In the realm of horology, Brittany Nicole Cox, known as Nico, is an antiquarian horologist with a profound connection to the intricate world of horological antiquities. Describing her profession as a blend of craftsmanship and magic, Nico’s days are as diverse as the objects she meticulously restores, from re-feathering tiny singing birds to reviving the lungs of ancient timepieces.
Her workshop harbors a myriad of tools, each with its own historical significance, ranging from a cat whisker for balancing wheels to a 1930s rose engine. Engaging in labor-intensive tasks, Nico’s focus is paramount, a delicate dance between meticulous precision and the ever-present thought of avoiding mistakes.
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Amidst the musty scents of old watchbands and the lingering aroma of whale oil, she delves into the tactile experience of music boxes, explaining the ethereal allure of a melody produced by tuned steel teeth. Reflecting on her evolving relationship with time, Nico acknowledges the irony of preserving timepieces while grappling with the relentless passage of time itself.
Specializing in automata, she finds in these creations a profound reflection of human spirit and creativity, elements she believes carry a vital message from our past into the future.
Top image: AI image of a clockwork mechanism. Restoring such mechanisms is at the heart of horology. Source: DVS/Adobe Stock
