The Ultimate Swiss Timepiece

Türler promotion picture of their extraordinary clock located on the Banhofstrasse.
(For more pictures and info, click here.)

Near Paradeplatz on the Banhofstrasse is a great watch and jewelry store named Türler. You might assume it's closed because the door is always locked. However, if you stand long enough peering through the window, a man will quickly approach to unlock the door and allow your entry. He locks the door after you for security measures, but don't worry - they will let you out even if you don't make a purchase.
Immediately, you will see the masterpiece that is pictured above. The store clerks don't mind you taking a few moments to admire this piece of art. They are quite proud, and with reason. On one occasion, I was approached by a friendly manager who provided me with an elaborate color pamphlet explaining all the science behind the mechanism.
This clock design was initiated by Franz Türler in 1986 with the mission "to build a clock that uniquely combines the principles of science, technology, craftsmanship, and aesthetics."
The five time tracking aspects of the clock are:

Horizon - tracks the sun and moon rise and set according to Zürich horizon
Tellurion - tracks movement of the earth and moon in relation to the sun
Planets - tracks the orbit around the sun of the 9 planets in our solar system
Calendar - tracks the time of man through seconds, minutes, hours, date, month, and year (also follows leap years)
Global - the top part of the clock is a globe that depicts the position of the sun, moon, and firmament (or celestial canopy)

Other quick facts about the clock:
* It took 9 years to design
*Set into operation on the longest day of the year - June 21st of 1995
*1.2 tons of brass were used in it's creation
*The pendulum is powered by solar panels located on the roof
*The celestial canopy is set only to rotate once every 25,794 years!

If you should so feel inclined, look for the stairway downstairs. The manager had invited me to take a look in their basement at the "timepiece exhibition."
When my mom and I walked into this part of the store, we were immediately greeted and offered champagne or other beverage of choice. (We declined, we felt quite out of place!) There are glass cases that line the wall displaying many designer watches and jewelry. I've only seen jewels like this before in museums! If you have any interest in making a purchase, just inquire with one of the many staff at hand and they can refer to one of their handy flip books to look up exact carat weight, clarity, and price for you. They will even take it out of the case for you to get a closer look if you should so desire. (Before you get excited and start your Valentine's Day shopping here, the cheapest thing on the menu in this room starts at about $1000 USD and goes up quickly from there. Most of their stuff on display is easily tens of thousands of dollars.)

Definitely an amazing clock though, check it out!