Some engineering works have incalculable utility. Others were created solely for our entertainment, but are equally wonderful. The Rube Goldberg machine we are about to see fits perfectly into the second category, and its developer is none other than the company Seiko. With more than 1,200 watch parts and terrifying precision, the simple fact that it works already leaves us amazed, beyond the occasional human intervention.
Reuben Garrett Lucius “Rube” Goldberg was born on July 4, 1883, and his work as a cartoonist, engineer and inventor has survived the passage of time with a grace and wonder that inspires envy. When we repeat the expression “Goldberg machine,” the vast majority of people automatically know what we are talking about. The essential concept behind such a machine has been reproduced in dozens of different works, from Tom & Jerry to Home Alone, through Back to the Future and The Goonies. Goldberg machines are a true icon of skill and entertainment, but on this occasion we must add an extra twist, since the people at Seiko made the smallest example in the world, using 1,200 watch parts.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/UZuhJFY3SS8Now, I already know what you're thinking: If the human hand intervenes, it's not a Goldberg machine, but let's consider the fact that it was made with millimetric parts, and placed using magnifying lenses. Seiko is not celebrating any special date with this, since the full video, titled “Art of Time”, is an advertisement (I imagine that if it's on Japanese TV, they must broadcast a reduced version). Apparently, the song is a creation of Seiko's CEO Shinji Hattori, the lyrics were developed by company employees, and the singer is Etsuko Yakushimaru, whom trained ears will surely recognize from anime works like Space Dandy and Arakawa Under the Bridge.
Will we see a sequel? Perhaps Casio or Citizen would like to join the party? The video received half a million hits in just one week, so I imagine everything is tied to its popularity. At the same time, we always like to see Goldberg machines in action, and their use in advertising is a breath of fresh air compared to the horrors seen on TV...
