Sage of Hours | Art by Matt Stewart
So first off, let's talk about the device he is standing next too. That is called an Antikythera, which is an ancient Greek clock-like device that predicts astronomical positions and is named after the Greek island of the same name.
Thematically, the presence of the Antikythera speaks to Sage of Hours's interest in the relationship of the heavens and time, tying in beautifully with the mechanics of the card.
Something I didn't notice until I looked at the art at a larger resolution is that if you look over the sage's shoulder you can see a statue of Ephara, God of the Polis!
Sage of Hours (concept sketch) | Art by Matt Stewart
While this is the first appearance of an Antikythera mechanical device on a Magic card as far as I can recall, it is far from the only celestial and astronomical device. Here are a selection from Magic's past:
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