The Complication

COMPLICATION I — THE BENCH

The Atelier

The workshop, engraved — the Encyclopédie’s horlogerie suite and the bench where measured time was made by hand.

Horlogerie — Ouvrages et Outils — Encyclopédie suite “Horlogerie” (Carnavalet impression), Robert Bénard, after Fossier, 18th century

18th century

Horlogerie — Ouvrages et Outils

The Enlightenment walks into the watchmaker’s shop.

Horlogerie — Réveil à Poids — Encyclopédie suite “Horlogerie” (Carnavalet impression), Robert Bénard, after Fossier, 18th century

18th century

Horlogerie — Réveil à Poids

The weight-driven alarm, taken apart on paper.

Horlogerie — Vue Perspective d’un Carillon — Encyclopédie suite “Horlogerie” (Carnavalet impression), Robert Bénard, after Fossier, 18th century

18th century

Horlogerie — Vue Perspective d’un Carillon

The bell machine, drawn in full perspective.

A Clock Face and Its Mechanism — Engraving, Wellcome Collection, Unknown engraver, 18th–19th century

18th–19th century

A Clock Face and Its Mechanism

The dial above, the truth below.

The Watch-Maker at His Bench — Engraving, Wellcome Collection, Unknown engraver, 18th–19th century

18th–19th century

The Watch-Maker at His Bench

The trade itself, seated and at work.