L’Epée 1839 X MB&F Albatross: A Fusion of Mechanical Art and Horological Innovation

MB&F and L’Epée 1839, two giants in the horological world, continue to push the boundaries of creativity and mechanical design with their latest collaborative project: Albatross.

This extraordinary piece marks nearly a decade of collaboration between MB&F, known for its futuristic and innovative watchmaking, and L’Epée 1839, a historic Swiss clockmaker with over 180 years of expertise. Albatross is their 16th joint project, showcasing both brands' unique ability to blur the lines between timekeeping and art.

Inspired by Jules Verne's Vision of Aerial Adventures

Albatross draws inspiration from Jules Verne’s 1886 novel Robur the Conqueror, featuring a fantastic airship of the same name. Verne's fascination with flying machines, a recurring theme in his works, resonates deeply with MB&F, which has incorporated similar motifs in creations like the Legacy Machines and the LM Split Escapement series. Previous works depicted scenes from Around the World in 80 Days, paying tribute to Verne’s visionary spirit of exploration.

Designed by Eric Meyer, Albatross is more than just a clock—it is a mechanical interpretation of an airship, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and discovery. This impressive timepiece measures nearly two feet in all dimensions and weighs 17 kilograms, showcasing master craftsmanship in 1,520 meticulously crafted components.

A Technical Marvel with Dynamic Features

At the heart of Albatross lies a unique mechanical innovation. The clock features a striking hour function that chimes at the start of each hour, accompanied by a single strike every half hour. Additionally, an animation of 32 rotating propellers mimics the movement of an airship preparing for takeoff, creating a spectacular visual and auditory display that lasts around seven seconds with each chime.

These intricate movements, including the timekeeping, striking, and automaton propellers, were fully developed by L’Epée 1839. Two separate winding systems power Albatross: one for the time and striking mechanism, and the other for the propeller animation.

Interactive Dual Functionality

One of the standout features of Albatross is its dual functionality, allowing the chimes and propellers to operate independently. Through two on-demand buttons, the owner can activate each function separately or both simultaneously, providing a personalized and interactive experience. The front propellers control the striking hour function, while the rear propellers power the automaton, offering an engaging level of interaction rarely seen in timepieces.

Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

Beyond its technical complexity, Albatross was designed with durability and visual appeal in mind. A miniature cockpit, complete with a steering wheel and dashboard, is visible through a porthole, inviting observers to imagine piloting the airship. These imaginative details make Albatross both captivating and child-friendly, ensuring broad appeal.

Albatross is available in five striking colors—blue, black, green, red, and champagne—achieved through a cold lacquer process reminiscent of enamel. This technique adds depth and vibrancy to the colors, enhancing the clock’s aesthetic allure.

A Legacy of Art and Mechanics

Albatross joins the prestigious line of collaborations between MB&F and L’Epée 1839, which began with the Starfleet Machine and includes iconic pieces like the Melchior Robot and The Orb. Each creation reflects a unique blend of art and mechanics, and Albatross is no exception. This clock stands as a testament to how far their partnership has come in redefining what a timepiece can be. MB&F and L’Epée 1839 continue to prove that horology can be not only functional but also an extraordinary expression of creativity and innovation.

Pioneers of Horological Art

As MB&F continues its creative collaborations beyond the horological world—from music boxes with Reuge to luxury pens with Caran d’Ache—Albatross stands out as the pinnacle of their achievements with L’Epée 1839. The clock strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, combining the grandeur of a classic grandfather clock with the dynamic features of an automaton. Albatross is more than a timekeeper; it is a masterpiece that redefines the boundaries of luxury clocks.

This work of art serves as a powerful testament to MB&F and L’Epée 1839’s leadership in mechanical innovation and artistic expression. Albatross symbolizes the heights that can be reached when imagination, expertise, and craftsmanship come together.