A part of a machine becomes something independent. This changes our perception of that object. The association with a formal foreign function gives the object a new character, which has nothing in common with the actual content of the object. The appearance of a gear alone stands for pure functionality; there is no need to explain why this mechanical part has such a shape. Humans have always held a strong fascination for gear systems; they are part of our history and our culture. Is the association of machine formality sufficient to produce the same appeal as a mechanical clockwork?