The “Marks of Time” Time Fast series consists of unique pieces that explore the poetic traces left by time how it shapes materials, forms memories, and reveals new layers of meaning. Inspired by the character of patinated “barn find” automobiles, each one-of-a-kind creation offers a unique glimpse into forgotten automotive histories.
Every piece unites the distinctive design and in-house movement of L’Epée 1839’s Time Fast with the expressive artistry of The Dial Artist. Using a natural copper oxidation process, each element of the bodywork is coated in several layers of copper-based paint before being oxidized by hand to form singular patterns and colour variations. This meticulous technique ensures that every finish is truly unique.
Where every mark tells a story of endurance and emotion, the Time Fast “Marks of Time” series celebrates the delicate balance between precision mechanics and artistic transformation a tribute to individuality, creativity, and the beauty of time’s passage.
Time Fast D8 Raced – Marks of Time
The inspiration struck during a holiday often the perfect moment to reflect and reimagine. In a casual yet creatively charged phone call with the L’Epée 1839 team, the idea took shape, rooted in shared memories of miniature modelling and painting. Chris, with his background in luxury miniature car modeling, had developed a unique set of techniques and processes over the years.
As the conversation turned to the beauty of time’s impact on objects, the concept emerged naturally, the vision was clear: to reinterpret the Time Fast with the visual poetry of a machine shaped by performance, time and endurance, offering a bold, new perspective on a contemporary classic.
The Time Fast collection
Inspired by the golden age of racing, the Time Fast collection reimagines the legendary Formula 1 cars of the 1930s to 1960s as kinetic works of art, blending authentic design with horological mastery. Built on an aluminum H-chassis like the racing cars of the era, each model integrates an in-house movement designed to follow the aerodynamic curves of the bodywork. Authentic details abound: a three-spoke steering wheel to set the time, finely crafted spoked stainless-steel wheels, the escapement placed beneath the driver’s helmet, and soft rubber tires filled with foam to replicate the feel of real racers. The Time Fast cars come alive when the rear wheels are pushed back, echoing the nostalgic joy of childhood pull-back toy cars.
The Time Fast D8, the very first model of the collection, quickly became a best seller and an icon of the brand. Admired for its sleek, timeless lines and understated elegance, it embodies the spirit of vintage racing in a pure, sculptural form with the time displayed like a racing number.
Building on this success, Time Fast II pushes the concept further with greater technical depth and playful mechanics. Equipped with two independent movements one for timekeeping and another for a miniature V8 engine animation it offers an even more immersive experience. A functional gear stick lets the owner switch between modes, while turning the dashboard key sets the pistons in motion in a captivating mechanical display.
