Soar beyond time with a clock where 32 propellers and a chiming symphony evoke the ethereal spirit of Jules Verne’s imagined skies
After a decade of innovative creations, L’Epée 1839 and MB&F have unveiled their most technically bold masterpiece yet—the Albatross. This remarkable clock, boasting a staggering 1,520 components, is a marvel in both design and mechanics. With its striking hour function and a hypnotic automaton of 16 pairs of propellers, the Albatross brings the world of horology to new heights.
Inspired by Jules Verne’s fascination with airships, particularly the “Albatross” from Robur the Conqueror, designer Eric Meyer channels the spirit of adventure into this audacious creation. Verne’s legacy has previously touched MB&F’s designs, notably the Legacy Machines, but with the Albatross, the influence is more palpable.
Standing at 60cm tall and weighing a hefty 17kg, the clock is no ordinary timekeeper. It features two in-house movements: one dedicated to the time and chiming functions, the other powering the automaton. Every hour, the propellers whirl into action, simulating the take-off of an aircraft, a spectacle watch enthusiasts will adore. The clever mechanics allow the owner to control the propellers and chiming independently, thanks to the dual “on demand” buttons.
One of the clock's standout features is the pairwise movement of the propellers, rotating in opposite directions to create the illusion of flight. L’Epée CEO Arnaud Nicolas recalls the challenges in perfecting the system, with early prototypes literally turning the workshop upside-down: “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!”
Crafted from brass, steel, and aluminium, the Albatross is available in five colours—blue, red, green, champagne, and black—each limited to only eight pieces. The cool lacquer finish offers a rich depth, adding to the clock’s premium feel. With its intricate craftsmanship and playful details, the Albatross is set to become a collector’s dream, celebrating the thrill of exploration while pushing the boundaries of traditional clockmaking.
