This definitely seems like a reference to Project Daedalus:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Daedalus
The countdown reminds me of a particularly well-known David Bowie song, but in a very good way. Intentional or not, I love it.
I love your clay model as well. The real life prop thing is so cool, and I have some planned for my world that are more like real musical instruments that I need to build that are not in my submission. I definitely want to make some IRL props for my world.
The music is very good. I love it all, and it fits the world you're building perfectly.
Great work, Kirrifant! :)