The brainchild of designer Eric Meyer, Albatross was inspired by the “Albatross” airship in Jules Verne’s novel Robur the Conqueror, but also more generally by the rockets and hot air balloons imagined by the French author, who had a fascination for flying objects. The works of Jules Verne have already inspired several MB&F creations, including the Legacy Machines collection and more specifically a series of Pièces Uniques based on the LM Split Escapement, engraved by Master Engraver Eddy Jaquet.
The clock’s technical specifications are impressive: 1520 components, 17kg, 60cm long by 60cm high and 35cm wide. The aircraft springs into action as the clock strikes the hours and prepares for take-off with its 32 rotating propellers that whirl for about seven seconds.
Not only is this the first “propeller hour” clock ever to be created, but it has a mechanical system inside that allows its future owner to turn the action on or off, as desired. Thanks to the two movements, it is possible to have the propellers turn without the hour chime, and vice versa. There are also two “on demand” buttons to chime the time and/or turn the propellers separately.
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.
TIME AND STRIKING HOUR MOVEMENT
In-line 8-day power reserve movement
Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph
Jewels: 11
Incabloc shock protection system
Winding: Manual via the propellers at the front of the flying machine: clockwise for the striking hour and anti-clockwise for the time.
2 separate barrels powering the time and chiming functions.
Two separate movements and winding systems, designed and manufactured in-house by L’Epée 1839; one powers the time and striking hour, the other provides the energy for the automaton (propellers).
Movements finishing: mix of satin and polish.
AUTOMATON MOVEMENT:
Winding: manual via the propellers at the back.
Power reserve: when activated, the automaton can run for one day.
1 barrel dedicated to the automaton movement.
COMPONENTS/PARTS
Total of 1520 components
BODY/FRAME
The clock is made from a mix of brass, steel, and aluminium.
Colours: translucent cold lacquer in blue, red, green, champagne or black
DIMENSIONS:
600mm long x 350mm wide x 600mm high
Weight: 17kg
Five limited editions of only 8 pieces each: blue, red, green, champagne, and black.
17kg
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