurate. Also all the planets with elliptical orbits are accurate and have dials in French silver that show their aphelion and perihelion in millions of kilometers, mks and astronomical units, AU. Of course Saturn has its accurate tilt from the ecliptic, but also the planets of Mars and Jupiter have their minor tilts accurately depicted. The main dial is hand painted Chinese enamel with kiln firings for each color. The bezel in gold plate. You can follow the entire project here: www.my-time-machines.net/astro_index.htm and the page where the video was is here: www.my-time-machines.net/astro_07-19a.htm. Check out the demo video here: www.my-time-machines.net/astro_07-19.htm. Keep working at it, you are young and can achieve this and more if you are willing to get there.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@MarkFrankclocks Mark, I was going through your website, and I have to ask... is that seriously a giant elephant tusk that is on your coffee table?? 😢

[@dariowiter3078]

Amazing! 😀😀😀😀😀

[@ewelinaszyktanc8733]

It's so beautiful 😍

[@ethansammis7429]

I got to have one these this is a lot of fun

[@rahulsoni258]

Very nice and very interested and beautiful a world clock

[@ErnieNoa3]

All you can say is WOW!

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Saw your model steam engine. Loved it

[@ErnieNoa3]

@@MarkFrankclocks Glad you liked it. I am working on a grasshopper clock now.

[@Boxmaker247]

It’s a modern day equivalent of an antikithera mechanism

[@windsoruk]

Very impressive, I love especially that you've made the time easy to read, often a secondary consideration on a skelton clock, sadly. What happens to the second hand at around 8 seconds past (1:50 into the video)? It seems to hiccup a little....

[@MarkFrankclocks]

That hiccup happened just as the demo function was initiated. In this video the demo is hooked to an electric motor so the viewer is spared a human hand cranking the demo; which is how it would normally be done, and at a slower pace than the motor. So under these unnatural circumstances a bit of feedback was introduced. You are very observant!

[@Draugluin999]

its a beauty :)

[@Chef_coca]

Es impresionante!

[@conjurox3597]

Impresionante!!!

[@marcelopronqueti5362]

Já vi muita coisa impressionantes na internet mas essa é um espetáculo

[@kietchu3449]

Một cỗ máy thời gian tuyệt vời như một kỳ quan hiện đại!người chế tác đúng là thiên tài bậc thầy cơ khí!

[@tommcintyre]

Mark, the remarks about the hypnotic effect of viewing the clock led me to wonder if you have arranged for some means to insure that the clock does not harm you by occupying your mind so completely that you forget to live. I hope to have the opportunity to see it in person before too much longer.

[@MarkFrankclocks]

Hi Tom, should be here in September/October. Hope you can see it then!

[@ethansammis7429]

Man I would love to have one of these

[@mgonet12]

Très belle machine