From a young age, I have always been fascinated with space and the solar system. It is incomprehensible to think about how small earth really is in relation to the universe. To think a gigantic star called MACS J1149+2223 (nicknamed Icarus) was sighted on the Hubble Space Telescope. This star is much larger than our sun and hundreds of times brighter. Incredibly it took a mind-boggling nine billion years for its shining light to reach Earth. In the scheme of things, this star is relatively young because scientists believe the ‘Big Bang’ occurred 13.8 billion years ago.
Astronomy and planetarium themed watches have become increasingly popular in the world of horology. Certainly, brands like Louis Moinet’s Astralis, Van Cleef & Arpels Planetarium watch and MB & F’s Moonmachine are fantastic examples of this genre. There are also some very interesting creations made by clockmakers. A perfect case in point is L’Epée 1839’s phenomenal Space Module. This Objet d’art would delight even the harshest critics because of its modernistic sculptural appearance.
Over the last few years, high-end mechanical clocks have experienced a renaissance period. One of the leading lights in this area is a Swiss luxury brand L’Epée 1839. Their numerous collaborations with MB & F (Balthazar, Grant, Medusa, Melchior, Octopod, Starfleet Machine etc.) have gained an enormous amount of positive critical attention. That is why I was intrigued to receive a press release unveiling a new and exciting creation called the Space Module.
The Space Module was presented at Baselworld recently and is effectively a mechanical weather station. Impressively this machine combines a barometer, hygrometer and thermometer in one beautiful formed package. Impressive young designer Martin Bolo created this exquisite piece and drew inspiration from the tiered structure of lunar modules and the distinctive form of a cylinder landing gear.
Dimensionally the Space Module measures 257mm x 221 mm and weighs in at 3.8KG. Therefore, it will sit discreetly in even the most minimalistic architectural home. As always L’Epée 1839 have used the finest materials in construction. The Space Module is mainly fabricated in anodised aluminium, with various steel components and encapsulated in dome glass. This amazing limited piece (50 each colour) is entirely Swiss made and is powered by a sophisticated mechanical movement comprising 169 individual parts.
