On The Road: L’Epée 1839 Debuts the Time Fast II Marks of Time at Dubai Watch Week

At Dubai Watch Week, L’Epée 1839 launched its latest piece in its Time Fast collection of vintage-inspired mechanical clocks in the shape of iconic race cars: the Time Fast II Marks in Time, part of a continuing collaboration with master customizer Chris Alexander (a.k.a. The Dial Artist).

Based in Scotland, the British artist got his start customizing wristwatch dials and is now extending his signature technique to car-shaped clocks, proving that all culture is intertwined. Meanwhile, Swiss-based L’Epée’s clocks have been called sculptures, automatons, and desk toys because the brand’s designs are firmly rooted in the idea of mechanical storytelling.

It’s a match made in heaven, so let’s take a look at the new piece.

the propulsion system of the “Albatross” airship in Jules Verne’s novel Robur the Conqueror.

The most charming thing about that steampunk marvel was its world-first “hélices au passage” or “propeller au passage” complication – composed of 32 propellers that launch into action every hour and powered by two separate movements and two winding systems to provide the time and striking hour. A third barrel provides the energy for the propellers, which in turn power the automaton.

Now, this year at Dubai Watch Week, L’Epée 1839 launched its latest novelty in the Time Fast family, the “Marks of Time.” However, this is no mere replication of a 1960s-era convertible roadster (or spider or cabriolet or whatever you want to call it); this time machine is meant to capture not just the moment, but the passage of time itself.
 

Recalling the nostalgia of a childhood spent painting models, Marks of Time revisits the Time Fast series, which consists of unique pieces that explore the lipstick traces left by time. To create this effect, he applies several layers of copper-based paint to achieve a natural oxidation process, giving each piece the patina of a car that’s seen many miles, then lovingly stored away (known in collector circles as a “barn find.“)
 

This method allows singular patterns and color variations that make each Time Fast II Marks of Time model truly unique. And in the process, Alexander’s painting reshapes the meaning of these horological sculptures.

Under the hood of the Time Fast II Marks of Time piece is L’Epée’s in-house 8-day Time Fast engine, which indicates hours and minutes via two rotating discs placed at the rear of the car that recall the ventilation systems in vintage air-cooled engines. The visible 2.5 Hz escapement sits under the driver’s helmet, while the mainspring is found in the passenger seat.
 

In fact, just like a real roadster, the Time Fast II Marks of Time makes the most use of its miniature space. A second mechanism powers an engine automaton. Turning the ignition key animates six horizontally opposed pistons – firing in perfect sequence.
 

A manual gear lever allows the user to select between three modes: winding the clock, powering the engine automaton, or setting it to neutral. Winding is performed by rolling the car backwards (a wink to the spring-loaded/pull-back toy cars of childhood).
 

The steering wheel is a masterpiece, composed of three parts secured by 12 rivets, as in classic motoring. It serves to set the time by rotating counterclockwise, while clockwise resets the wheel’s position.
 

No detail of this delightful contraption has been overlooked, which is what makes it more of an experience than an object. As the L’Epée 1839 team declared in a press release about the new time machine, “It connects to the senses, elevates the soul, and offers a singular expression of joy, nostalgia, passion, and motion – a journey through time, in every sense of the word.”

The Time Fast II Marks of Time (ref. 74.6011/104_TDA_MIT) is made to order and costs CHF 43,665. For more information, check out the L’Epée 1839 website.