What is Horology? Learning to Restore Antiques - Atlas Obscura
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- čas přidán 18. 11. 2019
- Discover what it means to be a horologist and restore mechanical antiques back to life in this episode of Infrequently Asked Questions. Subscribe for more videos from Atlas Obscura: trib.al/GD9qhdX
"You have no room to think about anything other than exactly what it is that you are doing. It (Horology) requires focus and all of your attention." - Nico Cox, Antiquarian Horologist (Seattle)
What's an antiquarian horologist? What's the secret to bringing watches back to life? In this episode of Infrequently Asked Questions, we meet Nico Cox, an antiquarian horologist in Seattle, Washington. Being a horologist involves restoring antiques that involve mechanical engineering and horology, such as clocks, watches, and automatons.
Watch the full video to go behind the scenes of her workshop in Seattle, Washington, to learn what it takes to study horology, what whales have to do with watches and get a look at some of her oldest tools.
Watch more videos from the Infrequently Asked Questions series here: • Infrequently Asked Que...
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Learn more about Nico’s favorite pieces on Atlas Obscura here: www.atlasobscura.com/articles...
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At Atlas Obscura, our mission is to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share.
See where we’re exploring here: www.atlasobscura.com
Subscribe for more videos like this: trib.al/GD9qhdX
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What a privilege to be able to restore objects that will continue to bring joy for generations.
So many cracks and crevices people occupy in this strange, beautiful world. I hope I get to find mine...
You will! One great way to find it is to always be curious about everything, including things in your own backyard. At least, that's our philosophy :)
I could watch and listen to her work for hours. Her job is so interesting!
Very much on the same page here. We're in awe of all the little intricacies involved in helping fix these machines!
This work resonates with me on so many levels. The philosophy, engineering and art that goes into this...just beautiful
Nico is mesmerizing, surrounded by magical objects, and video is absolutely beautiful! Thank you!
Being in the same space with her was an absolute delight. So glad you enjoyed!
I agree, she feels magical.
i'm pleased the world contains inspired and beautiful clock works likes Ms. Cox.
We're so glad someone is there to help maintain them and make them beautiful, too! :)
I have been in the household appliance repair business for approx 40 years.
Over time, I have lost almost all respect for the mfgrs and, I am NOT alone.
As an example of the deteriorization of the business, mfgrs used to install "analog" or mechanical times in their control sections which were intricate and much like some of the things in Nico's shop.
Some of these timers had approximately 100 parts which functioned together and were fun and challenging to repiar.
The trash they mfgr today is infested with electronic parts which are DESIGNED to fail and fail often.
Rather than my being able to repair an old component, mfgrs have DELIBERATELY made is impossible to repair failed parts/components.
Now some of these are so overly expensive to replace that many people just purchase a new appliance due to the repair costing almost as much.
When they purchase a new appliance, they are getting the same junk that they decided against repairing.
I am nearing retirement and and will not miss the business as, I sometimes am ashamed of and disgusted with what I see.
I would really enjoy working along with Nico in her shop.
People like up think alike.
This is a sad state of affairs.
While I agree that quality has dropped in many appliances, IMO you can't blame them for replacing mechanical mechanisms with electronics. Electronics are a lot cheaper and more reliable, so long as they are quality electronics.
Absolutely fascinating. I don't have that much patience (or skill, or knowledge), but I do enjoy fixing things, and one of my side jobs is keeping an 85 year old theater and it's ancient heating systems running. When the boiler was replaced, I stopped the installers and questioned the way they were setting it up, including the seals and Hartford loop, and the foreman angrily said "are you certified?" A few months later, the boiler blew up, with me right in front of it. Lesson learned?: Experience is sometimes more valuable.
Anyways, my mother always let me take stuff apart when I was a kid, and I did my first high voltage electrical repairs when I was 7. My grandfather was a watchmaker, and used to eagerly teach me things. I'm an engineer now, but kids still bring their stuff for me to repair, lol.
Oh, my goodness! Are you okay from the boiler exploding? So sorry to hear that - that's so unfortunate! Wow, despite all that, it's good to hear that you're still invested in figuring out how things work.
@@atlasobscura It knocked me back and killed my cellphone, and my hearing took a bit to recover, but I'm ok!
There it is: the profession I would have followed if I'd known!!!! Fascinating!
It might not be too late! Have you looked into take horology classes? Certain institutions offer courses, like the Horological Society of New York! Maybe there's one nearby? hs-ny.org/education
Great video. She's a delight.
SO fun to work with!
Awesome video about an amazing woman with an incredible workshop and talent. I love it!
Yes, it was a short interview, but I already have a full-blown crush on her!
Me too. uwu
Me too, and I'm a straight girl.
What a fascinating endeavor, and a fascinating woman...
What a wonderful interview. Do you have apprentices who come by times to learn the trade?
AO: How have the years you've spent honing this particular skill set prepared you for survival in a Post-Apocolyptic world?
Ms. Cox: I think that if we're in a Post-Apocolyptic world, I'm hoping that the Artificial Intelligence gods of the future will take pity on me knowing that I preserved their ancestors.
She wasn't asked the most obvious question: How did you get started in this profession???
Awesome stuff!
Mechanical automata are pretty much the epitome of mechanical machines overall... I guess this is part of why we are so fascinated by them, and why there are movements like steampunk and whatnot. It's the highest level of craftsmanship, artisan work and complex pieces of machinery that do not involve electronics and electricity.
It also mostly does not involve plastics, which is a plus I guess. xD
I have a big admiration for it outside fiction, outside spiritual, outside mystical ideas. Just purely for the craftsmanship, art and dedication.
So so cool!! I would love to go through her workshop and see all her old tools. My grandfather had a whole set of tiny tools, and those were the things I wanted to remember him by. So glad to hear she is out there preserving things!!!
Following Nicos work for a while, really inspiring.
Bravo ! That's a great interview, thanks !
Gosh you are one of the most intelligent and interesting people I have ever seen, I would love to just pick your brain and ask questions, as a fellow watchmaker and curious person
By chance, I came across your name in the Feb '21 National Geographic just moments after I ordered a couple of $10 replacement clock motors for my household's wall clocks. I already felt so happy to be repairing a clock at home. And wow, now I see what's on the absolute far end of the spectrum from where I've stepped in -- your work is amaaaaaazing! I love seeing your expertise and your enthusiasm.
Thank you for introducing this aspect of horology to the wider public. It was great fun :)
Great interview! You're amazing :)
She should try to get a job with that wizard in Markarth.
We'll pass the tip along ;)
This was amazing
Lovely. Just lovely.
Love the post-Apocalyptic answer because I find it so true as I have thought the same thing about "The Taranchloids" nefarious E.T. (1,000+ superior tech than us).
Thank you
Her workplace looks like a mini museum!
She's an...
ENGINEER of LOST ARTS !!!!
Clicked on this video because I'm a fan of S-Town and John B.!
Did anyone catch the make and model of the watch?
Do you do this as a full time job, 6 days a week 9 hours a day for 30 years?
💙💙💙
Hello.. As i clock and watch collector i would like to say hi. Doug Dillard from Wenatchee..
My name is Nico too. I was like wo.
I thought she wears Patek or at least Cartier but Casio and Ernest Borel? Now I want that Ernest Borel before the price jumps high.
Patek Philippe does not seem to suit her personality at all to me, Cartier even less so.
Hi Nico, Have you in your studies ever come across a lever clock with a 400 day mainspring? Can you tell me about it? I LOVE your video NAWCC #70022 Michael
🤗☕
UTSA!
steampunkologist
So where is her business listing? Something is off here, that's not the way a workshop looks, its unused. You have your hair hanging down, no apron, no eye loop or magnification. I think you're the actress for the video
Hi! If you're looking to contact Nico, you can do so through her website: mechanicalcurios.com/about/ There's a form that you can fill out to make an inquiry for services!
@@atlasobscura I think Curt Clock was sarcastic
@@smalcstein Oh, well, we love helping anyway :)
@@atlasobscura "Nico is able to offer an array of levels in engine turning classes. One-on-one tutoring is available for engine turning and special subjects." Reading this was the first time in 15 years that I have regretted moving to Costa Rica. Even though I am the son of a master horologist and hand engraver and I have a little of his talent myself, I am blown away by Nico, her skill and her work-space.