LVMH WATCH WEEK 2026: L'EPÉE 1839 ELEVATES THE LA REGATTA

L'Epée 1839 presents a series of one-of-one Métiers d'Art reinterpretations of La Regatta, each expressing a distinct artistic vision through the centuries-old craft of Grand Feu enamelling. In collaboration with David Kakabadze Enamel, a world-renowned Georgian atelier, the Swiss clock Manufacture transforms its rowing-inspired creation into a canvas for exceptional artisanal expression.

La Regatta draws its long, slender silhouette from a racing skiff cutting through water. Designed as a vertical clock with an understated presence, it stands 518 mm high on a 120 mm square base, its entire gear train aligned along a single vertical axis. This architectural choice echoes the perfectly upright posture of the rower and the harmony of a crew moving in unison. Positioned at opposite ends of the clock, the barrel and escapement establish a visual and mechanical balance that mirrors the boat's own stability on the water.

The connection between Grand Feu enamelling and rowing runs deeper than aesthetics. Like the repeated, fluid motion of the oar moving through water, Grand Feu enamelling is a slow and careful process, built through successive firings that require patience and perfect timing. Each layer of enamel adds depth and richness, creating a surface that softly catches the light, much like water rippling under the rhythm of the boat.

The Grand Feu enamelling technique is a demanding and centuries-old craft with documented origins dating back to Byzantine and Georgian arts of the 8th century. Entirely executed by hand, the process involves applying multiple layers of coloured vitrified enamel onto a metal surface, followed by successive firings at temperatures between 700°C and 750°C. Each firing enhances the depth, luminosity and intensity of the colour, whilst requiring absolute precision. No two results can ever be identical.

On La Regatta, the enamel surface magnifies the sculptural lines and volumes of the piece, offering a striking contrast between mechanical horology and artisanal refinement. The hull is fully adorned with Grand Feu enamelling, hand-applied by David Kakabadze Enamel in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The first interpretation takes its name from the Japanese word for sea. Inspired by the waves depicted in Hokusai's paintings, this piece features finely executed cloisonné enamel enhanced by the paillons technique, consisting of thin silver leaves inlaid in the background. The combination captures the rhythmic movement and power of the sea.

In cloisonné enamelling, ultra-fine gold wires, thinner than a strand of hair, are shaped into delicate cells that are filled with enamel, colour by colour. Each hue, created by adding specific metal oxides, is fired separately at its ideal temperature. Some pieces demand 12 to 15 firings, as even a few seconds too long in the kiln can undo days or weeks of painstaking work.

The paillons technique is a refined enamelling method valued for its luminosity and depth. Using extremely thin silver leaves placed beneath transparent enamel layers, it creates a vibrant play of light and a cooler, brighter reflection that enhances movement and visual depth. The detailed cloisonné work evokes waves rising and breaking, telling the story of La Regatta facing the elements head-on.

This interpretation returns to a minimalist silhouette, enriched by the depth of blue flinqué enamelling. Like a vessel cutting through water, its surface subtly shifts with the light, creating optical movement that enhances the impression of motion. Flinqué enamelling is a rare Métiers d'Art technique that combines guilloché engraving with translucent enamel.

Finely engraved geometric patterns are coated with layers of coloured enamel, allowing the decoration beneath to remain visible and giving the surface exceptional depth and luminosity. Mastery of this technique demands absolute precision, as each layer is fired multiple times at high temperatures with no margin for error.

Powering La Regatta is L'Epée 1839's in-house calibre, featuring an escapement operating at 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour) with 26 jewels and an eight-day power reserve. The balance is protected by an Incabloc protection system. Materials include palladium-plated brass and polished stainless steel, with finishes spanning polished, satin brushed, and sandblasted surfaces. The skiff itself is crafted from enamel, copper, gold wires, and silver leaves, depending on the enamelling technique employed. Each piece is unique, customisable on demand, and offered as a one-of-one creation.

L'Epée has been a prominent clockmaking firm for more than 180 years. Today, it is the only manufacture in Switzerland to specialise in the production of high-end clocks. Founded in 1839 by Auguste L'Epée in France's Besançon region, the company originally focused on producing music boxes and watch components. Even at this early stage, the brand was synonymous with entirely hand-made pieces.

Now based in Delémont in the Swiss Jura Mountains, L'Epée 1839 has developed an exceptional collection of table clocks focusing on three themes: Creative Art, Contemporary Timepieces, and Carriage Clocks. All pieces are designed and manufactured in-house, with technical prowess, the combination of form and function, very long power reserves and remarkable finishes becoming signature features of the brand.

In La Regatta Métiers d'Art, sport and craftsmanship come together in a calm, elegant object, where time flows with rhythm, equilibrium, precision, and grace.