Sharon Chan
Head of department, Director of Watches, Asia
Lot 897
MB&F X L'ÉPÉE | ORB, REF.63.6000/184, A LIMITED EDITION PALLADIUM PLATED BRASS AND STAINLESS STEEL TABLE CLOCK WITH STRIKING HOUR AND 8 DAY POWER RESERVE, CIRCA 2021
28 May 2024, 14:30 HKT
Hong Kong, Six Pacific PlaceSold for HK$108,800 inc. premium
Looking for a similar item?
Our Watches specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAsk about this lot
Bryan Li
Senior Specialist
Francisco Herrera
Specialist
Brian Chu
Senior Business Associate
MB&F X L'ÉPÉE | ORB, REF.63.6000/184, A LIMITED EDITION PALLADIUM PLATED BRASS AND STAINLESS STEEL TABLE CLOCK WITH STRIKING HOUR AND 8 DAY POWER RESERVE, CIRCA 2021
Case No: Limited to 50
Calibre: Manual winding, signed
Dial: Semi-skeletonised, signed
Case: 17 x 17 cm (closed), 24 x 30 cm (opened), palladium-plated brass and stainless steel, 4 elytra in aluminium covered with lacquer, signed
Accompaniments: Maker's presentation box, warranty card, winding key, gloves and instruction manual
Last known retail price approximately HK$270,000.
前零售價大約 HK$270,000。
MB&F x L'Épée | Orb，63.6000/184型號，限量50件，限量鍍鈀黃銅及精鋼手動上弦桌鐘，配報時功能及8日動力儲存，年份約2021。附原廠包裝盒、服務保證卡、上鍊鑰匙、手套及說明書。
Calibre: Manual winding, signed
Dial: Semi-skeletonised, signed
Case: 17 x 17 cm (closed), 24 x 30 cm (opened), palladium-plated brass and stainless steel, 4 elytra in aluminium covered with lacquer, signed
Accompaniments: Maker's presentation box, warranty card, winding key, gloves and instruction manual
Last known retail price approximately HK$270,000.
前零售價大約 HK$270,000。
MB&F x L'Épée | Orb，63.6000/184型號，限量50件，限量鍍鈀黃銅及精鋼手動上弦桌鐘，配報時功能及8日動力儲存，年份約2021。附原廠包裝盒、服務保證卡、上鍊鑰匙、手套及說明書。
Footnotes
The MB&F x L'Epée Orb is a remarkable timepiece that epitomizes the fusion of art and horology. Crafted in collaboration with the renowned clockmaker L'Epée 1839, the Orb is a testament to the innovative spirit of Maximilian Büsser and Friends (MB&F). At first glance, it presents itself as a futuristic model of an eye, with its perfectly formed shiny sphere and a dial that mimics the iris and pupil. However, the Orb is more than meets the eye. It is a minimalistic, yet complex structure composed of four elytra, reminiscent of a beetle's protective wing covers that can open to showcase the striking hour movement inside. The Orb begins its life as a solid block of aluminum, meticulously hollowed out to create a flawless sphere. The elytra, once cut, are coated with several layers of lacquer, and hardened in a kiln to achieve a brilliant finish. These elytra are attached to the structure with torque hinges, allowing them to retain their angle, whether slightly or widely opened. When closed, the elytra are held in place by tiny magnets inside each tip, maintaining the perfect spherical shape.
The heart of the Orb is powered by a beautiful L'Epée 1839 hour-striking movement with an eight-day power reserve. It features two barrels, one for the time and the other for the striking of the hours, wound separately. The hour mechanism is unique; it doesn't just chime the passage of the hour but indicates the actual hour, akin to a church clock. This feature can be activated on demand or turned off, based on the user's preference. The Orb is not just a clock; it is a piece of kinetic art that can be displayed in multiple ways. Whether placed on its saucer to prevent rolling, displayed completely closed, or with all four elytra opened, it offers a variety of presentation options. This versatility, combined with its limited edition nature, only 50 pieces in white and 50 in black, makes the Orb a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
