François Junod is known world wide for his automatons. He has been commissioned by La Semeuse, Van Cleef & Arpels, CIMA museum, Geneva Arena and many other companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad.

1. Briefly describe your childhood.

Very exciting . A workshop, a big house, with a caring mother, an older brother and two sisters and a demanding and inventive father, with drawing and music linking us. I would take everything apart that was handed to me. At the age of five I had my first encounter with a Tinguely sculpture in Lausanne, Switzerland, and I stood in front of it for a long time trying to understand how it worked ("Eureka" title).

2. As a child, what were your ambitions?

I didn't really like things that were already made, I wanted to make my own toys, I had to change things.

3. As a child, what is your most vivid memory?

My grandmother's miniature phonograph, it was magical. And the first time I took apart my fathers Bolex camera, which had gotten sea water inside and didn't work anymore. I loved to fix things, or completely destroy them trying to understand how they were worked in the first place.

4. Have you ever had another job?

No, I started straight out of art school at the age of 24.

5. What made you choose to go in the direction you chose.

To be able to use your imagination without limits, your creativity and make dreams come true, to please others.

6. What is the worst job you have ever had to do?

I don't remember...there are too many :o)

7. What has been the most difficult moment in your life so far?

Some times at school until I was 20, not enough holidays to do my models or other things.

8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?

My childhood family

9. What are you most proud of?

For the moment to continue, I'm mainly living in the present moment, not very nostalgic.

10. What advice would you give to a 20-year-old who is thinking of taking a path similar to yours?

Follow your dreams, don't listen too much to others.

11. Name three things from your bucket list.

Fly like a bird, go into space and speak Chinese.

12. How do you see the watch industry in 10 years?

Same as today, but with a different sales system.

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