E XOTI C S
MB&F –L’EPEE
FIFTH ELEMENT
The Fifth Element is an intergalactic and fully mechanical
horological weather station that allows weather forecasting
even when the power goes down. Four (UFO) elements:
clock, barometer, hygrometer, and thermometer combine
in a mother ship. Note Ross (short for Roswell), the alien
pilot, who rotates around the cockpit to carefully monitor
the ship’s elements—and to watch for alien invaders. The
four elements are detachable and interchangeable; thanks
to integrated support they can also stand, returning to the
mothership when required. In addition to the 8-day clock
at the top of the Fifth Element, L’Epée created a second
independent clockwork mechanism supported on bearings
in the base and activated by a pushbutton. The Fifth
Element (which weighs about 33 pounds) is available in
three limited editions of 18 pieces each in silver, black, and
blue. Price: 52,000 Swiss Francs (about $54,000).
PHENOMEN
AXIOM
Recently launched, Phenomen is a new entry into the
high-end watch world that combines the tenets of
traditional spring-powered mechanics with futuristic
design. Brought to life by engineer/designer Alexandre
Meyer and master watchmaker Sylvain Nourisson,
Phenomen’s first introduction is a driving-inspired
watch called Axiom. The idea of tilting the dial towards
the driver for easier reading is nothing new and cer-
tainly makes sense from a purely functional point of
view. With the uncanny modern design sported by
Axiom, this driver’s watch would look more at home
on the wrist of a starship captain than any land-based
chariot (although the Mclaren P1 does come to mind as
a fine partner).
The aggressive case houses a multi-level manual wind
movement with dual barrels and autonomy of 120
hours when her twin springs are wound tight. Jumping
and retrograde hours are joined by a retrograde minute
display tracing their way across an arc underneath the
visible escapement mounted above. Pre-orders have
reserved the scarce initial allocation, but if you want
to get in line to have one built for you and are ready to
invest around $70,000 you can reach them at
[email protected].
SUMMER 2018 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 95