The photos taken with the two cameras are soft and dreamlike. The colors are faded, almost bleached in nature, and there is a general lack of definition. There is also heavy vignetting around the edge of the photos. Unlike the stark metal exteriors, the photos are surprisingly ethereal and moody.

There is so much to admire and enjoy about these mechanical works of art. Raw and industrial, they are living mechanisms with no aesthetic skin. The incorporation of watch movements into these machines breathes life, almost literally, into the otherwise stark components. Mechanical watches and clocks are rare objects in that they have a sort of simulated life. They have a heartbeat or breath that requires energy. They need you to input that energy and as such are objects that are dependent on people. Cameras typically do not have this anthropomorphic quality, though clear references to vision and perception can be made. Mr. Hyun’s creations, however, now are alive whether in your hand or on a shelf.

Kwanghun Hyun’s interest in watch movements hasn’t stopped with the Heartbeat cameras. He currently has made one dial test and one complete watch, in which he has repurposed an old movement. With an aesthetic that speaks to the method of production, there is a clear relationship between the watches and the Heartbeat cameras. Given his ability to redesign movements with existing parts, we are eager to see what his next creation will be.

Mr. Hyun kindly provided us with many process photos from the making of the Heartbeat cameras. They give you an insight into the amount of craft and skill taken to design, manufacture and assemble these two cameras. From CNC milling to hand polishing, Mr. Hyun was part of the process every step of the way. Be sure to view the gallery below.

Images and information courtesy of Kwanghun Hyun

Special Thanks to Jay Lee for bringing this to our attention and translating (check out his awesome photos here: jaeyulee.com)