MB&F - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: MB&F
    Year: 2019
    Movement No: UFO Clock No. 35’269
    Case No: UFO Barometer No. 35’293
    UFO Hygrometer No. 35’316
    UFO Thermometer No. 35’306

    Model Name: Fifth Element Silver
    Material: Stainless steel, brass, glass and bronze
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1853.SK4, 11 jewels
    Dimensions: All signed L’Epée 1839 by MB & F
    Signed: Base clockwork 376mm diameter x 209mm height
    UFO Clock 124mm diameter x 92mm height
    UFO Barometer 124mm diameter x 92mm height
    UFO Thermometer 124mm diameter x 92mm height
    UFO Hygrometer 124mm diameter x 92 mm height

    Accessories: Further accompanied by L’Epée 1839 guarantee dated July 11, 2019 and stamped Embassy, St. Moritz, L’Epée 1839 by MB & F carrying case, winding key, instruction manual and polish clothes.

  • Catalogue Essay

    L'Epée is a name unknown to some collectors, however over their 175 year history the Swiss manufacturer has produced high quality, carefully crafted clocks, music boxes and watch components, and therefore it was a natural choice for MB & F to collaborate with L'Epée on some of their most originally designed clock works of art. Their in-house manufacturing includes sophisticated carriage clocks, along with complication from repeaters, to perpetual calendar, and tourbillon mechanisms. The L’Epée 1839 by MB & F Fifth Element intergalactic horological weather station was released in 2019, and is a delightful mechanical sculptural piece that is part art display, part sophisticated desk clock and weather station. At its core is a base clockwork, which is the stand for the four UFO elements, clock (time), barometer (pressure), Hygrometer (humidity) and thermometer (temperature). The base “mothership” has a resident alien named Ross, and is powered by a minute repeater-type governor, which allows Ross to float around the parameter.

    Inspiration for this sculptural mid-20th century desktop weather station comes from a combination of UFO films, books and comics of the 1950s and 60s and long with vintage desk pieces from the same period. The design team set out to create the archetype UFO, and wanted the Fifth Element to be larger than its individual pieces. The ultimate design is a fantasy, which one does not really need, but the pure delight at its aesthetic and quality craftsmanship makes one want it. The present example is in new condition and complete with guarantee and carrying case. These limited edition creations were produced in three groups of 18 each, silver, Black PVD and Blue PVD. Maximilian Büsser wants his works of art to be both kinetic and bring joy to its owner, The Fifth Element Silver is a fascinating way to keep track of time as well as the elements outside. Fresh to the market, this is possibly the first example of the Fifth Element to appear at auction.

956

A fine limited edition stainless steel intergalactic horological weather station with UFO clock, barometer, hygrometer and thermometer, accompanied with a base clockwork with minute repeat-type governor and alien, L’Epée 1839 guarantee and carrying case, produced in 18 examples

2019
All signed L’Epée 1839 by MB & F
Base clockwork 376mm diameter x 209mm height
UFO Clock 124mm diameter x 92mm height
UFO Barometer 124mm diameter x 92mm height
UFO Thermometer 124mm diameter x 92mm height
UFO Hygrometer 124mm diameter x 92 mm height

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 195,000 
€13,100-21,300
$15,400-25,000

Sold for HK$162,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020