Fiona Krüger → MYSTERY BOX : FORGET TIME

How do you give form to a mystery?Inspired by Carlo Rovelli’s description of time as granular, discontinuous, and ultimately unknowable, Mystery Box: Forget Time explores how time might be expressed through mechanical form.The box—an archetype that immediately evokes curiosity—invites the viewer to ask "what’s inside?", echoing Rovelli’s reflection that "perhaps time is the ultimate mystery."  

FK: MYSTERY BOX : FORGET TIME - EXECUTION (Fig. 2)

FK: MYSTERY BOX : FORGET TIME - EXECUTION (Fig. 1)

Here, the answer is a mechanical clock—both visible and hidden. The act of opening the box becomes part of the story: a physical gesture of revelation.

The object consists of two parts: a handcrafted marquetry box and a mechanical clock, conceived and coordinated by Krüger with specialists across Switzerland, France, and Ireland. Together, they form a single narrative—one of mystery and disclosure.The outer box, crafted by Hawthorne Fine Boxes and Emeline Dépail, uses fine fragments of mother–of–pearl and wood to suggest light, motion, and depth. It conceals the clock within, inviting discovery through touch and interaction.

The clock mechanism, developed in collaboration with Denis Flageollet, features a custom–designed movement with constant force regulation, traditional hand–finishing, rhodium and ruthenium colouring, and over thirty–five hand–placed mother–of–pearl components.Built upon a calibre developed by Flageollet, the final design reflects Krüger’s reworking of the architecture—plates, bridges, and floating indices—realised through Flageollet’s technical solutions.Time is displayed on two separate glass rings, suspended in space. Numerals are laser–engraved and hand–filled, appearing only for a moment before vanishing—emphasizing time’s fleeting nature.Classical horological techniques—such as anglage, brushing, and sunburst polishing—are paired with modern methods including CNC milling, laser engraving, and a new etched finish developed especially by Flageollet and his team.

FK: MYSTERY BOX : FORGET TIME - EXECUTION (Fig. 3)

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As with all Krüger objects, the process began with drawing. Through lines, textures, and fragments, the design’s visual language took shape—guiding materials, form, and movement.This is the first in a new series of mechanical artworks by Krüger: objects that tell stories through precision, craft, and concept. An invitation not just to observe time, but to feel it.

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.

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