L’ÉPÉE 1839 REIMAGINES TIME THROUGH NATURE AND ENGINEERING

At Watches and Wonders 2026, L’Epée 1839 continues to explore the expressive potential of contemporary clockmaking through objects that move beyond convention. With a heritage dating back to 1839, the Swiss Manufacture presents creations inspired by nature and engineering history, translating these influences into kinetic, sculptural forms that invite interaction and engagement.

Rooted in a tradition of mechanical ingenuity, each creation reflects a careful balance between technical precision and imaginative design. Rather than following established codes, L’Epée 1839 approaches time display as a medium for storytelling, where movement, form, and function are closely intertwined. This year, The Belly Tank Racer and The Gekko stand out as two distinct interpretations of time display, each defined by strong design language and purposeful mechanics.

The Belly Tank Racer draws inspiration from the ingenuity of post-war engineering, referencing the streamlined shapes of racing cars built from repurposed aircraft fuel tanks. These forms, originally designed for flight, found new purpose on the ground, embodying a spirit of innovation and resourcefulness.

This influence is evident in the elongated, aerodynamic silhouette of the piece. Crafted with a lightweight aluminium body, the design emphasises both efficiency and clarity of form. Hours and minutes are displayed on transparent discs, revealing the movement while echoing the visual language of racing number plates.

The object introduces a sense of playfulness rarely associated with traditional clockmaking. By turning the rear wheels, the mechanism is wound in a manner reminiscent of a pull-back car, allowing it to roll forward freely. This interactive feature not only highlights the relationship between motion and time, but also introduces an element of surprise and delight in everyday use.

Inside, an in-house movement provides an eight-day power reserve, ensuring dependable performance alongside its dynamic design. The construction combines aluminium, brass, stainless steel, and acrylic elements, each carefully finished through a range of techniques including polishing, satin-brushing, and sandblasting.

Inspired by one of nature’s most agile and resilient creatures, The Gekko transforms the familiar lizard into a mechanical object that is both expressive and versatile. Across cultures, the gekko is often associated with protection, renewal, and adaptability, themes that are reflected in its design.

Its articulated structure allows for multiple display possibilities, with the ability to be mounted on a wall in various orientations or positioned upright on its legs. This flexibility is supported by a rotating dial ring that can be adjusted to ensure clear reading from any angle.

The openworked movement is integrated within the body, with a delicate metal structure across the dial inspired by the organic texture of a gecko’s skin. The escapement is placed in the head, a deliberate detail that reinforces the conceptual link between the creature’s form and its mechanical function, creating a sense of cohesion between design and engineering.

Interaction plays an important role in The Gekko’s appeal. The movement is wound by gently shifting the tail from side to side, creating a tactile and engaging experience that connects the user directly with the mechanism. Beneath its sculptural exterior, the in-house movement offers an eight-day power reserve, bringing together technical precision with a distinctive visual identity.

Through these creations, L’Epée 1839 continues to redefine the possibilities of contemporary clockmaking. The Gekko explores organic form and adaptability, while the Belly Tank Racer channels speed, engineering, and mechanical play. Together, they represent a broader vision in which time is not only measured, but expressed through movement, interaction, and design.

Each piece invites a different kind of engagement, encouraging the observer to look closer, to interact, and to appreciate the intricate relationship between mechanics and imagination. In doing so, L’Epée 1839 reinforces its position as a Manufacture that approaches clockmaking with curiosity and conviction, creating objects that resonate beyond their primary function and leave a lasting impression through their ingenuity and character.