Time for lift off with this ultimate man cave clock...
Some things are best left to the imagination and MB&F's Destination Moon does just that. It delivers just enough engineering for an eight-day clock looking like an exciting science fiction rocket from the 1960s, but with plentiful empty space allowing our imaginations to fill in the details. Conceived by MB&F and built by L’Epée 1839, Switzerland's premier clock maker, Destination Moon is the quintessential torpedo-shaped rocket of childhood dreams. But look more closely and you will see that its minimalistic form is evocative rather than definitive. Hours and minutes are displayed on large diameter stainless steel discs with stamped numerals. While the legibility of the time display is not in question, focusing on the time rather than the spectacular, vertically-structured, open movement is likely to require deep concentration.
The Destination Moon by MB&F / L’Epée 1839 - Image Credit: MB&F / L’Epée 1839
Developed specifically for Destination Moon, the architecture of L’Epée’s eight-day movement follows the basic design of a real spaceship. Power in a rocket comes from its base; the power for Destination Moon comes from the oversized winding crown in its base. The management and control systems of a rocket are above the power source; the same holds true for Destination Moon, which has a vertical regulator controlling precision below the time display, as well as a time-setting knob at the top of the movement. That eye-catching regulator with its animated balance is protected from cosmic radiation (and curious fingers) by a small panel of virtually invisible mineral glass.
The Destination Moon by MB&F / L’Epée 1839 - Image Credit: MB&F / L’Epée 1839
In a further tip of the hat to childhood toys and fantasies, the horizontal circular plates in Destination Moon's movement are perforated like Meccano components. Despite its ethereal openwork construction, at four kilograms (nine pounds) Destination Moon is no lightweight: its solid landing pods ensure that it will not easily be knocked off course (or knocked over).
And then there's Neil: a smile-inducing, space-suited figurine forged in solid silver and stainless steel, magnetically attached to the ladder connecting the crown to the movement. Neil is the astronaut flying Destination Moon to exotic worlds, but more importantly, Neil imparts a childlike sense of wonder by putting man into the machine.
The Destination Moon by MB&F / L’Epée 1839 - Image Credit: MB&F / L’Epée 1839
Power for Destination Moon comes from the massive crown in its base, which transfers power to the mainspring barrel via the boarding ladder. The eye-catching regulator is vertically positioned to allow for maximum appreciation and protected from curious fingers behind a panel of mineral glass.
Two stainless steel discs with stamped white numerals respectively indicate the hours (top) and minutes as they line up with the streamlined double-ended pointer above the regulator. The time is set by a central knob in at the very top of the movement.
The stability of the clock is ensured by the substantial weight of Destination Moon's three highly polished landing pods.
Stats of the Destination Mood:
Rocket
Dimensions: 41.4 cm (height) x 23.3 cm (diameter)
Weight: 4.0 kg
Frame: satin-finished stainless steel
Landing pods: palladium-plated brass, with PVD coating for the blue, green and black editions
Total components (including movement): 237
Neil (astronaut figurine): Solid polished silver with stainless steel helmet; attached magnetically to boarding ladder.
Movement
Designed and manufactured in-house by L’Epée 1839
Multi-stage vertical architecture
Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph
Power reserve: 8 days from single barrel
Movement components: 164
Jewels: 17
Incabloc shock protection system protected by mineral glass
Materials: palladium-plated brass, stainless steel and nickel-plated stainless steel
Movement finishing: polishing, bead-blasting and satin finishing
Winding: manual winding by rotating the propulsion wheel at the base of the rocket
Setting: time-setting knob at the top of the movement, above the indication rings
Destination Moon is available in 4 limited editions of 50 pieces each in black, green, and blue PVD, plus palladium (silver).
Price: 19,900 CHF
Personal thoughts
The Destination Moon by MB&F / L’Epée 1839 - Image Credit: MB&F / L’Epée 1839
When I think of L’Epee I think of the Destination Moon. They are creations that at past Baselworld’s (RIP) I’d always stop in my tracks and take time to look at when exploring the Les Ateliers portion of the show, and the Destination Moon was always the one that stuck in my mind. This feels like one of the brands most approachable and appealing creation to both passionate horology fans, as well as interested people. Stick this in your man cave or your office and you’ve instantly got yourself a fantastic talking point and a beautiful creation…
To find out more be sure to head over to the L'Epee website here.
