Rather than an unfamiliar fable by La Fontaine, these are two new creations from the clockmaking Manufacture L’Épée 1839, each evoking a sense of wonder, craftsmanship, and imagination.
The symbolic magic of the gecko
Much like the gecko itself, the Manufacture explores new, symbol-laden territories. Across cultures, this small, discreet reptile represents renewal, adaptability, and calm. Equipped with millions of microscopic hairs on its feet, the gecko effortlessly defies gravity. The new horological sculpture The Gekko, produced in a limited run of 99 pieces, reflects this quiet adaptability. It can be mounted on a wall in 11 different positions, echoing the reptile’s natural freedom. In keeping with this flexibility, the dial features a rotating ring that adjusts according to its position, ensuring the hour markers remain perfectly legible. Time is displayed on a skeletonized dial set into the creature’s back, where two sculpted hands indicate hours and minutes.
As is characteristic of the Manufacture, the piece incorporates a playful and poetic detail: it is wound by moving the tail from side to side. In nature, the tail serves as both a vital reserve and a defense tool; here, it becomes the driving force of the clock. The head, alert and attentive, functions as the escapement.
Designer Marie Siebenborn successfully transforms this modest yet symbolically rich animal into a sculptural steel timepiece, both playful and refined, enhanced by meticulous hand-finishing. The Gekko measures 290 mm long, 180 mm wide, and 66 mm high, and is available in full gold-tone, black and silver, or champagne finishes.
A tribute to speed and ingenuity
Drawing inspiration from the streamlined external aluminum fuel tanks—known as “belly tanks”—once used on fighter aircraft, these racing machines, which emerged during World War II, became enduring symbols of speed and innovation. With the Belly Tank Racer, L’Épée 1839 captures the spirit of this inventive era, in line with its own philosophy since its inception. Seamlessly integrated into the bodywork, the time display follows the central cylinder, while the escapement showcases its continuous motion at the front of the fuselage. From the original vehicles, L’Épée 1839 retains a commitment to simplicity. Staying true to this minimalist vision, the body is made of lightweight aluminum and the wheels of steel, preserving only what is essential for performance.
As always, a playful element is included: the movement is wound by rolling the rear wheels backward, reminiscent of childhood toy cars. Designed by Swiss multidisciplinary designer Eric Meyer, the Belly Tank Racer is available in five colors, blue, green, metallic grey, red, and black, each limited to 99 pieces. The sculpture measures 420 mm in length, 212 mm in width, and 123 mm in height.
