Temporal Mechanism

The Temporal Mechanism is a treasure in Pikmin 2 and Pikmin 4. It's actually a labeled with Roman numerals and has the Nintendo logo on its face. The second hand ticks back and forth between two seconds. In Pikmin 4 the words "Every second is of infinite value." are inscribed on its back, a quote by. In Pikmin 2, it is found in the Valley of Repose and is held by a Fiery Bulblax. In Pikmin 4, it is found on a fence in the Sun-Speckled Terrace near a Bulborb. It also appears in that game's title screen and in the Dandori Challenge menu accessed by talking to Jin.

Pikmin 2
It is located at the far side of the field near a body of water inhabited by Water Dumples. The best way to defeat the Bulblax is to lure the Bulblax into the water and attack it with Blue Pikmin after petrifying it.

It is wise to go after this treasure near the start of the day. If the Bulblax is killed but the treasure does not get back to the ship before day's end, it will be inside another Bulblax the next day (unlike other above ground treasures, which stay in place from day to day, seeing as they are not held by enemies).

Pikmin 4
It is mounted on a wall near the center of the Sun-Speckled Terrace, slightly to the north. To collect it, you must first knock it off of the wall with a rush from Oatchi, then throw 7 Pikmin at it. The nearby Bulborb should be defeated, otherwise it will wake up when the Pikmin carry the treasure back.

Trivia

 * This treasure and the King of Bugs are the only two treasures in Pikmin 2 that animate when not being carried – the Temporal Mechanism's second hand is always ticking back and forth.