When you look at things like that you realize they really are an artform.

I used to collect (before space constraints became an issue) antique typewriters and adding machines (mechanical calculators of all sorts). To watch them in motion is sheer genius. I point out to people that designing these days is much simpler in many ways... we put a button here, a motor there, and run a wire between the two. Back then however, for example in a typewriter you had to account for ergonomics and mechanics in one seamless design. How does moving a key 1/2 inch move a head 4 inches, will it strike the ribbon hard enough, does it fit your hands well, will any of the components collide, does the force required to operate the lever system make for comfortable typing, will it jam under load, can you see the letters on the paper easily, is it durable, does it look appealing, and on and on. All in one seamless design. Quite brilliant.