Introducing: The MB&F + L'Epe 1839 Starfleet Explorer

May 13, 2020

Back in 2014, MB&F partnered up with the folks at L'Epe 1839 to make The Starfleet Machine. Now, after six years and a wide range of creations that have made the partnership a joyful hallmark within the horology community, the team has returned to a nearby galaxy with the new Starfleet Explorer (which, like the Starfleet Machine, draws design inspiration from a certain famous fictional space station). Designed by MB&F and created by L'Epe 1839, the Starfleet Explorer takes the effect of the original's and wraps it up in a smaller package that even includes orbiting exploratory spacecraft.? Initial Thoughts If you've read any of my past coverage of the clocks born from this collaboration between MB&F and L'Epe 1839, you'll know that I am a huge fan of their creativity, their style, and their steadfast dedication to making something that exists only to delight and create wonder. If you ever get the chance to meet any of the personalities at the top of these companies, these clocks (along with basically anything you'll find at a M.A.D Gallery) make all the more sense. I hate to break it to you, but while none of us need a desk clock that looks like a space ship, or an octopus, or even a racecar (I might), if you don't see the fun in these, you might be dead inside.? For the Starfleet Explorer, the Swiss clock dream team has returned to their origins but in a smaller and more simplified layout. The Starfleet Explorer is 16.5cm across and 11cm tall and houses an eight-day hand-wound clock that ticks at 2.5 Hz. Minutes are shown at the very top of the center element with a fixed aperture over a rotating dome. Conversely, the hour scale is fixed and the display uses a rotating hand (in the detail images, the time shows as a little before 7:30). Suggesting a spirit of exploration, there are three color-match spacecraft that rotate the movement every five minutes, essentially orbiting the clock like a mothership.? Offering an open and skeletonized view of everything from the escapement to the mainspring barrel, the clock can be positioned vertically (as shown in the above image) or on its side for an additional view of the structure. Available with accents in either red, blue, or green (for the time indication and the orbiting spacecraft), each colorway is limited to just 99 examples and will retail for CHF 9,900.?While certainly less complicated, the Starfleet Explorer is also vastly less expensive than the original Starfleet and I think the smaller size C and accompanying pricing C may appeal to a wider range of intergalactic explorers (and their desks). Regardless, it's always a treat to see the latest from MB&F and L'Epe 1839, and the Starfleet Explorer is no exception.? The Basics Brand: MB&F + L'Epe 1839Model: Starfleet Explorer (table clock)Diameter: 16.5cmThickness: 11cm (height)Case Material: Steel and hand-lacquered polymer? The Movement Caliber: L'Epe in-house designed and manufacturedFunctions: Hours and minutesPower Reserve: Eight daysWinding: Manual winding with a keyFrequency: 18,000 vphJewels: 11Additional Details: The three spacecraft complete a full rotation every five minutes.? Pricing & Availability Price: CHF 9,900Limited Edition: 99 pieces for each color (red, blue, and green)For more, click here.