MB&F and L’Epée 1839, renowned for their inventive collaborations, have once again pushed the boundaries of mechanical artistry with their newest creation, the Albatross. This masterpiece symbolizes nearly a decade of partnership between the visionary watchmaker MB&F and the historic Swiss clockmaker L’Epée 1839. The Albatross is the 16th joint venture between these two horological powerhouses, each known for their unique contributions to the field – MB&F with its futuristic approach to watchmaking and L’Epée 1839 with its long-standing expertise in crafting exquisite clocks.
The Albatross draws inspiration from Jules Verne’s 1886 novel, Robur the Conqueror , featuring an airship by the same name. This thematic choice is a nod to Verne’s fascination with aerial machines, a recurrent motif in his works that has also inspired other MB&F creations, including the Legacy Machines and the LM Split Escapement “Eddy Jaquet” series. These creations depict scenes from another Verne classic, Around the World in 80 Days , showcasing the intricate work of master engraver Eddy Jaquet.
Crafted by designer Eric Meyer, the Albatross is more than just a timepiece; it is a mechanical interpretation of an airship, incorporating elements of adventure and the spirit of exploration. This clock stands nearly two feet in all dimensions and weighs 17 kilograms, reflecting its substantial and intricate composition. It consists of 1,520 individual components, each playing a role in the clock’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The clock features a unique striking hour function that chimes at the start of each hour and a single strike every half hour. This is coupled with an animation of 32 rotating propellers that mimic the action of an airship preparing for takeoff – a feature that lasts about seven seconds with each chime. The movements required for these functions are all developed in-house by L’Epée 1839 and include two separate winding systems: one for the time and striking mechanism, and another for the automaton propellers.
One of the Albatross’s distinguishing features is its dual-functionality, allowing the chimes and propellers to operate independently. This capability is controlled through two ‘on-demand’ buttons that activate either the chimes or the propellers or both, giving the owner a personalized interaction with the clock. The movements are manually wound, with the front propellers setting the striking hour and the rear propellers powering the automation.
The design also takes into account the need for durability and child-friendliness. A miniature cockpit, complete with a steering wheel and dashboard, is visible through a porthole, designed to enchant curious onlookers and evoke the feel of piloting an airship. The inclusion of these elements speaks to the creators’ commitment to design that is both visually appealing and interactive.
The Albatross is not only a technical marvel but also a work of art. It is offered in five different colors – blue, black, green, red, and champagne – each achieved through a special process using translucent cold lacquer that resembles enamel. This technique allows the vibrant colors to have depth and complexity, enhancing the visual appeal of the clock.
Throughout their partnership, MB&F and L’Epée 1839 have created 15 other clocks, beginning with the Starfleet Machine and including other notable creations like the Melchior Robot and The Orb. Each piece they’ve created together has been a step forward in the fusion of art and mechanics, and the Albatross is no exception. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation in the world of horology.
As MB&F continues to explore collaborations with other brands – ranging from music boxes with Reuge to pens with Caran d’Ache – the Albatross highlights the peak of their creative achievements with L’Epée 1839. Each project they undertake reinvents the concept of what a timepiece can be, turning everyday objects into spectacular showcases of creativity and engineering.
The Albatross is is a culmination of years of collaborative effort, a bridge between horology and high art, and a beacon of innovation. It serves as a modern-day reinterpretation of the classic grandfather clock, with its elaborate chimes and dynamic automaton, yet it soars beyond tradition to redefine the boundaries of timekeeping. This piece is a profound statement in the world of luxury clocks, proving once again that MB&F and L’Epée 1839 are at the forefront of mechanical innovation and artistic expression. Also you can check other horological homage to the adventurous spirit of flight.
