L'Epée is a name unknown to some collectors, however over their 175 year history the Swiss manufacturer has produced high quality, carefully crafted clocks, music boxes and watch components, and therefore it was a natural choice for MB & F to collaborate with L'Epée on some of their most originally designed clock works of art. Their in-house manufacturing includes sophisticated carriage clocks, along with complication from repeaters, to perpetual calendar, and tourbillon mechanisms. The L’Epée 1839 by MB & F Fifth Element intergalactic horological weather station was released in 2019, and is a delightful mechanical sculptural piece that is part art display, part sophisticated desk clock and weather station. At its core is a base clockwork, which is the stand for the four UFO elements, clock (time), barometer (pressure), Hygrometer (humidity) and thermometer (temperature). The base “mothership” has a resident alien named Ross, and is powered by a minute repeater-type governor, which allows Ross to float around the parameter.

Inspiration for this sculptural mid-20th century desktop weather station comes from a combination of UFO films, books and comics of the 1950s and 60s and long with vintage desk pieces from the same period. The design team set out to create the archetype UFO, and wanted the Fifth Element to be larger than its individual pieces. The ultimate design is a fantasy, which one does not really need, but the pure delight at its aesthetic and quality craftsmanship makes one want it. The present example is in new condition and complete with guarantee and carrying case. These limited edition creations were produced in three groups of 18 each, silver, Black PVD and Blue PVD. Maximilian Büsser wants his works of art to be both kinetic and bring joy to its owner, The Fifth Element Silver is a fascinating way to keep track of time as well as the elements outside. Fresh to the market, this is possibly the first example of the Fifth Element to appear at auction.