Exploded watch - Francia 1970 - Resin, Brass - 1960-1970

This object is a decorative sculpture and paperweight that encapsulates mechanical watch parts inside a transparent block of resin, probably Lucite or acrylic. The various components, such as the dial, gears, springs, and wheels, are arranged in an artistic and 'suspended' manner, creating a three-dimensional effect and a visually interesting composition. The piece blends vintage aesthetics with contemporary design, serving both as a decorative element and as a functional desk paperweight.

Main Material: Transparent resin (Lucite/Acrylic)

Internal Components:
Mechanical parts of a watch (dial,
gears, springs, bridges), often in brass or metal

Era/Style
Vintage, circa the 1970s

Design
Mechanical abstraction,
artistic integration of elements
decontextualized

Origin
France (associated with Pierre Giraudon)

Clearly shows a clock dial with white, well-preserved Roman numerals, suspended almost at the center of the block.
Under and around, one can discern gears of various sizes, small screws and other metallic fragments, some of which seem to float freely while others are fixed to various
depth. The overall effect is that of a moment that is 'explosive' or 'suspended' in time, emphasized by the transparency of the material, which allows a 360-degree view of the internal elements.
The arrangement of the clock parts inside the block is not random; there is a sense of movement and decomposition that adds an artistic touch. The contrast between the engineering precision of the mechanical parts and their 'disordered' yet intentional placement inside the resin creates a conceptual artwork.
The vintage aesthetic is evident not only from the parts of the watch itself but also from the type of inclusion, popular in the 1970s, which makes it a collectible piece: Veri Intenditori.
Pierre Giraudon (1923-2012) was a French artist renowned for his Lucite inclusions.
They have created works that encapsulated insects, plants, and, as in this case, mechanical components, transforming them into sculptures or paperweights.
These objects are often referred to as
'Dismantle Piece' (Dismantled Piece) or 'Exploded'
Clock' (Exploded Clock), highlighting the deconstruction of the original mechanism.
Lucite is a type of acrylic resin that offers great transparency and durability, but it is sensitive to scratches, and it remains perfectly intact and in pristine condition, despite its age and composition.