Owning an exquisitely designed timepiece for home use or as a focal point in a business setting means having in place a large, stylish clock, easily visible to guests. Having a clock that is robotic makes for a much more stimulating conversation piece. Enter the 15-¾ inch high robot table clock known as the Balthazar, which is the product of a collaboration between Swiss luxury watchmaker MB&F and Swiss high-end clockmaker, L’Epée. The MB&F x L’Epée 1839 Balthazar was constructed purposely with both a “light” and “dark” side. The “light” side of Balthazar has a smiling expression featuring double retrograde seconds dials as eyes, both powered by an escapement in Balthazar’s head. The hour and minute dials sit at the chest as well as a power-reserve display. Periodically, the device rotates its mechanical hips, which are made of polished brass covered in palladium plating.
Turn MB&F and L’Epée’s Balthazar around 180º and its “dark” side is revealed with features such as a cold hard skull with menacing teeth and deep-set ruby-red eyes adding to its futuristic vibe. Balthazar’s chest also contains a moon phase display accurate for 122 years. The moon phase can be adjusted manually, providing one of many of Balthazar’s tactile pleasures. Balthazar does more than display horological events: as well as rotating around the hips, his arms articulate at both the shoulders and the elbows, and his hands can clasp and hold objects. The 1839 Balthazar table clock is limited to 50 pieces per color in black, silver, blue, or green.
For another MB&F and L’Epée creation, check out the Jurassic Park 1839 TriPod.