Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine Review
The Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine is a remarkable collectors’ item, a kinetic sculpture and avant-garde clock. Harnessing traditional watchmaking skills, this extraordinary object, sold exclusively at Bucherer, belongs to the present and beyond. Meehna Goldsmith provides an overview of this work of art, painstakingly crafted in the Swiss Jura.
Bucherer founded in 1888
Watchmaking prides itself on its rich history going back centuries. But what about a retailer? You wouldn’t expect one to have its own lore. When you walk into a Bucherer boutique you are stepping into a world that has been around since its founding in 1888. Since that time, Bucherer has been known for carrying exceptional timepieces. Today its collection includes illustrious marques from both independents and larger manufacturers, including Breguet, Chopard, Girard-Perregaux and Roger Dubuis.
Carl F. Bucherer watches and Bucherer Fine Jewellery
While Bucherer carries a wide range of brands, the retailer also constructs its own products, namely Carl F. Bucherer watches and Bucherer Fine Jewellery. In addition, Bucherer has partnered over the years with other companies to come up with interesting and inspiring creations, showcased in its Bucherer Exclusive Series.
L’Epée 1839
For its latest partnership, Bucherer joined artistic forces with L’Epée 1839 to present the Time Machine. L’Epée 1839 also has deep roots, its year of establishment is encompassed in the name. At this time, Auguste L’Epée joined in partnership with Pierre-Henri Paur from Geneva to manufacture music boxes and horological instruments. The brand became renowned for its platform escapements which were used in high-quality alarm and carriage clocks.
Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine – Back to the Future
Now these two heritage brands have combined their expertise to present the Time Machine. With its palladium plated brass and stainless steel tripod, this table clock resembles a space object from another galaxy. In fact, Bucherer found inspiration in sci-fi classics such as ‘Back to the Future’. Set upon the base, the mineral glass crystal cylinder houses the timekeeping mechanism. The display comprises two black cylinders mirroring the mineral glass crystal, providing a cohesive design. The piece is meant to resemble a time capsule, an object that places focus on the present while also foreseeing the future.
Manufacture movement – Calibre 1855
You need to take your time when discovering the Time Machine because it offers a bounty of details that beckon discovery. To the right of the time display, the horizontally-aligned movement powers the indications. Designed by L’Epée 1839, the in-house Calibre 1855 is equipped with a vertical escapement and an Incabloc protection system. The balance beats at a traditional and leisurely 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), while the single barrel provides an impressive power reserve of 8 days.
Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine – function not just form
Every piece of the Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine has a function and isn’t just window dressing for its own sake. The polished, skeletonised wheels at each end of the crystal cylinder resemble the wheels of a gear train and also serve to wind the barrel and adjust the indications. While the left gear sets the time, the one on the right winds the barrel. To appreciate the Time Machine from either side without having to physically move it, the cylinder rotates 360 degrees and can be ‘locked by means of a nut system’. Every part of the Time Machine is on display with exquisite finishing manifest throughout. No shortcuts here.
Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine – closing remarks
A combination of modern design and high watchmaking, the Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine is a unique horological sculpture. It’s a practical piece that anchors us in a specific place and time while also allowing contemplation of what the future might bring.
Further reading
https://www.bucherer.com/uk/en
Technical specifications
- Model: Bucherer L’Epée Exclusive Time Machine
- Bucherer reference: 1392-063-3
- L’Epée reference: 74.6001/114-BUC
- Price: £37,200 (RRP as of 13.4.2024)
- Limited Edition: 20 pieces