L'Epée 1839 Time Fast D8 ref.74.6004/404 from 2019

The L'Epée 1839 Time Fast D8 ref. 74.6004/404 is far more than a table clock—it is a kinetic sculpture that perfectly captures the romance of 1950s Grand Prix racing through the lens of traditional Swiss watchmaking. Conceived by designer Georg Foster in collaboration with ECAL (École cantonale d'art de Lausanne), the Time Fast transforms the silhouette of a classic Formula One car into a fully mechanical timepiece, demonstrating L'Epée's ability to blur the line between horology, industrial design, and functional art.

The elongated aluminum bodywork, exposed front grille, stainless steel wire wheels, and blown-glass driver's helmet faithfully recreate the proportions of a 1950s single-seater, while the side-mounted jumping discs display the hours and minutes in the style of a racing number. Rather than hiding the movement, L'Epée celebrates it: the exposed escapement sits beneath the cockpit, becoming the beating heart of the sculpture and reminding its owner that this is, above all, a mechanical machine.

Powering the Time Fast is the in-house L'Epée Calibre 1855 MHD, an 8-day mechanical movement composed of 289 components. In a playful nod to childhood pull-back toy cars, the movement is wound by rolling the rear wheels backwards, while the time is adjusted through the three-spoke steering wheel. These whimsical interactions are characteristic of modern L'Epée creations: every function becomes an experience rather than a simple operation.

Reference 74.6004/404 is distinguished by its Metallic bodywork, a color produced in a limited edition of just 99 examples as one of the variants within the Time Fast collection. Measuring 38.5cm in length, 16cm in width, and weighing approximately 4.7kg, it possesses an undeniable presence whether displayed in an office, library, or collector's study.