There is a lot to talk about at MB&F these days. Just last week the brand announced that Chanel had become a strategic minority shareholder with a 25% stake in the independent high-end watch brand, which will ensure its long-term future and provide access to Chanel’s network of specialized suppliers – a smart move for both brands.
L’Epée 1839 X MB&F “Albatross”,
Things aren’t quiet on the novelties front either with two new, very different creations being unveiled for Geneva Watch Days. The first is a new collaborative creation with clockmaker L’Epée 1839. This marks the 15th clock that the two brands have worked on together. Called the L’Epée 1839 X MB&F “Albatross”, this extraordinary eight-day chiming clock is modelled on the fictional airship featured in Jules Verne’s novel Robur the Conqueror.
Designed by Eric Meyer, the Albatross is a construction of a staggering 1520 components, weighs 17kg, and is 60cm long by 60cm high and 35cm wide. Each time the clock strikes the hour, the airship prepares for take-off with 32 rotating propellers that whirl for about seven seconds. Two movements and two winding systems come into play with one powering the time and the striking hour (with two separate barrels), and the second providing the energy for the propellers (powered by a third barrel). The first is manually wound via the propellers at the front of the flying machine (clockwise for the striking hour and anti-clockwise for the time), while the propellers at the back wind the automaton.
Made from a combination of brass, steel, and aluminium, it comes in a choice of five colours – blue, red, green, champagne, and black – all of which are limited to eight pieces. The L’Epée 1839 X MB&F “Albatross” is an extraordinary automaton with a precision chiming clock mechanism that continues MB&F’s adventures turning Jules Verne’s literary works into horological creations.
Meet the M.A.D.1S
Following the success of the M.A.D.Editions in blue, red, and green, as well as a special collaborative edition with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, MB&F is now unveiling a fifth edition with a slimmer (that’s the “S” in the reference), single cylinder, automatic Swiss Made La Joux-Perret G101 movement that comes with a 68-hour power reserve.
In terms of aesthetics, the M.A.D.1S comes in a more streamlined 42mm x 15mm stainless steel case (20% slimmer than its predecessors). This has been achieved thanks to the abovementioned movement and a new, single-cylinder display (previous editions featured two cylinders – one of the hours and the other for the minutes). Additional modifications include redesigned lugs and a modified rotor that offers increased transparency on the movement.
And for the colour, I hear your cry – the M.A.D.1S comes in purple, a particularly trendy hue that will now surely grow in popularity! The M.A.D.1S will be available to “Friends” (suppliers) and “Tribe” Members (MB&F Collectors) via a raffle that will open today, so check the MB&F Website for more details.
We can’t wait to see both these models in person this week on our adventures around the fair. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram so you can join us for all the fun.
