Bet they run like clockwork! Artist creates detailed model motorbikes made entirely from discarded WATCH parts

  • Models made from faces, bezels, hands from up 50 different watches per bike
  • Dan Tanenbaum's creations, using parts destined for bin, sell for up to £700

By Anthony Bond

Published: | Updated:


It's no exaggeration to say that these incredible motorbikes really do run like clockwork.

But its not because of their superior engines or incredible handling - its because they are actually made from discarded parts from watches.

The motorbikes measure on average six to eight inches long and three to five high and can sell for as much £700.

Incredible: These stunning model motorbikes are made from discarded parts from watches

Incredible: These stunning model motorbikes are made from discarded parts from watches

Pricey: The motorbikes measure on average six to eight inches long and three to five high and can sell for as much £700

Pricey: The motorbikes measure on average six to eight inches long and three to five high and can sell for as much £700

Wonderful: The amazing level of detail on the bikes can be seen in this image

Wonderful: The amazing level of detail on the bikes can be seen in this image

Stunning: The model bikes have been created by talented artist Dan Tanenbaum, 41, from Toronto in Canada

Stunning: The model bikes have been created by talented artist Dan Tanenbaum, 41, from Toronto in Canada

Parts for the models consist of faces, bezels, hands and mechanisms destined for the rubbish bin from as many as 50 different watches per motorcycle.

They have been created by talented artist Dan Tanenbaum, 41, from Toronto in Canada.

He started making the models as a way to release creativity energy and admits he is a watch fan first and actually didn't know too much about motorbikes when he began.

But now with a Facebook page and orders flooding in from around the world, Mr Tanenbaum is being kept busy.

Talented: Artist Dan Tanenbaum working on one of his motorcycles
Another stunning creation by artist Dan Tanenbaum

Talented: Artist Dan Tanenbaum, left, working on one of his motorcycles while another of his incredible bikes is pictured right

Grafter: Mr Tanenbaum started making the models as a way to release creativity energy

Grafter: Mr Tanenbaum started making the models as a way to release creativity energy

Success: Mr Tanenbaum now has a Facebook page with orders flooding in from around the world for his custom pieces

Success: Mr Tanenbaum now has a Facebook page with orders flooding in from around the world for his custom pieces

Detailed: Parts for the models consist of faces, bezels, hands and mechanisms destined for the rubbish bin from as many as 50 different watches per motorcycle

Detailed: Parts for the models consist of faces, bezels, hands and mechanisms destined for the rubbish bin from as many as 50 different watches per motorcycle

Dad-of-three Mr Tanenbaum said the UK and Europe were actually his biggest market for the bikes.

He said: 'If you look at a motorcycle a lot of them are custom made and once you have two wheels, handle bars and a petrol tank you can pretty much express yourself with the rest.

'All of the watch parts I use, some of which are from vintage watches, are destined for the trash so using them is my way of recycling the craftsmanship that is so detailed.

'It can take 40 to 50 hours to build one piece and my favourite is probably a Triumph Bonneville.

Profitable: Dad-of-three Mr Tanenbaum said the UK and Europe were actually his biggest market for the bikes

Profitable: Dad-of-three Mr Tanenbaum said the UK and Europe were actually his biggest market for the bikes

Dedicated: The artist said it can take 40 to 50 hours to build one piece

Dedicated: The artist said it can take 40 to 50 hours to build one piece

Trash: All of the watch parts used are destined for the bin

Trash: All of the watch parts used are destined for the bin

Amazing: Each bike is made from parts from up to 50 watches

Amazing: Each bike is made from parts from up to 50 watches

'When I was first starting motorcycle fans would guide me through each build and now if I get an order, depending on the quality of the pictures I am sent, I can build it.

'I often ask people what they particularly remember about the bike and I concentrate on that section.

'I haven't had too much trouble from watch enthusiasts because they know that these parts were going into the bin.

'I do have people asking if they can turn their grandmother's watch into a bike but each piece is made from parts from up to 50 watches.'

Small: One of the bikes is pictured on a hand to show the size of them

Small: One of the bikes is pictured on a hand to show the size of them

Relaxed: The artist says he hasn't had too much trouble from watch enthusiasts because they know that the parts used were going into the bin

Relaxed: The artist says he hasn't had too much trouble from watch enthusiasts because they know that the parts used were going into the bin



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