MB&F’s sculptural clocks made by L’Epee 1839 have ranged from sci-fi spiders to robots. And now the pair have debuted their most elaborate and expensive desk clock to date, the Albatross.

Inspired by the airship of the same name in the Jules Verne novel Robur the Conqueror, the steampunk Albatross does more than tell the time. The clock also incorporates an hourstriker as well as a propellor automaton that activates alongside the hourstriker.

Initial thoughts

The Albatross is more interesting mechanically than MB&F’s past collaborations with L’Epee, which were mostly about the form of the clock. This, on the other hand, incorporates mechanics into the design with the propeller automaton linked to the hourstriker. Coupled with the chiming and spinning propellors, the sheer size – 60 cm high and some 17 kg – makes the Albatross a truly impressive object.

But the Albatross costs about CHF120,000 before taxes, which is a big number even considering its complexity. While the impressive mechanics and careful construction of the clock arguably justify the price, the price tag puts it in competition with a lot of compelling watches, at least for a watch collector. For someone looking for an impressive desktop object or the ultimate in home decor, this has arguably less competition.

Jules Verne’s airship

Made of steel, brass, and aluminium, the Albatross contains two separate movements. The first is a twin barrel, eight-day movement for the timekeeping and hourstriker functions, with one barrel to power each function.

The second is a single barrel movement that drives the automaton. Both movements are wound by propellers, the first movement via those on the front, and the second movement via the propellers on the back.

The hourstriker chimes the number of hours at the top of each hour, along with a single note at the half-past mark. The propeller automaton can be set to run when the hourstriker starts, or also turned off entirely. Similarly, the hourstriker can also be turned on or off.

The propellors rotate in pairs, with those on the left of the clock turning in one direction, and those on the other side going in the opposite direction. According to MB&F, the propellors rotate at a relatively slow pace of 14 seconds per full revolution, “that they always remain visible and don’t create any wind.”

Available in blue, red, green, champagne, or black, the Albatross is limited to eight in each colour.

Key facts and price

MB&F x L’Epée 1839 Albatross

Dimensions: 60 cm long, 35 cm wide, 60 cm high
Weight: Approximately 17 kg
Material: Aluminium, brass, and steel

Movement: L’Epée 1839 movement
Functions: Hours, minutes, hour striker, and propellor automaton on the hour
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Winding: Wound via propeller
Power reserve: 8 days

Limited edition: 8 pieces in each of the five colours
Availability: From MB&F boutiques, online store, and retailers
Price: CHF119,000 excluding VAT

For more, visit MBandF.com.