Horological Curiosity: The “Pistol” Table Clock By The Unnamed Society And L’Epée
One of our favorite watches from SIAR wasn't a watch at all. Say hello to the 1839 Colt Table Clock by The Unnamed Society and L’Epée.
Founded in 2019, upstart luxury microbrand The Unnamed Society made their grand entrance onto the horological scene at SIAR 2019. For those unfamiliar, The Unnamed Society is actually a team of artisans creating unusual and hyper-exclusive items aimed at capturing the hearts (and wallets) of the world's top collectors. And for SIAR 2019, they brought something extra spicy.
Introducing the The “Pistol” Table Clock by The Unnamed Society and L’Epée
Hidden behind swinging saloon doors, The Unnamed Society's booth was fully fitted out to resemble a bandito tequila bar from the Wild West. Inside was an array of custom-made revolver handles of wood, horn, leather, snakeskin, jewels, and precious metals. On the table? an intricately engraved table clock with looks that kill. This is the 1839 Colt by The Unnamed Society and L’Epée.
It's a table clock that looks just as good on your desk as it does in a holster. This remarkably thematic piece which was arguably the star of SIAR. By partnering with heritage clockmaker, L’Epée (founded in 1839), The Unnamed Society has a silver bullet in their chamber. Taking inspiration from the revolution of Pancho Villa, this creation held deep sentimentality for attendees of SIAR.
Inspired by iconic Colt revolvers, this table clock has a fully openworked clock movement (made by L’Épée) in place of the revolver's cylinder. The clock has a power reserve of eight hours and is wound by inserting a key down the barrel and turning. The piece is remarkably well finished and can feature custom engravings and each piece is tailor-made to individually suit the buyer.
“We knew from the outset that we were working on something truly special. Translating the vision of the team into a unique clock calibre has been the challenge of a lifetime and all of us here at L’Épée are very proud of the result. Working with time from all its angles, historical, mechanical and aesthetic, has rarely been so rewarding,” says Arnaud Nicolas, CEO of L’Épée.
The starting price for the Unnamed Society and L’Epée 1839 Colt table clock is $31,000 and according to the whispers echoing through the trade show floor, over two dozen were sold so far. Kiss kiss bang bang!
(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)