AUTOMATON

An automaton is a mechanism that animates a more or less complex scene either periodically or on demand. Historically, automatons were large machines whose animations were often accompanied by melodies from a music box. Over time, they found their way into pocket watches and later into wristwatches.

In wristwatches, animations may be triggered automatically (e.g. every hour) or, more commonly, on-demand (by arming a slide). In the latter case, the automaton’s animation can function completely independently or, in some instances, be linked to a minute repeater, for example.