Mystery Box: Forget Time

An Artistic Collaboration Between Fiona Krüger and Denis Flageollet

Inspired by the exploration of the impermanence of time by physicist Carlo Rovelli, Mystery Box: Forget Time is a one-of-a-kind mechanical creation that embodies the enigma of time. Conceived by Fiona Krüger and brought to life in collaboration with Denis Flageollet, this piece merges art and horology, inviting us to redefine our perception of time through a journey that is both visual and mechanical.

The creation is the result of a personal reflection by Fiona Krüger, who, from the very beginning, sought to explore how time eludes us. Drawing on Rovelli’s insight: “Time flows at a different speed depending on the place, the past and future differ far less than we think, and even the notion of the present vanishes into the infinite universe,” Krüger translates this central idea into patterns of overlapping dots and lines, creating a representation of the granularity of reality. The exterior of this object, part A, features delicate black-marquetry lines interwoven with mother-of-pearl inlays, evoking photons drifting through the cosmos. Subtle linear fragments emanate from a central axis, suggesting a world that is opening up, dynamic and mysterious.

"My creations aim to capture the essence of time and make its mysteries visible. They are an invitation to reflect on our existence, bringing that story to life through mechanical objects."
– Fiona Krüger

For as long as he can remember, Denis Flageollet, Master Watchmaker and founder of De Bethune, has been passionate about creating unusual objects within the realms of the mechanical arts and horology. At L’Auberson, a dedicated team of artisans and watchmakers has, for several years, been working on special projects like the Mecavers, while preserving a tradition of clockmaking within a dedicated workshop. In 2015, De Bethune had already astonished the world with the creation of the mysterious Stellar clock, with its retro-futuristic design, which remains iconic for the brand.

"I have never ceased working on clocks because they open up a much vaster space than a wristwatch and offer me great freedom of mechanical and artistic expression."
– Denis Flageollet

A suspended key captures the viewer’s attention, thus initiating the journey. A soft ticking sound can be head, shrouded in mystery, until a hidden button reveals part B: the internal clock.

Bringing this ambitious vision to life required the expertise of Denis Flageollet, whose meticulously crafted mechanism breathes life into the narrative. Fiona Krüger and Denis Flageollet worked in harmony to synchronise form and function: a clock with floating indices displayed on glass tubes, representing hours and minutes that transcend the ordinary, perfectly resonating with Rovelli's philosophy. Mother-of-pearl discs emanate outward, giving motion to stillness—a dynamic clock, illustrating time and space untethered.

Mystery Box: Forget Time was conceived not only as a horological piece, but as an immersive work of art. The collaboration with Hawthorne Fine Boxes, whose elegant marquetry work crafted by artisan Emeline Dépail enhances the exterior design, brings depth and refinement to a universe waiting to be discovered. Through this harmonious collaboration, a shared passion for storytelling, and unparalleled mechanical mastery, this creation emerges as a unique work where art, mechanics, and philosophy seamlessly merge, offering a poetic reflection on the very essence of time.

Concept and Design: Fiona Krüger
Mechanical Design and Realisation: Manufacture De Bethune and Hawthorne Fine Boxes
Limited Edition of 20 pieces