After ten years and fifteen groundbreaking clock collaborations, the L’Epée 1839 X MB&F Albatross stands as the most technically audacious creation to emerge from the partnership between these two horological powerhouses. With a staggering total of 1,520 components, it is a testament to the heights that mechanical craftsmanship and creative vision can achieve.
A Masterpiece of Mechanical Ingenuity
The technical specifications of the Albatross are nothing short of extraordinary. Weighing in at 17 kilograms and measuring 60 centimetres in both length and height with a width of 35 centimetres, this clock is a commanding presence.
The true spectacle, however, begins when the clock strikes the hour. At this moment, 32 rotating propellers spring into action, whirring for about seven seconds, as if preparing the clock for take-off.
The inner workings of the Albatross are equally impressive. Inside the aircraft are two separate movements and winding systems, each meticulously designed to fulfil a specific function. One system powers the time and the striking hour, using two separate barrels, while the other drives the propellers, powered by a third barrel.
The first movement is manually wound via the front propellers: clockwise for the striking hour and anti-clockwise for the time. The rear propellers wind the automaton, bringing this miniature airship to life. The clock boasts a power reserve of eight days, with the chiming function turned on or off, while the automaton can operate for one day on a full wind.
Innovation in Every Detail
The Albatross is not just another clock; it is the first-ever “propeller hour” clock, featuring a mechanical system that allows its owner to control the automaton and chime functions independently. Two “on-demand” buttons enable the user to chime the time or activate the propellers separately, offering a level of customization rarely seen in horology.
A closer examination of the propellers reveals the level of detail that went into their design. The 16 pairs of propellers turn together in such a way that they appear to be moving faster than they are, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. They rotate at a speed that ensures they remain visible at all times, without generating any wind, a feat that required multiple experiments to perfect.
The creators of the Albatross, aware of the joy such a piece can bring to both adults and children, included several playful features. Among these is a miniature cockpit complete with a dashboard and ship’s wheel, visible through a small porthole.
This whimsical detail was not part of the initial design but was added when the idea of a transparent element was introduced, demonstrating the creative flexibility that defines this collaboration.
Crafted from a mix of brass, steel, and aluminium, the Albatross is available in five striking colours: blue, red, green, champagne, and black, with each colour limited to just eight pieces. The colouring is achieved using a translucent cold lacquer, similar to enamel, which allows the intricate finishing techniques to shine through. This method, which took years to perfect, offers a depth and richness that surpass typical anodized treatments.
Priced at SGD 157,000 each with tax, the Albatross is a clock for those who appreciate the artistry and complexity of high-end horology.
