"Mystery Box: Forget Time" marks the debut of a new line of horological objects by Fiona Krüger. Conceived by Krüger and brought to life in collaboration with Denis Flageollet (co–founder and master watchmaker of DeBethune), this inaugural edition merges art and horology, inviting us to reconsider our perception of time through a journey that is both visual and mechanical.
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The design is inspired by the work of physicist Carlo Rovelli, whose ideas on the impermanence of time challenge our understanding of the present, past, and future. "We never really see time. We see only clocks."
— Carlo RovelliWhat if a clock could show us that time, as we know it, does not exist?Taking from his insight — "Time flows at a different speed depending on the place, the past and future differ far less than we think, and even the notion of the present vanishes into the infinite universe" — Krüger translates these ideas into layered patterns of dots and lines, expressing the granularity of time and reality.
— Carlo RovelliWhat if a clock could show us that time, as we know it, does not exist?Taking from his insight — "Time flows at a different speed depending on the place, the past and future differ far less than we think, and even the notion of the present vanishes into the infinite universe" — Krüger translates these ideas into layered patterns of dots and lines, expressing the granularity of time and reality.
The result is a mysterious, immersive object, composed of two parts: an outer marquetry cabinet, and a mechanical clock hidden within, revealed through interaction. The piece reflects Krüger’s approach to storytelling through form, space, and movement.
The sculptural outer box features fine black–marquetry lines interwoven with mother–of–pearl inlays, evoking photons drifting through space. Linear fragments radiate from a central axis, suggesting an expanding universe — dynamic and mysterious.A suspended winding key draws the viewer in and initiates the experience. A soft ticking is heard, concealed until a hidden button is pressed — revealing part B: the clock itself, floating within its chamber.
At its heart lies the FK:DF:MBT mechanical caliber — a bespoke, manual–winding movement developed by Flageollet. With a seven–day power reserve and constant–force regulation, it brings together classical know–how with contemporary construction.Glass rings display floating hours and minutes, while mother–of–pearl "photons" drift outward from the mechanism. Architectural bridges are inlaid with marquetry and finished in brushed, sunburst, and scratched textures, each surface catching light differently to animate the clock from within.This immersive work of art is not just a horological piece, but a poetic reflection on the essence of time, merging art, mechanics, and philosophy.
Limited Edition of 20 pieces.
Limited Edition of 20 pieces.
Concept and Design: Fiona Krüger
Mechanical Development and Realisation: Manufacture De Bethune and Hawthorne Fine BoxesImages © FIONA KRÜGER, DE BETHUNECategories: Concept Creation, Design, R&D, Mechanical Development, Production Management, Network Activation, Visual Story–Telling, Asset creation.
Mechanical Development and Realisation: Manufacture De Bethune and Hawthorne Fine BoxesImages © FIONA KRÜGER, DE BETHUNECategories: Concept Creation, Design, R&D, Mechanical Development, Production Management, Network Activation, Visual Story–Telling, Asset creation.
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ALL PRODUCTS
Vanitas Jade (Unique Piece)
35'000 CHF
Mystery Box : Forget Time
49'000 CHF
Vanitas – Dark Edition
31'500 CHF
Vanitas Emerald (Unique Piece)
35'000 CHF
Vanitas Jade (Unique Piece)
35'000 CHF
Mystery Box : Forget Time
49'000 CHF
Vanitas – Dark Edition
31'500 CHF
Vanitas Emerald (Unique Piece)
35'000 CHF
Vanitas Jade (Unique Piece)
35'000 CHF
Mystery Box : Forget Time
49'000 CHF
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