Basel 2018: MB&F & L’Epée 1839 Introduce The Fifth Element

MB&F’s Baselworld 2018 introduction in collaboration with their old friends at L’Epée 1839, isn’t just a clock, but a (air pressure), thermometer (air temperature) and hygrometer (air humidity), all in one.

Named, The Fifth Element, the creation is a spaceship-looking kinetic sculpture that, of course, performs all of its functions mechanically. Each function is held within a pod of sorts that fits into the structure to form the final object.

MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element in black
MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element in black

The clock module is based off of L’Epée 1839’s 8-day clock movement, the barometer, hygrometer and thermometer modules look like they would’ve had L’Epée 1839 reaching for their drawing boards anew. All four modules integrate seamlessly into the primary structure but are at the same time able to stand on their own when disengaged.

But hang on, the thing’s name is The Fifth Element. There are just four modules though. Then where is the “fifth element”? That would be the alien passenger sitting in the middle of the frame structure.

MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element

Curiously named, Ross, the figurine is able to rotate around his own cockpit thanks to a manually-wound, air-regulated mechanism. Ross should remind you a lot of yet another creation of MB&F’s that harbored alien passengers: The HM6 Alien Nation.

MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element
MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element

The Fifth Element will be available in 3 limited editions of 18 pieces each in Black, Silver and Blue.

MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element in silver
MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element in silver
MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element in blue
MB&F and L’Epée 1839's The Fifth Element in blue

All other technical specifications are listed below:

Complete Fifth Element

Dimensions: 376 mm in diameter x 209 mm in height
No. of components: 531
Base clockwork: no escapement, minute repeater-type governor
Materials: stainless steel, brass, bronze (alien)
Total weight: 15 kg

UFO Clock Movement

L’Epée in-house designed and manufactured, vertical architecture eight-day movement
Dimensions: 124 mm in diameter x 92 mm in height
Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 bph)
Power reserve: 8 days from single barrel in base
Components in movement: 161
Incabloc shock protection system
Movement finishing: polishing, bead-blasting, and satin finishing
Weight: 1,35kg

UFO Barometer

Atmospheric pressure: 960 / 1060 hPa (28.4 / 31.6 in Hg)
Dimensions: 124 mm in diameter x 92 mm in height
Dial: laser engraved
Display: curved hand
Components: 73
Calibration screw-in base
Weight: 1.80 kg

UFO Thermometer

Temperature: -30° / +70° Celsius (-20° / +156°Fahrenheit)
Dimensions: 124 mm in diameter x 92 mm in height
Dial: laser engraved
Display: curved hand
Components: 46
Weight: 1.90 kg

 

UFO Hygrometer

Hygrometer: 0 – 100% humidity
Dimensions: 124 mm in diameter x 92 mm in height
Dial: laser engraved
Display: curved hand
Components: 46
Weight: 1.90 kg

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