L’Epée is the clockmaker to the celebs of Haute Horlogerie. Primarily due to its collaborations with MB&F, l’Epee has develop into a family identify on this planet of watches. Investing in a clock typically makes extra sense than shopping for one other watch, which is often added to an already intensive assortment and can in all probability spend most of its time in a protected, not on a wrist.
On this regard, a clock is completely different. It could possibly develop into the centerpiece of a room, including character by being a personality itself. This isn’t an issue for a clock by l’Epée, significantly the brand new La Regatta

La Regatta by l’Epée
. As a journalist specializing in timepieces, you might be at all times looking out to see the place a watch or clock excels and the place the model might have accomplished higher. For the latter, I’m nonetheless wanting.
Sculpture
L’Epée drew inspiration from the noble sport of sculling, wherein essentially the most stunning crafts minimize via the water like a razor-sharp knife. They aren’t solely very quick but additionally barely have a wake, so that they hardly disturb the water round them. L’Epee used the distinct form of the boat and made the clock leaving all of the mechanical elements seen as effectively. As a consequence of its development, the La Regatta is greatest positioned the place it may be seen from all angles, as every perspective offers a singular perception.
Whereas I can see the place l’Epée received its inspiration from, I solely realized this after studying the press launch. In contrast to earlier clocks by the model, the design of this clock is much less apparent in what it represents. Whereas some may be bowled over by this, I really like it. It makes the La Regatta extra of a sculpture and therefore an appropriate addition to a front room or workplace of somebody who has no connections to sculling, like yours really.
The rationale this design additionally has some architectural qualities is because of the background of the designer, Milagros Rodríguez. Whereas at the moment finding out for her Grasp’s Diploma on the prestigious École Cantonale d’Artwork de Lausanne, she initially skilled as an architect. A gathering with L’Epée CEO Arnaud Nicolas and a dialog about his want to make a clock with a nautical theme led to this collaboration and the creation of the La Regatta.

La Regatta by l’Epée
Colours? Take your choose
L’Epée makes use of palladium-plated brass, chrome steel, and anodized aluminum to craft the La Regatta, which is out there in six completely different colours: champagne, silver, black, pink, blue, and inexperienced, with every restricted to 99 items. Whereas I can perceive sure colours, the selection of others, notably pink and inexperienced, appears much less evident for a nautical-inspired clock. Whereas I’d in any other case be crucial of utilizing such colours, it’s completely different with the La Regatta. Because the hyperlink with the nautical world just isn’t that apparent, and the theme is approached in a extra summary manner, they merely underscore a unique strategy to the thing.

La Regatta by l’Epée
I merely can’t cease fascinated by how unimaginable this clock would look if the 2 ‘hull’ items had been constituted of lacquered wooden. Whereas a extra basic strategy, I really feel that it may well add a unique feel and appear to the piece. Maybe one thing for L’Epée CEO Arnaud Nicolas and designer Milagros Rodríguez to think about?
Mechanically flawless
As at all times, a clock by l’Epée is mechanically flawless, and the “La Regatta” is not any exception. The 1855 MHD caliber is crafted in-house on the model’s manufacture in Delémont, within the Swiss Jura Mountains. It’s constituted of palladium-plated brass and polished chrome steel and has 26 jewels, with an escapement operating at 2.5Hz/18,000 vph. The motion is manually wound, however this solely must be accomplished as soon as every week because the “La Regatta” has an 8-day energy reserve.

La Regatta by l’Epée motion
Whereas the motion is spectacular, it’s the manner l’Epée integrates it into the clock’s total design that makes it distinctive. Quite than hiding it, the motion is an intricate a part of the “La Regatta,” and its seen mechanical elements are engaging to look at lovers and have the facility to transform those that will not be but lovers.

La Regatta by l’Epée aspect on
At 520mm (20 inches) tall, the clock’s delicate strains are emphasised, making it simple to position. The longer you take a look at it, the extra references to sculling you will note, such because the palms that characterize oars. The design affords the naked minimal whereas being wealthy intimately and craftsmanship, making the “La Regatta” my favourite clock from l’Epée thus far (apologies to MB&F).
For extra info, please go to www.lepee1839.ch/assortment/regatta
Fast Details L’Epée 1839 La Regatta
Casing: palladium-plated brass, chrome steel, and anodized aluminum
, 518 mm top, 1.74 kg weight
Motion: guide winding L’Epée 1839 in-house designed and manufactured, 18,000 vph/2.5 Hz frequency, one barrel, energy reserve eight days
Limitation: 99 items every in champagne, silver, black, pink, blue, and inexperienced
Value: CHF 19,900 (ex.VAT)
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