One of the biggest challenges for L'Épée was respecting the movement configuration required by MB&F’s spacecraft design. L’Épée’s calibre – featuring five mainspring barrels in series – usually equips vertically standing clocks, but here it is laid flat. The escapement platform also had to be set horizontally to be protected by the turret-mounted laser cannons.
Naturally, the movement beats with a precision that Starfleet would be proud of, for an impressive accuracy of -2 to +2 minutes over 40 days! Every component (except the 48 jewels) of the superlatively finished palladium-treated brass movement is designed and manufactured at L’Épée’s Swiss atelier. The gears and mainspring barrels are on full display thanks to the skeletonised mainplate and concentric C-shaped external structure in stainless steel.
Starfleet Machine comes with its own transparent biosphere dome, fitting over the top and following the contours of the vessel’s three graceful arcs.
In intergalactic missions, the dome creates a life-supporting habitat for the vessel and its crew on inhospitable planets.
Here on earth, it protects Starfleet Machine from potential environmental hazards incompatible with high-end clocks: dust and curious fingers!
The dome is made in polished glass which, given its smooth profile and handle-free form, makes it light and easily removable when turning the clock over for time setting and winding.
Dedicated to making high-end clocks, L'Epée has been a prominent Swiss Manufacture for over 180 years. Founded in 1839 by Auguste L’Epée in France’s Besançon region, the company originally focused on producing music boxes and watch components. The brand was synonymous at the time with entirely hand-made pieces .
From 1850 onwards, the Manufacture became a leading light in the production of ‘platform’ escapements, creating regulators especially for alarm and table clocks, as well as musical watches. It became a well-known specialist owning a large number of patents on exceptional escapements and the chief supplier of escapements to several celebrated watchmakers of the day. L'Epée has won a number of gold awards at international exhibitions.
L'Epée 1839 is now based in Delémont in the Swiss Jura Mountains. Under the impetus of its CEO Arnaud Nicolas, it has developed an exceptional table clock collection, encompassing a full range of sophisticated clocks. All models are designed and manufactured in-house. Their technical prowess, combination of form and function, very long power reserves and remarkable finishes have become signature features of the brand.
Dedicated to making high-end clocks, L'Epée has been a prominent Swiss Manufacture for over 180 years. Founded in 1839 by Auguste L’Epée in France’s Besançon region, the company originally focused on producing music boxes and watch components. The brand was synonymous at the time with entirely hand-made pieces .
From 1850 onwards, the Manufacture became a leading light in the production of ‘platform’ escapements, creating regulators especially for alarm and table clocks, as well as musical watches. It became a well-known specialist owning a large number of patents on exceptional escapements and the chief supplier of escapements to several celebrated watchmakers of the day. L'Epée has won a number of gold awards at international exhibitions.
L'Epée 1839 is now based in Delémont in the Swiss Jura Mountains. Under the impetus of its CEO Arnaud Nicolas, it has developed an exceptional table clock collection, encompassing a full range of sophisticated clocks. All models are designed and manufactured in-house. Their technical prowess, combination of form and function, very long power reserves and remarkable finishes have become signature features of the brand.
Hours and minutes on a central dome featuring MB&F’s signature numerals. 20-second intervals indicated by double retrograde fly-out cannons emanating from central dome
Approx. Ø 29 cm, H: approx. 21 cm
Transparent 'biosphere' dome: Ø 31.5 cm / H: 27 cm
The highly visible, superlatively finished in-house movement boasts an exceptional power reserve of 40 days, thanks to the five mainspring barrels (in series for optimal performance)
Inner C-shaped structure, external C-shaped structure, support arcs and screws: all in stainless steel with transparent "biosphere" glass dome
The movement features superlative fine finishing of the type generally found on the finest wristwatches, including Geneva waves, anglage, polishing, sand-blasting, and circular and vertical satin finishing
Enter your contact details below...
