Ready for Take-Off: Meet the Albatross from MB&F and L’Epée 1839
After a decade of collaboration and 15 clocks later, L’Epée 1839 and MB&F have crafted their most daring creation yet: the Albatross. Inspired by the “Albatross” airship in Jules Verne’ Robur the Conqueror, it encapsulates a captivating fusion of storytelling and groundbreaking micro-engineering. This automaton oeuvre designed by Eric Meyer and brought to life by L’Epée 1839 and MB&F is not just a clock but an artistic statement, a technical showcase for what is possible when creativity meets engineering excellence.
Boasting a staggering 1,520 components, the Albatross is a true feat of horological craftsmanship. Its dimensions alone are impressive — 60cm long, 60cm high, and 35cm wide, weighing in at 17kg. Yet, the Albatross’s most captivating feature is its dynamic automaton: 16 pairs of propellers that spring into life every hour, rotating for about seven seconds to create a mesmerizing mechanical choreography.
In addition to indicate the hours and minutes mechanically digital, the Albatross offers a unique striking hour function, chiming the hours on the hour and a single strike on the half-hour. Inside, two distinct movements and winding systems power this marvel. One movement handles timekeeping and chiming, while the other drives the propellers. The dual systems allow for versatile control: the propellers can whirl independently of the hour chime, and two “on demand” buttons permit users to activate each function separately.
This precious clock is not just about function but also about fun. The propellers turn in pairs, rotating in opposite directions on each side, giving the illusion of a pre-flight takeoff. They turn slowly enough — at 14 seconds per full rotation — to remain visible without generating too much "wind," ensuring safety. For added security, the designers have integrated fail-safes to prevent damage from unauthorized tampering. They’ve even included a miniature cockpit with a dashboard and ship’s wheel, a hidden detail meant to spark the imagination of all who peer inside.
The Albatross is built from a combination of brass, steel, and aluminum, and comes in five vibrant colors: blue, red, green, champagne, and black. Each color is limited to just eight pieces, with translucent cold lacquer enhancing the finish and providing a depth far superior to typical anodizing methods — a coloring technique perfected over years by L’Epée.
Pricing is available by request.
To learn more, visit MB&F, here.
