In pictures: L’Epée 1839 Time Fast D8

Our live pictures of L’Epée 1839 Time Fast D8 table clock. L’Epée 1839 has been recently acquired by the LVMHe luxury group.

LVMH, the luxury goods conglomerate, has recently announced the acquisition of Swiza, the owner of L'Epée 1839, a prestigious Swiss manufacturer of high-end clocks and  Objets d'Art. The brand had been acquired by Swiza in 2008.

Based in Delémont, in the Swiss Jura, L'Epée 1839 has been perpetuating exceptional watchmaking expertise for 185 years, crafting creations that have been conceived, developed, and produced in-house. Now specialising in clocks, the company is recognised for its unique creative vision in combining form and function.

Today, the production of these unique timepieces brings together a wide range of professions, craftsmen, and savoir-faire: more than 80 designers, engineers, watchmakers, mechanics and employees work alongside Arnaud Nicolas, CEO and Creative Director.

We recently had the opportunity to capture images of one of the signature creations of L’Epée 1839, the Time Fast D8 table clock, at the Pisa 1940 flagship store in Milan, and we are now delighted to share them with our readers. 

Pisa 1940 stands as the largest watch dealer in Italy, a renowned name among international watch collectors familiar with auctions. The Time Fast D8 clock by L’Epée 1839, like other creations of the Swiss brand, is also available through their online platform.

Inspired by a vintage Formula one racing car, this modern clock is a kinetic sculpture that tells the time.

Featuring a full bodywork in aluminum painted with automotive lacquer and an H-shape car frame, this model is 38.5 cm long, 16 cm wide, and 12 cm high. It weighs 4.7 kg. Tires are made in hard-wearing rubber with spoked rims in stainless steel.

The engine consists of a tiered movement with an 8-day power reserve that was developed to fit within the contours of the bodywork. 

The escapement and the balance wheel are under a glass dome simulating the driver’s helmet.

Hours and minutes are displayed on the side, resembling a typical competition number. The plate on the other side can be optionally engraved.

In the cockpit, the car’s steering wheel has been specially engineered to set the time. 

The mechanical movement's barrel is wound by moving the wheels in reverse, like a pullback car, to provide the clock with the power it requires to remain fully functional.

The Time Fast D8 table clock is produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces per colour. Seven colour versions are available: blue with white stripes, white with blue stripes, blue, green, red, silver, and yellow. 

The L'Epée 1839 Time Fast D8, ref. 74.6004/194, featured in our pictures was photographed at the Pisa 1940 flagship store in Milan and is available through their online platform. lepee1839.ch