Albatross
L'Epée 1839 x MB&F
After 10 years and 15 different clocks, the L’Epée 1839 X MB&F Albatross is by far the most technically audacious co-creation by the two companies.
Overview
Totalling a whopping 1520 components, Albatross features a striking hour function – chiming both the specific hours on the hour and a single strike on the half-hour – and an automaton composed of 16 pairs of propellers that launch into action every hour.
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.
About Albatross
32 PROPELLERS DRIVEN BY 1520 COMPONENTS
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.
TWO MOVEMENTS
Inside the aircraft are two movements and two winding systems; one powers the time and striking hour, thanks to two separate barrels, while the other provides the energy for the propellers, powered by a third barrel. The first is manually wound via the propellers at the front of the flying machine: clockwise for the striking hour and anti-clockwise for the time. The propellers at the back wind the automaton.
1520 COMPONENTS
After 10 years and 15 different clocks, the L’Epée 1839 X MB&F Albatross is by far the most technically audacious co-creation by the two companies. Totalling a whopping 1520 components, Albatross features a striking hour function – chiming both the specific hours on the hour and a single strike on the half-hour – and an automaton composed of 16 pairs of propellers that launch into action every hour.
SECRET DETAILS
As the “grown-up children” who worked on this creation remember only too well what they were like as youngsters, they have included fail-safes so that any unauthorized manipulation of the propellers won’t cause anything to break. They have also crafted a miniature cockpit, complete with a dashboard and ship’s wheel, behind the porthole to delight curious young eyes. At first, there was no plan for a dashboard in the boat’s cabin, but as soon as the idea of having a see-through element was discussed, they could not resist adding these secret details.
Ready for take off?
A highly complicated clock and a lot of personality in one piece.
L'Epée x MB&F
Blue, Red, Green, Champagne or Black
Albatross is available in 5 limited editions of 8 pieces each in Blue, Red, Green, Champagne or Black..
- Hours and minutes displayed on individual revolving discs.
- Striking hour chiming both the specific hours on the hour and a single strike on the half-hour.
- Automaton composed of 16 pairs of propellers that launch into action every hour.
- Chiming and propeller functions can be activated/disactivated.
- Two “on demand” buttons allow to chime the time and/or turn the propellers separately.
- 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.
- The clock is made from a mix of brass, steel, and aluminium.
- Colours: translucent cold lacquer in blue, red, green, champagne or black
- Total of 1520 components
- 600mm long x 350mm wide x 600mm high
- Weight: 17kg
Discover the models available
Inspiration
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.
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