Ahead of the forthcoming Geneva Watch Days, an exciting collaboration has emerged between MB&F and Maison Alcée, resulting in the launch of an extraordinary mechanical desk clock designed for self-assembly. This innovative creation, dubbed 'Nostromo,' takes inspiration from an extraterrestrial aesthetic, perfectly aligning with MB&F's cosmic design philosophy and Maison Alcée's expertise in crafting DIY clock kits. This project also commemorates the fifteenth anniversary of MB&F's renowned M.A.D. Gallery.
Established in 2011 by Max Büsser, the M.A.D. Gallery in Geneva serves as a dynamic hub dedicated to showcasing MB&F's avant-garde timepieces, intricate machines, and collaborative ventures, alongside kinetic art and sculptures from independent global artists. The gallery's core principle revolves around motion, inviting kindred spirits to present their moving artistic expressions. Maison Alcée, founded in 2021 by Alcée and Benoît Montfort, perfectly complements this kinetic vision, specializing in mechanical clocks that enthusiasts can build themselves. Their previous creation, the Persée, a table clock kit comprising 233 components, offered aspiring horologists a rewarding challenge. Alcée Montfort emphasizes that these kits provide a genuine horological experience, fostering immense satisfaction upon completing a creation by hand. The Nostromo, named after the iconic spaceship from the first 'Alien' film, was conceived by MB&F's creative designer Maximilian Maertens and brought to fruition by Maison Alcée. Its design features a central ring flanked by two rounded protrusions, and while its gear assembly is reminiscent of the Persée, it is mounted horizontally on three distinctive, spider-like legs.
The Nostromo is more than just a time-telling device; it boasts an on-demand hour-chiming function and an impressive 14-day power reserve. Designed for approximately ten hours of assembly, the kit includes 222 components made from brass, stainless steel, and German silver, with only the regulating organ pre-assembled. A comprehensive 250-page instruction manual, complemented by video guides accessible via QR codes, accompanies the kit. The completed clock weighs 760 grams, with dimensions of 160mm in length, 134mm in width, and 123mm in height. Its ring-shaped dial features the signature peacock blue hue of the M.A.D. Gallery. This exclusive timepiece is a limited edition of just 50 pieces, available for purchase through M.A.D. Galleries in Geneva and Dubai, as well as MB&F LABs worldwide, priced at CHF 12,000 (excluding VAT).
This collaboration between Maison Alcée and MB&F exemplifies the power of innovation and the pursuit of artistic expression within the realm of horology. By offering enthusiasts the opportunity to construct their own sophisticated mechanical desk clock, the Nostromo encourages a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and the intricate mechanics of timekeeping. It stands as a testament to creativity, precision, and the rewarding experience of bringing a complex vision to life through one's own efforts.
