Arnaud Nicolas, CEO and creative director of L'Épée, winner of the Mechanical Clock Prize 2025 and Maximilian Büsser, Owner and creative director of MB&F and M.A.D. Editions.

Beyond mere timekeeping, the Albatross L'Epée 1839 X MB&F clock is a captivating kinetic sculpture—a true design feat for the discerning collector. Inspired by Jules Verne’s visionary airships, designer Eric Meyer has crafted a mechanical marvel that weighs in at a formidable 17 kg, composed of 1,520 intricate components.

Its most breathtaking element? A dramatic automaton of 16 synchronized pairs of propellers that launch into mesmerizing motion every hour, creating the illusion of imminent takeoff. The clock features a striking hour function, chiming the hours and marking the half-hour with a single strike.

This piece offers unparalleled control via an integrated mechanical computer, allowing the owner to dictate the spectacle: choose full operation, silent propeller movement only, or quiet mode. With its dual winding systems and an eight-day power reserve, the Albatross is not just the first "propeller hour" clock, but a definitive statement in mechanical artistry and avant-garde horology.