180528_Volume03 22.14.30

FLORIANSCHLUMPF 

SWISS CLOCKMAKER 

1

AUTHENTIC 

SWISS DESIGN 

& CRAFTMANSHIP 

The Time Machine Collection, 

conceived, designed and 

assembled by Florian Schlumpf 

and his team in their atelier in the 

small Swiss mountain village of 

Trimmis, is a collection of kinetic 

art compositions that combine 

contemporary design with the 

authentic traditions of Swiss 

timekeeping. 

Each composition celebrates the 

mechanical precision and sensory 

pleasure of a traditional clock in 

a purely artistic manner. With 

the skeletonized appearance 

exposing the inner workings of the 

clock mechanism and the gentle, 

rhythmic sound of the pendulum 

and the quietly shifting gears, each 

kinetic composition will transform a 

space both visually and audibly. 

Florian, with degrees in mechanical 

engineering and sculpture, 

continues a legacy of invention 

and creativity that began over 130 

years ago with his greatgrandfather, 

Johann Melchior Schlumpf, 

who used his skills in carpentry, 

hydraulics and electricity to invent 

and manufacture a variety of 

innovative mechanical devices in his 

workshop in the small Swiss village 

of Steinhausen. 

Inspired by the craftsmanship and 

ingenuity of his great-grandfather, 

Florian has now completely reimagined 

the conventional clock, 

introducing a number of cuttingedge 

mechanical innovations, 

while transforming the mechanical 

function, movement and sounds 

of a clock into a complete aesthetic 

artistic experience. 

From the statuesque free-standing 

TM1, TM2 and TM3 to the large 

and visually stunning wallmounted 

TM4 and TM5, each Time Machine 

will make a dramatic statement in 

any setting. 

Florian Schlumpf 

Creator & Founder

CONTENT 

TM1 It all began with a TM1 Page 5 

TM2 See, hear and enjoy Time Page 7 

TM3 Conquer the World of Time Page 9 

The Engineering Page 11 

The Collection Page 13 

TM4 Contemplate the Passing of Time Page 15 


The Classic Collection Page 19 

The Anniversary Collection Page 21 

TM5 A Perpetual Kinetic Art Composition Page 23 


The Collection Page 27 

Monumental Projects Moscow Monumental Clock Page 29 

BaselWorld 2015 Page 31 

Monumental Pendulum Sculpture Page 33 

Studies Rainman Page 35 



3

TM1

TM1 

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A TM1 

The Time Machine Collection consists of different 

compositions celebrating the mechanical precision 

and sensory pleasure of a traditional clock in a 

purely artistic manner. Each variation, from the 

TM1 onwards, exposes the inner workings of the 

clock mechanism and reveals the motion of each 

gear, spring and axle. 

In addition to the skeletonized appearance, Time 

Machines are hand-finished in eye-catching colour 

palettes of black, silver, copper, or gold, which enhance 

their modern architecture. Whether standing on its own 

or hanging on a wall, each kinetic sculpture transforms 

a space both visually and audibly. 

The statuesque TM1 model, rooted on a disk-shaped 

floor plate, stands more than two meters tall (6.5 feet), 

elongated by a steel frame bringing its total weight to 

an impressive 80 kg. This dominant vertical structure 

features a timing mechanism consisting of three pairs 

of gears and an escape wheel measuring an incredible 

500 mm in diameter. 

The meditative swing of the TM1‘s pendulum remains 

in operation for half a week without a fresh injection of 

energy. 



5

TM2

TM2 

SEE, HEAR & ENJOY TIME 

The statuesque TM2 model, rooted on 

a disk-shaped floor plate, stands more 

than two meters tall (6.5 feet), 

elongated by a steel frame bringing its 

total weight to an impressive 80 kg. 

This dominant vertical structure 

features a timing mechanism consisting 

of four pairs of gears and an escape 

wheel measuring an incredible 500 mm 

in diameter. 

The meditative swing of the TM2’s 

pendulum remains in operation for 

half a week without a fresh injection of 

energy. 

TM2 can be ordered as combinations 

of 

• Black / Copper 

• Black / Gold 

• Black / Nickel 



7

TM3

TM3 

CONQUER THE WORLD OF TIME 

The TM3 is available in long and short standalone 

versions and long and short wall-mounted 

versions. 

TM3 is available as "Black Gold Edition", "Black 

Chrome Edition" and "Standard Edition". Frame 

and Wheels are always Black, while the Pendulum 

has a special design (mirror-polished Gold, 

mirror-polished Chrome or anodised color). Each 

Time Machine can also be further customized to 

the desires of its future owner. 

The suspension system transforms the kinetic 

energy of the movement to the spring so that very 

little power is wasted. 

Due to its light aluminium structure, the TM3 

weighs between 7 and 15 kg while measuring 

1300 mm ("Kaspar" & "Anna") or 1800 mm 

("Johann" & "Paulina"). 

It can be mounted on a wall or display as a 

freestanding art piece. 

The TM3 runs for eight days driven by double 

spiral springs and axles supported by ball 

bearings with non-contact seals to reduce friction. 

This model also incorporates patent-pending 

anchor arms built with spring-loaded 

technology providing a smooth, almost 

silent-operation requiring minimal energy. 



9

TM3

TM3 

THE ENGINEERING 

SPRING-LOADED 

ANCHOR PALLETS 

CLOCKWORK DRIVE 

SCHLUMPF 

TOOTH PROFILE 

TIME INDICATION OR TIME- 

LESSNESS 

The Schlumpf innovation of 

spring-loaded anchor pallets is 

used on the small TM3, providing 

a very smooth and nearly silent 

operation. 

On a standard escapement, all the 

kinetic energy of the wheelwork 

is lost when the anchor pin hits 

the anchor pallet. With our special 

anchor pallets, the energy is stored 

in the spring steel material of the 

pin, and the energy flows directly 

into the swing of the pendulum at 

the next cycle. 

The TM3 runs on the energy 

contained in two spiral spring 

housings that provide up to eight 

days of running time. The springs 

are connected in series, so winding 

one gives power to both springs. 

The housings are geared on their 

outer side, one with a standard 

tooth shape, the other with bronze 

bushing on hardened steel pins, 

giving a nearly frictionless 

operation. 

Based on a Wildhaber-Novikov 

tooth profile, Schlumpf uses 

self-lubricating bronze bushings on 

hardened and high-polished pins. 

This reduces friction to the 

absolute minimum. 

Schlumpf offers a selection of 

different hand designs: Classical 

(shown above) to modern or minimalistic. 

Hands are held by magnets; simply 

click them on or off. 



11

TM3

TM3 

THE COLLECTION 

TM3 

"Johann" 

TM3 

"Kaspar" 

TM3 

"Paulina" 

TM3 

"Anna" 

ALL 

• 2 spiral springs as energy 

source 

• 8 days running time 

• 10 gears 

• hands for minute and hour 

very easily adjustable, 

removable and exchangeable 

(various hand designs 

available). 

FINISHES 

Black Gold Edition: 

Black frame, black wheels, 

Pendulum mirror polished & 

gold-plated 

Black Chrome Edition: 

Black frame, black wheels, 

Pendulum mirror polished & 

chrome-plated 

• stand alone 

• long version, 1850 mm 

• 15 kg 

• stand alone 

• short version, 1300 mm 

• 12 kg 

• wall mounted 

• long version, 1700 mm 

• 7 kg 

• wall mounted 

• short version, 1100 mm 

• 7 kg 

Standard Edition: 

Black frame, Pendulum / Wheels 

in standard anodized colours 



13

TM4

TM4 

CONTEMPLATE THE PASSING OF TIME 

The dynamic TM4 creates a dramatic entry into 

the universe of time by virtue of its size. 

Measuring approximately 2200 x 2200 mm, the 

bold, black filigree frame houses onyx black and 

golden anodized gears contrasting with a mirror 

– polished golden pendulum disk and hands. A 

striking component is the large 1.8 meter orbital 

drive. 

TM4 is available as „Black Gold Edition“, „Black 

Chrome Edition“ and „Standard Edition“. 

Frame and Wheels are always Black, while the 

Pendulum has a special design (mirror-polished 

Gold, mirror-polished Chrome or anodised 

colour). Each Time Machine can also be further 

customized to the desire of its future owner. 

An anchor beam rotating around the central 

anchor wheel provides constant movement. 

Although the isochronal sounds of the clock are 

alluring, the escapement uses spring–like anchor 

pallets, which produce smooth, virtually silent 

transitions. These models feature hands 

indicating seconds, minutes, hours and days of 

the week. 

"Sit back, watch 

the mesmerizing movement, 

listen to the sound of the 

pendulum and contemplate 

the passing of time" 



15

TM4

TM4 


ORBITAL DRIVE 

PENDULUM SUSPENSION 

SCHLUMPF TOOTHING 

SPRING-LOADED ANCHOR 

PALLETS 

The patent-pending mechanism 

provides a steady rotation of the 

wheelwork, while the anchor 

wheel is in a "stop-and-go" mode 

only. 

During rotation, energy flows into 

the small sun wheel, which contains 

a spiral spring, and back to 

the anchor wheel. 

The steady motion leads not only 

to a powerful and wide pendulum 

swing but also to a very econo mical 

operational mode. 

The pendulum rod with the big 

pendulum disk rests on two 

hardened and sharpened needles, 

which are held in two hardened 

seats. 

This is one more sophisticated 

design detail, that provides the 

TM4 with a long life span and high 

efficiency. 

On the TM4, Schlumpf combines 

a conventional cycloidal gear with 

a special design of lantern cog: 

self-lubricating bronze bushings 

run on hardened and high-polished 

pins. 



The patent-pending spring loaded 

anchor pallets is one more 

important design innovation. 

While hitting the anchor pin, the 

pallet doesn‘t lose all the energy 

during the impact but conserves 

the driving force through a smooth 

tensioning of the pallet, which is 

made of high-tech spring steel. 

This is one more contribution to 

a very effective and nearly silent 

operational mode! 



17

TM4

TM4 

THE CLASSIC COLLECTION 

TM4 CC 

"Black Gold Edition" 

TM4 CC 

"Black Chrome Edition" 

ALL 

• 2200 x 2200 mm 

• fully automatic by integrated 

electric micro-motor (12V), 

external 110/230V adapter 

included 

• 24 gears 

• hands for day, hour, minute and 

second 

• with or without frame 

FINISHES 


Black frame, black wheels, Pendulum 

mirror polished & gold-plated 



mirror polished & chrome-plated 


Black frame, Pendulum / Wheels in 

standard anodized colours 



19

TM4

TM4 

THE ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION 

TM4 AC 


TM4 AC 


ALL 

• 2200 x 2200 mm 

• fully automatic by integrated 

electric micro-motor (12V), 

external 110/230V adapter 

included 

• 24 gears 

• hands for day, hour, minute and 

second 


FINISHES 












21

TM5

TM5 

A PERPETUAL KINETIC ART COMPOSITION 

The TM5 is a perpetual kinetic art composition 

that transcends time by uniting contemporary design 

with the authentic traditions of Swiss 

timekeeping. 

The rhythmic oscillation of the pendulum, exposed 

components of the skeletonized clock mechanism, and 

the sheer size of the piece measuring 1200 x 1200 mm 

converge to create a work of art with a powerful 

presence: its intricate design and constant motion 

deliver adroit, ever-changing artistry as the elegant 

wheels turn in time to the swings of the pendulum. 

Complementing this hypnotic sway is the steady 

movement of the oversized wheel and anchor beam of 

Schlumpf’s patent-pending Orbital Drive system. 

Choose to have the TM5 display minutes, hours 

and days of the week with magnetically positioned 

pointers. Or, move beyond precision by completely 

removing any indication of time to invoke timeless 

admiration, thereby revealing the TM5 in its purest 

form. 

While the modern architecture of the piece 

immediately draws the observer in by creating a 

mechanical and restlessly changing image, soothing 

acoustics of endless ticks and tocks enhance the 

connection with time. 

The isochronal sounds of the clock are the focus as 

the balance of the complex machine is otherwise 

virtually silent thanks to an almost noiseless motor 

periodically winding the springs that drive the 

machine and an escapement using spring-like anchor 

pallets, which produce smooth, virtually inaudible 

transitions. 

The TM5 captures the true beauty of time, while 

simultaneously remaining a marvellous, kinetic work 

of art that enlivens any space from a boardroom to 

formal foyer. 

Thanks to its central structure made of high-strength 

aluminium, this animated work of art can be 

displayed on a wall with or without the bold frame 

enclosing the clock mechanism. 

TM5 is available as „Black Gold Edition“, „Black 

Chrome Edition“ and „Standard Edition“. Frame and 

Wheels are always Black, while the Pendulum has a 

special design (mirror-polished Gold, mirrorpolished 

Chrome or anodised color). Each Time 

Machine can also be further customized to the 

desires of its future owner. 



23

TM5

TM5 


ORBITAL DRIVE 

CLOCKWORK DRIVE 

SCHLUMPF 

TOOTH PROFILE 

SPRING-LOADED ANCHOR 

PALLETS 

This patent-pending mechanism 

provides a steady 

rotation of the wheelwork, 

while the anchor wheel only is 

in a "stop-and-go“ mode. 

During rotation energy flows 

from the wheelwork into the 

small sunwheel on the anchor 

beam, which contains a spiral 

spring, and accelerates the 

anchor wheel periodically. The 

steady motion leads not only 

to a powerful and wide 

pendulum swing but also to a 

very economical operational 

mode. 

The TM5 runs with the energy 

contained in a "threepack" of 

spiral spring housings, wound 

from time to time with a tiny 

electric motor. 

The tension of the springs 

regulates the turning-on of 

the motor and stops it if the 

springs are fully wound-up. 

The TM5 is delivered with an 

external 110-230V power 

adapter to drive the internal 

12V micro motor. 

Based on a Wildhaber- 

Novikov toothing, Schlumpf 

uses self-lubricating bronze 

bushings on hardened and 

high-polished pins. 



The patent-pending springloaded 

anchor pallets is 

one more important design 

innovation. While hitting the 

anchor pin, the pallets do not 

destroy all the energy during 

the impact but conserve the 

driving force through a smooth 

tensioning of the pallets, which 

are made of a high-tech spring 

steel. 



25

TM5

TM5 

THE COLLECTION 

TM5 


Standard frame 

TM5 


Standard frame 

ALL 

• with standard frame: 1200 x 1200 mm 

• with wide frame: 1450 x 1450 mm 

• fully automatic by integrated electric 

micro-motor (12V), 

external 110/230V adapter included 

• 22 gears 

• hands for day, hour & minute 


Wide frame 

Wide frame 

FINISHES 












27

MONUMENTAL PROJECTS 

MOSCOW MONUMENTAL CLOCK 

In 2014, Schlumpf worked with the 

Russian Pedrodvorets Watch Factory to 

develop and build a monumental clock 

with a twelve-meter-long pendulum and 

cogwheels up to four meters in diameter 

for the traditional Moscow Detski Mir 

Mall. 

This project unveiled many new technologies, 

one of them being the orbital drive, which 

allows the entire clockwork to move steadily, 

with only the anchor wheel stopping intermittently 

to preserve the kinetic energy of the 

movement. 



29


BASELWORLD 2015 

SCHLUMPF installed the Four-Quadrant 

Time Machine at Baselworld 2015, which 

stood in the inner courtyard of the famous 

watch and clock fair, another monumental 

installation. 

Its five meters size was big enough to walk 

through, inviting the visitor to listen to the 

magical sound of four identical but nonsynchronous 

Time Machines. 

The visitor could also watch the movement 

of 24 wheels rotating steadily, with only the 

anchor wheels being stopped and released by 

the pendulum. 



31


MONUMENTAL PENDULUM SCULPTURE 

Schlumpf products have always attracted 

attention and admiration. Based on inquiries 

from around the world, we develop, design 

and build tailor made projects for architects, 

interior designers, hotels, individuals, art 

collectors and companies. 

For a well known art exhibition we were 

asked to create a monumental sculpture with 

different layers of moving elements. The 

study has successfully been presented and 

the sculpture will be built within the next 12 

months. 



33

STUDIES 

RAINMAN 

Florian Schlumpf, creator and founder, 

engineer and artist, has been creating 

installations exploring time and space for 

decades. 

One of these installation is the Study 

"RAINMAN". The study is the first 

Time Machine designed for "allweather 

outdoor operation". 



35

ASCOSWISS AG 

Amriswilerstr. 51 

CH-8590 Romanshorn, Switzerland 

Phone +41 71 466 33 66 

info@ascoswiss.com 

www.ascoswiss.com

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