A unique work of art, the chime by Onelio Vignando (1941-2021) completes the remarkable architectural ensemble of the museum.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, this giant sculpture is also functional. At the same time sound and movement, colorful and luminous, every fifteen minutes it animates the magnificent museum park highlighting the surprising architecture of the Musée international d'horlogerie. With the seasons, the animated shutters change colors to harmonize with nature.

How it works

Invisible in a steel case, it picks up the signal from the Frankfurt station. They periodically reset the digital clock with accuracy of the order of a hundredth of a second.

It indicates the hour, minute and second. Its characters with seven segments have a dimension and a luminosity which can be seen from up to 150 meters.

An invisible electronic system allows the programming of all of the moving parts.

24 flutes with an extension of 2 octaves suspended on each side of the central panel resonate under the strike of small hammers. The ringtones are activated every quarter of an hour triggered and adjusted by the electronic device. The melodies change according to the seasons. A keyboard also allows you to play live tunes on the chime.

They set in motion every fifteen minutes and are powered by 12 motors. They move in rhythm with the music.

At night, they complete the animation of the slats.

Entirely made of stainless steel, representing 11 tons for the tubing and 4 tons for the central part housing the technical parts.

It is provided by a magnetic recording and is broadcast by 4 speakers.

  • Composeur: Emile de Ceuninck (†)

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