True to its tradition of creating mechanical art objects that are both playful and horological, L'Épée 1839 unveils an ingenious reinterpretation of the Swiss cuckoo clock imbued with the magic of the cartoons of our childhood. Discover "Time Tales."
A mechanical computer with three heads
Beneath its modern appearance all in aluminum with its black and silver case, hides the ingenuity of three mechanical movements, developed in-house, which can work independently or in perfect synchrony. Composed of 1,241 elements, "Time Tales" offers a ballet that invites dreaming, appreciation of time, and ultimately, a return to the carefree nature of childhood. First, "Time Tales" tells time precisely – thanks to the first caliber. Then, at each hour and half-hour, the emblematic cuckoo emerges from its secret hideaway to sing to the rhythm of the chimes – one strike for each full hour, and only one for the half-hours – the second movement. Finally, the third movement, the music box concludes the mechanical symphony with its melody, while a double automaton brings mischievous figurines to life as they animate in a joyful dance – transforming the measure of time into a true poetic staging in the vein of the Creative Art of the House.
This kinetic sculpture is orchestrated by three suspended pulleys and a lever discreetly hidden under the clock. The left pulley instantly cuts all sound animations. The central pulley allows replaying, on demand, the show of the last hour. The right one activates or deactivates a pre-programmed silent mode mechanically according to desires. Each movement is wound independently and a square key, hand-decorated, is used to set the time. An amalgam of mechanics as artistic as it is horological.
Humor and cartoons
The first nod to the cartoonish universe offered by L'Épée 1839 with its "Time Tales," two matchstick-shaped hands indicate the hours and minutes. But the magic is fully revealed at the cuckoo's song and the activation of the music box: a double automaton comes into action and the figurines animate. The three character collections available to choose from – Monkeys, Birds, or Dogs – come to life and evoke the whimsical world of Tex Avery, the wild chases of Tom and Jerry, or the crazy energy of the Looney Tunes. A plunge into the joyful carefreeness of childhood, where every moment was ripe for laughter, surprise, and dream.
Design and inspiration
At first glance, it is a contemporary clock, simple and pure, black and silver, made of aluminum, palladium-plated brass, and stainless steel. But Martin Bolo, a designer passionate about science fiction and mechanics, a former student of the ECAL Master Luxury and Craftsmanship, had the original idea of a cartoonish clock. In collaboration with Jason Sarkoyan, a self-taught industrial designer fascinated by watchmaking since childhood, they envisioned this creation as an animated rocket or those fireworks to which characters cling before flying off to crazy adventures. The "Time Tales" remains nonetheless a true work of haute horlogerie as evidenced by its horological movement delivering 8 days of autonomy, its double automaton music box, its versatile chime function, and its highly horological finishes with polished, satin, micro-blasted surfaces, precise lacquer work, and figurines entirely finished by hand. Time Tales perfectly embodies the creative audacity and horological excellence of L'Épée 1839.
This limited edition of 99 pieces measures 71 cm high by 28 cm in diameter, weighs 14 kg, and can also be mounted on the wall.
