The two powerhouses combine once again to create an otherworldly clock that’s ready for lift-off!
It has been almost a decade since MB&F started co-creating their mesmerising machines with other manufacturers. During this period, the brand has created 20 mechanical creations by collaborating with brands such as Reuge (the “MusicMachine” music boxes), Caran d’Ache (the Astrograph pen) and Loupe System (Project LpX). MB&F’s most memorable collaboration (for me, at least anyway!) has been with L’Epee 1839, a master of table clocks.
MBandF x L’Epee Co-Creation – All new ALBATROSS
This latest creation by MB&F is in collaboration with L’Epee, marking their 15th masterpiece with the brand. This new ‘machine’, the ALBATROSS, is stated to be their most technically audacious clock, and one quick look at it is all you need to know that this is undoubtedly the case. The ALBATROSS has an incredible 1520 components. This unbelievable machine features a striking hour function, in which it can chime out both the specific hours on the hour and a single strike on the half-hour. The ALBATROSS is also able to do this on command! As the chimes are being executed, an automation composed of 16 pairs of propellers on the ALBATROSS will also launch into action.
The ALBATROSS is the brainchild of designer Eric Meyer, who took inspiration from the “Albatross” airship in Jules Verne’s novel Robur the Conqueror. The similarities can undoubtedly be seen in the above image. However, the general inspiration behind this mechanical masterpiece was also taken from the rockets and hot air balloons imagined by the French author. The different works of Jules Verne have already inspired many of MB&F’s creations, which include the Legacy Machines collections and, more specifically, as the brand states, “a series of Pièces Uniques based on the LM Split Escapement, engraved by Master Engraver Eddy Jaquet.”
MBandF x L’Epee Co-Creation – Video showcasing the ALBATROSS in action!
The ALBATROSS is mechanical art in its purest form, with the execution and detailed finishing that MB&F and L’Epee are known for. This creation is the centrepiece in any room, and your attention is immediately drawn to it for its mechanical complexity and aesthetic beauty. With a total of 1520 components, the ALBATROSS weighs in at 17kg, is 60cm long, 60cm high, and 35cm wide. Check out the above video to see the ALBATROSS in action as the clock chimes the hours and prepares for take-off, with the 32 propellers coming to life by spinning for approximately 7 seconds.
How Does The ALBATROSS Work?
Inside the ALBATROSS are two movements and two winding systems located on either end of the aircraft. One movement powers the time along with the chiming mechanism for the striking hour, powered by two separate barrels. The opposite movement provides the energy for the propellers, which are powered by a single barrel.
Both movements are manually wound, with the one in the front of the ALBATROSS powering the time and chime. To power this movement, turn clockwise to wind the striking hour and anti-clockwise for the time. The movement at the back of the airship powers the automation; you need to wind the propellers to power the movement. The power reserve of the time movement is a staggering eight days, regardless of whether the chiming function is turned on or off. The power reserve for the automation movement is approximately one day.
As mentioned previously, thanks to the ALBATROSS having two separate movements, it’s possible to have the chime and propellers work independently. This can be done through two “on demand” buttons, which are found on the side of the airship opposite the time barrels., By pressing the button, the chime for the striking hour can be sounded out whenever the user wishes. The ALBATROSS also comes with fail-safe features so that any unauthorised manipulation of the propellers won’t cause any damage to them or the movements.
While the chiming of the striking hours is certainly a pleasant feature, for me, the real beauty of the timepiece is seeing the mechanical movement of the propellers. MB&F states, “A closer look at the propellers reveals that they work in pairs, turning together to give the impression that they are going faster. They turn at a speed of 7 seconds for half a turn, or 14 seconds per turn, so that they always remain visible and don’t create any wind. Arnaud Nicolas, CEO of L’Epée, had some fun working on this: “We had to make several attempts to find the correct power and speed for the propellers as our initial experiments caused chaos in the workshop: it was like a helicopter ready for take-off!”The propellers on the left side of the spaceship turn one way, while those on the right side go the other way, as if the ship really was going to take off. Another detail to note is that when the hour strikes, the propellers operate instantaneously, attesting to the attention to detail that has gone into the Albatross’ creation.”
MB&F and L’Epee have ensured the ALBATROSS resembles the aircraft design it was inspired by. This can be seen from the miniature cockpit that comes with a complete dashboard and ship’s wheel. The cockpit can be seen behind the porthole, visible to curious eyes! The brand states “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.”
MB&F and L’Epee offer personalisation as well when it comes to the ALBATROSS. While the clock itself is made from a mix of brass, steel, and aluminium, the ALBATROSS’s coloured elements offer a different perspective on this unique masterpiece. The ALBATROSS is offered in five colour choices: blue, red, green, champagne, and black. The colour parts are achieved using a translucent cold lacquer, similar to enamel, allowing the different finishing techniques applied underneath to be seen. It took L’EPee years to perfect this colouring technique, which offers a much superior depth compared to typical anodising treatments.
Final Thoughts
What the ALBATROSS stands for me is the epitome of two worlds colliding: horology and art. This pure expression of mechanical art leaves you in amazement at how absurd it is and how it’s both aesthetically pleasing to look at and a functional working clock that chimes out the hours and half-hours like a grandfather clock. In fact, it’s safe to say that this is a modern-day interpretation of this classic chime clock.
Of course, creating something as ridiculous as the ALBATROSS is nothing new to both MB&F and L’Epee. Both brands are known for pushing the boundaries in their respective fields of conventional watchmaking and mechanical machines. So when they come together, you can always expect something special; in the case of the ALBATROSS, they have indeed delivered. Combining an automation system with a precision chiming clock is incredibly rare, allowing the ALBATROSS to fly in a class of its own.
Reference: 63.6001/200
Specification:
- Measurement: 60cm length x 60cm width x 35cm height.
- Material: Mix of brass, steel, and aluminium.
- Colours on offer: Translucent cold lacquer in blue, red, green, champagne or black
- Functions: 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.
- Movement (Time): In-line 8-day power reserve movement. Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph. Manual wound 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. - Movement (Propellor Automation): Power reserve: when activated, the automaton can run for one day.
1 barrel dedicated to the automaton movement. Manual via the propellers at the back. - Total Components: 1520
