The Solar Orbiter is a kinetic watch winder and sculpture created by Laikingland founder Martin Smith in collaboration with MB&F to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the M.A.D.Gallery. Standing 60 centimetres tall, the limited-edition piece draws inspiration from the 1957 Eames Solar Do-Nothing Machine while combining kinetic art with mechanical watch display. Constructed from nearly 300 moving components, the sculpture is operated by turning a manual control that activates its intricate gear-driven mechanism around a centrally mounted watch.
The sculpture is handcrafted from steel, aluminium, brass and carved wood using traditional manufacturing techniques. Interchangeable kinetic elements, including a hand, heart and star, allow collectors to customise the display. Limited to 10 editions worldwide, the Solar Orbiter is priced at CHF 9,900 and is supplied in a bespoke wooden crate with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity signed by Martin Smith.
Image Credit: Laikingland, MB&F
What's Driving This Trend
- Kinetic Luxury Displays
- Mechanical display objects are blending functional utility with sculptural motion, creating premium collectible formats for watches, jewelry and design-led interiors.
- Customizable Art Mechanics
- Interchangeable kinetic components introduce personalization into high-end art objects, expanding the value of limited editions through modular collector experiences.
- Heritage-inspired Engineering
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Who This Affects Most
- Luxury Watches
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- Kinetic Art
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- Premium Home Decor
- Statement objects with movement, craftsmanship and scarcity are redefining decorative interiors through hybrid pieces that combine utility, art and investment appeal.
