To Celebrate its 175th Anniversary, the renowned clock maker L’Epée 1839 —same company that collaborated with MB&F in the Starfleet Machine table clock reviewed here— celebrates this special year with a timepiece that will suggest many interrogations. The 'Two Hands Flying Tourbillon' table clock is limited to 2 unique pieces; one in massive Titanium Grade 5 and one in massive brass gold plated. These table clocks were developed in collaboration with renowned horologist Vincent Calabrese. This time, the manufacture established in 1839 comes back to its history and origins by redeveloping an extraordinary escapement; the tourbillon, the most noble escapement. A special tourbillon had to be made and what a better collaboration than with Vincent Calabrese, a well known figure of the Horology world.
The movement, designed by Vincent Calabrese, includes a double tourbillon. The 'Two Hands Flying Tourbillon' is flying over gravity to explore the basics of the tourbillon. Say good bye to the biggest force applied on earth, and welcome the perfection of a movement that canceled its gravity effect. The Two Hands Flying Tourbillon clock was fully crafted by L’Epée 1839, Switzerland's only remaining specialized high-end clock manufacture, founded in 1839. The highly visible, superlatively finished in-house movement calibre 175.T boasts an exceptional power reserve of 40 days with only one small barrel and 19 jewels. Hours and minutes hands are as usual used to indicate time but here it is also the main plate for the tourbillon. The details of the finishing parts of the movement can be fully appreciated by the naked eye.
The full concept of a flying tourbillon can be admired and also easily understood by everyone as none of the subtle parts are hidden. This clock therefore treats observers to a fascinating visual full animation display. Almost every component of the superlatively finished palladium or gold —depending on the chosen configuration— movement is designed and manufactured at L’Epée’s Swiss manufacture. The gears and mainspring barrels are on full display thanks to the skeletonized “Aerospace Turbine” inspired design dial and to the minute’s hands showing all the parts of the regulation of the clocks.
When conceiving The 'Two Hands Flying Tourbillon' housing, CEO Arnaud Nicolas and Designer Christian Chabloz set out a new reference to where no clock manufacturer had gone before, manufacturing an exceptional timepiece with 35 kilograms of titanium and a round and enameled case with a very special engraving on the back.
This amazing clocks are not only an absolute work of art from an horological standpoint but also great examples of timeless design that could've been easily done by someone like George Nelson —one of the fathers of modernism. Now, based on what we told you earlier, these unique piece clocks are not cheap. If you have half a million Swiss francs laying around, this is a must have. Definitely worth the sticker price.
Sticker Price CHF 500,000. For more info on L'Epée 1839 click here.
