Eiseman Q&A: Arnaud Nicolas of L’Epée 1839

For those who may not be familiar with the brand, tell us about L’Epée 1839 and your role at the company.

I am the CEO and Artistic Director of L’Epée 1839. L’Epée 1839 is the only manufacture in Switzerland to specialize in the design and production of high-end mechanical clocks. Based in Delémont in the Swiss Jura Mountains, it is an independent brand that has developed an exceptional collection of table clocks. Our newest collection, The Creative Art, was launched for the 175th anniversary of the brand and focuses on three themes:

• Creative Art: These are artistic pieces first and foremost, often developed in partnership with external designers as joint creations. These clocks surprise, inspire and even shock the most seasoned collectors. They are intended for those consciously or unconsciously looking for exceptional objects that are one-of-a-kind.
• Contemporary Timepieces: Technical creations with a contemporary design (Le Duel, Duet, etc.) and minimalist, avant-garde models (La Tour) incorporating complications such as retrograde seconds, power reserve indicators, moon phases, tourbillons, chiming mechanisms or perpetual calendars.
• Carriage Clocks: Lastly, classic travel clocks, also known as “officers’ clocks.” These historical pieces issued from the brand’s heritage also feature their fair share of complications: chiming mechanisms, minute repeaters, calendars, moon phases, tourbillons and more.
  

Third, L’Epée 1839 has always mixed watchmaking together with other technologies. So nowadays we have a line dedicated to watchmaking art, the technical line, and The Creative Art line that mixes form and function, which is the basis of our freedom in creations.

What inspires the designers at L’Epée?

Everything is a source of inspiration, but we find much of it in our childhood dreams. All of our products in The Creative Art line should bring a smile to their owners or to anyone who sees them. All L’Epée 1839 creations have a story to tell, and if you listen carefully, you will be taken on an interesting journey.

What is one thing we may not know about L’Epée?

L’Epée makes exceptional products, and every single kinetic creation of The Creative Art line is embued with a specific dedicated movement that has been specially developed. This is a huge challenge in many ways, but it’s also the only way to achieve our unexpected designs. And this is possible only because we have very talented people who love challenges. But we are independents and we are producing pieces only in limited editions, so we need the support of collectors, art enthusiasts and of every single buyer. Without this support, we will not be able to remain independent and The Creative Art line will disappear for sure.

Your partnership with MB&F has lead to a variety of impressive collaborations, including the new Medusa dual-configuration clock. How did this partnership begin?

The partnership with MB&F started with my friend Max Büsser, who is an amazing partner and friend. We have a lot in common when it comes to our business philosophies. I was looking into doing something special, something no one has done before — I love to go where no one has gone before. And I wanted to celebrate our 175th anniversary.

After speaking with Max, we decided to do something together in a totally different way — a co-creation with fantasy and aesthetic originality. And so came Starfleet, our first co-creation. And we enjoyed working on the new project together so much that now we have to continue the story!

In general, do you have a favorite collection or timepiece? What makes it your favorite?

I do not have a favorite creation. For me, every creation is like a child, and you cannot choose between your kids — you love them all!