See Orb, an eyeball-shaped eight-day clock

From JustLuxe Content Partner iW Magazine

The latest desk clock, developed in collaboration with MB&F and L’Epée 1839 designers and technicians, looks like a polished eyeball. But when opened, the Timepiece, an innovative 6.7-inch round desk clock called the Orb, bears the shape of a blooming flower or a shiny beetle spreading its wings.

New MB&F x L’Epee Orb, an eight day desk clock.

The wing, or ultra, which is the technical sound of a beetle’s protective wing cover, can be closed or opened. However, they also fit the L’Epée 1839 carriage watch, which is asserted, framing the wings and supporting a new, open-hour clock-striking clockwork based on a similar process.

The eight-day clock, which rings every hour, can morph at will to the owner’s desk. Its stand, or ‘saucer’ (so it does not move), can be displayed with any number of Arabs closing or opening its four ‘wings’.

However, these wings simply do not open. They can swivel to display Orb in one of several more locations. The opening of the four wings means that the gear and dial of the Arab can rise above the wings as if coming from the center of a black or white flower.

Aluminum sphere

MB&F explains that Orb begins its manufacturing process as a solid block of aluminum which is then hollowed out to form a sphere. According to the MB&F, “Once cut, the Eltra is then coated with several layers of varnish which are hardened in an oven to create a bright finish,” according to MB&F. The craftsmen then grasp the wings and attach small magnets to the inside of each tip to keep the shape of a perfect sphere.

A beautiful L’Epe´e 1839 clock striking clock is seen beneath Orb’s curved aluminum dial, covered by a domed mineral glass.

A beautiful L’Epée 1839 hour-striking clock movement can be seen beneath Orb’s curved aluminum dial, covered by a domed mineral glass. The movement is driven by two barrels, one for the time and the other for the hour blow.

The clock process indicates the actual clock, mimicking a church clock. This function can be repeated on demand with a button on the clock or can be turned on and off as desired.

The idea for Orb came from German designer Maximilian Martens, who began his artistic career as an intern at MB & F before starting a design studio in Berlin. Maertens has also worked with MB&F and L’Epée on T-Rex watches.

MB&F is offering Orb in a limited edition of every fifty pieces in white or black. Price: CHF 28,000.

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Specification: MB&F x L’Epee Orb

(A limited edition of 50 pieces each in white or black.)

Display: hours and minutes, striking hours, repeating demand with a button on the clock, or turning on and off if necessary.

Body: Off: Height: Approx. 17 cm by 17 cm. Open: 24 cm by 30 cm, weight 1.9 kg. Materials: Palladium-plated brass and stainless steel watch work. Covered with Elytra and handmade varnish in aluminum.

Movement: L’Epée 1839 In-house designed and built movement, frequency is 18,000bph (2.5Hz), two barrels, power reserve eight days. Incublock Shock Protection System, Manual-winding: Double-depth square socket key sets time and wind movement. Movement Finishing: Polishing, Sandblasting, Circular and Vertical Satin Finishing and Starburst Decoration.