The mechanical clock of the 21st century on display in Neuchâtel

A highly innovative mechanical clock invented, designed and set in motion by EPFL will soon be installed in the Neuchâtel city hall. This prototype is equipped with a new type of oscillator, marking a major conceptual shift in the long history of mechanical timekeeping. Researchers at EPFL's Instant-Lab in Neuchâtel have developed a prototype of a mechanical clock that operates with a new type of oscillator. The oscillator, unveiled in 2014, was dubbed 'IsoSpring' due to its isotropic spring. It replaces conventional clock pendulums and watch spiral spring-balance wheels. IsoSpring has now been incorporated in a complete functional mechanical clock. Silent and accurate, the prototype clearly resembles traditional Neuchâtel clocks.