The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The L’Epée 1839 x MB&F Albatross is a 17 kg mechanical table clock built like a flying machine: it keeps time, strikes the hour and half-hour, and spins 32 propellers in a timed automaton display. Its two movements have separate winding systems and different power reserves—eight days for time and striking, and one day for the automaton when activated.
What is the Albatross clock?
Albatross is a mechanical clock co-created by Swiss clockmaker L’Epée 1839 and MB&F. MB&F credits designer Eric Meyer with its design. The clock’s airship-like frame surrounds revolving time and minute discs, while pairs of propellers provide its animated spectacle.
MB&F says the design was inspired by the Albatross airship in Jules Verne’s novel Robur the Conqueror, as well as the rockets and hot-air balloons imagined by Verne. The maker calls it “by far the most technically audacious co-creation by the two companies”—a promotional characterization, not an independent ranking. MB&F’s Albatross page presents the concept and specifications.
How does the clock work?
Two movements, three barrels
The Albatross has separate mechanisms for timekeeping and striking, and for the propeller automaton. The time-and-striking movement uses two barrels; a third barrel is dedicated to the automaton. These are distinct systems, not a single shared power reserve.
#1 Best Overall
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The time-and-striking movement has an in-line eight-day power reserve. Its balance runs at 2.5 Hz (18,000 beats per hour), and the maker lists 11 jewels and Incabloc shock protection. The automaton can run for one day when activated. These movement details are listed by L’Epée 1839.
Winding and activation
The front propellers wind the time-and-striking movement: turn them clockwise to wind the striking-hour function and counter-clockwise to wind the timekeeping function. The rear propellers wind the automaton’s dedicated barrel. Two on-demand buttons let the owner activate the time chime and the propellers separately; the chime and propeller functions can also be switched on or off.
Rank #2
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Striking and propeller display
The clock strikes the hour and gives one strike at the half-hour. Every hour, its 16 pairs of propellers—32 in total—whirl for about seven seconds as the clock strikes. MB&F says the design includes fail-safes intended to prevent damage from unauthorized manipulation of the propellers. Behind a porthole is a miniature cockpit with a dashboard and ship’s wheel.
How large is the Albatross?
It measures 600 mm long by 350 mm wide by 600 mm high and weighs 17 kg. The frame combines brass, steel and aluminium, with translucent cold lacquer finishes. The complete clock comprises 1,520 components. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements.
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Rank #3
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What colors and editions were made?
L’Epée and MB&F list five finishes, each limited to eight pieces. That makes 40 pieces across the five listed color editions.
| Color | Reference |
|---|---|
| Red | 63.6001/600 |
| Champagne | 63.6001/500 |
| Black | 63.6001/200 |
| Green | 63.6001/300 |
| Deep blue | 63.6001/400 |
How much does the Albatross cost, and is it available?
On L’Epée 1839’s product listing accessed on October 4, 2026, black and green were shown as available at CHF 121,380 excluding VAT; red, champagne and deep blue were shown as sold out. This is a dated manufacturer listing, not a guaranteed current offer or evidence of a completed sale. Stock, price and applicable taxes may change, so check the maker’s listing for current details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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