Matt Clymo 
L’Epée, the creator of mechanical horological marvels has created the newest way for watch connoisseurs to display their loved timepiece – a transparent mechanical watch box!
Most people familiar with L’Epée most probably will know it’s collaboration with MB&F. Together, the two high-end watchmaking brands have created some amazing pieces of time-telling art. Pieces like Arachnophobia, Starfleet Explorer or one of my personal favourites, The Albatross – an airship-inspired clock released at Geneva Watch Days last year. if you missed it, check out the video below:
However, L’Epée stands alone and does some crazy creations that are, in some cases, out of this world. They have the ability to imagine creations that tell time like no other, (well, aside from MB&F that is, and perhaps why the two brands work so well together,) and bring these to life through automation and animation. Their latest offering is a unique way for watch lovers to display their timepiece, and when not needed, it sits nicely inside the transparent box, and at the touch of a button, opens the lid and lifts the watch up ready for the owner to wear. When the watch is put back in, the lid is closed ready to be opened again.
L’Epée has achieved this with a gear system that is in full view and reminiscent of mechanical watches and when being used, the mechanics are on full display to be admired, a hallmark somewhat of L’Epée 1839. Like all their pieces, the transparent watch box is functional art. Yes, this pieces doesn’t tell the time, but it displays your cherished timepiece in a way that allows you to admire it when not being worn.
Initial Thoughts
I’m always fascinated by mechanical art, both artistic and fun, as well as functional as in the case of L’Epée 1839’s creations. They seem to have a piece of time telling art for most tastes and passions, from automotive to space, to sci-fiction and everything in between. If you have the cash, their pieces are worth the investment to have a clock that you know most people won’t have.
In the case of their newly unveiled transparent watch box, L’Epée has gone in a much more simple direction (in a matter of speaking), but still with the flair you would expect from them. Most watch boxes are just that, a box. L’Epée 1839 has taken the simple watch box and given it life, and a unique way to store your watch when not on the wrist. It isn’t as groundbreaking as other pieces in the L’Epée 1839 stable, but sometimes, simple or best and getting simple right is not something many brands do well. In this instance, L’Epée has!
Reference: 19.6005/100
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 215mm length x 150mm width x 140mm height
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Case Material: Acrylique Glass
- Finishes: Sandblasted, polished and satin-brushed / Lacquer
- Movement: L’Epée Mechanical lift System
