Buffy Acacia
Ever since humans were able to create three-dimensional figures, we have been hoping they would move. Historical descriptions of artificial automata date back to ancient Egypt thousands of years ago, and were developed around the world as religious icons, tools and toys. Mechanical engineering reached such heights as the medieval era, especially during the golden age of Islamic era, that something like Al Jazari would design huge, complicated clocks with herds of automatics. We are now in a place where you can see such a wonder on your wrist and experience the same wonders that our ancestors did… of course, if you have a budget. While none of these watches are called cheap, they are part of the appeal of automaton watches in their own right. They are decadent, anachronistic and acquired tastes.
Andersen Genèvex Konstantin Chaykin Joker Automaton
Even the standard Konstantin Chaykin Joker has the quality of animation, but replacing the eyes and moon face with the tongue is not enough to be considered an automata. For that reason, Andersen Genève was brought in for a limited edition collaboration filled with surveillance whining. The watch has a classic Chaikin Joker smile on the dial side, but the reverse reveals the cartoon-style take of the famous dog playing the Poker series of Cassius Marcella Skoridge. One dog is still present, but the other has been replaced by a rather running portrayal of Joker, Penguin and poison ivy (although she looks like Ariel from the Little Mermaid to my eyes). When you hit the pusher, a poker game will run. It is also the most (relatively) affordable automaton watch currently available at a significant margin. Price: USD 96,489
van Cleef & Arpels Bal des Amoureux
Announced at Watches and Wonders 2025, Van Cleef & Arpels Bal des Amourex is like a sequel to Pont des Amourex, focusing on a pair of enthusiasts meeting on a bridge in Paris. This time there’s no need to wait for them to find each other. The 18k white gold figure remains permanently held in the dance, but moves day and night, kissing every strike again at noon or midnight. The retrograde hours and minutes above the night sky make it easy to see the time without being too distracted by the display. The pusher allows you to activate animations at any time. Price: CHF 142,000, $252,000
Jacket sleeps the Rolling Stones Automata
It might be cheating (spoilers) to include Jaquet Droz twice on this list, but we couldn’t ignore this limited edition collaboration with one of the greatest rock bands of all time. There is something very surreal about the traditional clock enforcement and marriage of sex, drugs, rock and roll attitudes from centuries ago. Still, it works. Following the first and only watch collection, The Rolling Stones Automaton is limited to 23 unique pieces customized to your order, according to buyers’ favorite albums, posters, tours and more. The unchanging elements are the makeshift stages where small models of the band’s gear are unbearable details, spinning perimeters with vinyl-like grooves, and shaking tongues surfing it with pushes of buttons. Price: 250,000 US$
Chanel J12 Automata Caliber 6
Despite being one of the most respected brands in fashion, Chanel rarely greets the day in the sun due to its ability to make watches. The J12 is a serious icon, and watches like the Automaton Calibre 6 prove that Chanel hasn’t pulled punches from the ceramic crusades. In-house caliber 6 features a caseback in 18K white gold, in addition to black ceramic with galvanic coating. Activate the pusher and the dial’s depiction of Coco Chanel comes to life, swinging the scissors around towards the mannequin that shook the scissors. The monochromatic effect of the dial and the black case set in white diamonds are impressive and marks itself as unique among the list of other colorful companions. Price: 337,100 US$
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Black Titanium
Jacob & Co. The bond between the two and Bugatti was fake with an automaton watch that recreates the legendary W16 engine of the latter, so it makes sense that a collaboration with Chiron’s successor, Bugatti Tourbillon, will continue. Jacob & Co. Concepto, the leading supplier of movement, may also produce mechanical dashboards for cars. And that’s exactly what this watch is about. Its dial features an automata based on the V16 Cosworth engine, with a 30-second fast tourbillon, retrograde time display and power reserve indicator. The first 150-piece limited edition run case is made from lightweight titanium with a black DLC coating and is surprisingly low priced (from all perspectives, of course). Given that previous collaborations between these brands have reached millions, I call this a relatively affordable hyperwatch. Price: 340,000 US$
Louis Vuitton Tambourg Ferry Heart Automaton
For La Fabrique du temps’ ingenuity, Louis Vuitton’s move towards advanced surveillance began before deleting all the low-end catalogues. While that style may not be the case for everyone, Tambour Fiery Heart Automata is a fantastic display of artistic virtuosity and classic romantic implications. Of course, roses have thorns, and both are animated when the automata mechanism is activated via the pusher. There is also a bright red flame heart, opened to reveal the “sweet but intense” message. The Caliber LFT 325 is actually a simplified version of the LV 525, which helped Louis Vuitton win the Audacity Prize at the 2021 GPHG Awards, but it hasn’t been simplified. There are still 325 components in total, supporting seven animations with 65 hours of power reserve and 4Hz beat rate. Price: 370,000 US$
Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater Alpine View
Birds and clocks have been closely tied to each other for thousands of years. Even Archimedes designed the cuckoo clock. The original Pierre Jaquet-Droz was a watchmaker in the mid-1700s, and he was known for his automatons, especially for songbirds. Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater has been the pinnacle of this concept for Wurstwatch for over a decade since its release. The sound of a minute repeater sings and witnesses the birth of a bird from its nest. One of the parents flips over and presents the worm, while the other proudly displays the wings, so that the egg surrounded by siblings cracks the open egg. The latest version’s title adorns the case in 18K white gold with hand-carved rugs in 18K white gold and a beautifully hand-painted mother’s dial depicting evergreen trees, lakes and snowy mountains. Price: 525,000 US$
T+T Timeless Pick: Jones is the insatiable sphinx
To be clear, Jones’ insatiable sphinx does not meet the properties of automation to qualify under normal circumstances. However, automaton watches were once reserved for royalty, and the watch version is not cheap. If you want some of the playful aspects of the animation dial without paying the property price, Jones is a great starting point. The insatiable Sphinx uses a series of inexplicable symbols that replace the Sphinx’s head. Otherwise, minutes and seconds act as standards. It uses an automatic SW200-1 with a jump time module, offering surprisingly high quality movements with niche complications at a very reasonable price. If it’s still out of your price range (and I won’t blame you), I highly recommend checking out some of their quartz watches. Price: 2,995 US$
