Just ahead of the highly anticipated Geneva Watch Days, a significant collaboration has been announced, bridging the worlds of avant-garde horology and intricate mechanical craftsmanship. MB&F, renowned for its boundary-pushing watchmaking and artistic collaborations, has partnered with Maison Alcéee, a specialist in build-it-yourself mechanical clocks, to present "Nostromo," a captivating DIY desk clock. This unique creation celebrates the 15th anniversary of MB&F’s M.A.D. Gallery and embodies the brand’s penchant for otherworldly aesthetics, blended with Maison Alcéee’s expertise in delivering engaging, hands-on horological projects.
The M.A.D. Gallery, founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2011, has long served as a vibrant nexus for kinetic art, avant-garde timepieces, and mechanical sculptures. Located in Geneva, it’s a space that deliberately eschews the static, showcasing "moving objects" from independent international artists and MB&F’s own mechanical marvels. This philosophy of dynamism and kinetic expression is perfectly mirrored in the spirit of the Nostromo clock, making the collaboration a natural and synergistic alignment of two entities dedicated to the art of mechanical movement and captivating design.
Maison Alcéee, established in 2021 by the husband-and-wife duo Alcéee and Benoît Montfort, has quickly carved a niche for itself by demystifying complex horology through accessible DIY kits. Their debut creation, the "Persée" table clock, comprises 233 components, offering enthusiasts a genuine horological project that demands patience and a willingness to learn. The brand’s commitment to pedagogical presentation ensures that these are not mere toys but authentic mechanical endeavors, culminating in a profound sense of accomplishment for the builder. As Alcéee Montfort herself articulated, "Everything is presented in a highly pedagogical way, but it isn’t child’s play. We didn’t want to make a toy for adults; this is a genuine horological project, but one that comes with all the support clients need to succeed. The result is always a moment of intense pride in having created something from A to Z with one’s own hands." This ethos is central to the Nostromo’s appeal.
The Nostromo, named as a direct homage to the iconic spaceship from Ridley Scott’s science fiction masterpiece, "Alien," is the brainchild of MB&F’s creative designer, Maximilian Maertens. His vision for an "alien-like creature" has been meticulously brought to life by the skilled artisans at Maison Alcéee. The clock features a distinctive central ring flanked by two rounded protrusions at its extremities, evoking a sense of organic, extraterrestrial form. While the intricate assembly of gears, wheels, and pinions shares similarities with the construction of the Persée, the Nostromo is designed to be mounted horizontally, supported by three slender, spidery legs that enhance its otherworldly presence.
Beyond its striking visual appeal, the Nostromo is a sophisticated mechanical instrument. It displays hours, minutes, and seconds, and crucially, incorporates an on-demand hour-chiming function, adding an auditory dimension to its mechanical prowess. The movement boasts an impressive 14-day power reserve, a testament to efficient engineering. Maison Alcéee has optimized the assembly process, estimating that the movement can be constructed in approximately 10 hours, with the sole pre-assembled component being the regulating organ (the escapement and balance wheel), a critical element that often requires specialized tools and expertise.
To guide builders through this complex yet rewarding process, Nostromo is accompanied by an exceptionally detailed 250-page instruction manual. This comprehensive guide is further augmented by video content accessible via QR codes, providing visual demonstrations and additional clarity. This multi-faceted approach to instruction ensures that individuals with a passion for mechanics, even those new to clockmaking, can successfully assemble the Nostromo.
The materials chosen for Nostromo underscore its quality and artistic intent. The clock is primarily constructed from brass, stainless steel, and German silver, materials that are not only durable but also lend a classic, substantial feel to the finished piece. The overall dimensions of the Nostromo are 160mm in length, 134mm in width, and 123mm in height, with a total weight of 760 grams, making it a significant and visually impactful desk object. The ring-shaped dial, a hallmark of the M.A.D. Gallery’s signature aesthetic, is finished in the brand’s distinctive peacock blue, adding a vibrant splash of color to the mechanical intricacies.
The Nostromo is positioned as a limited edition release, with only 50 pieces being produced worldwide. This exclusivity ensures that each owner possesses a truly special mechanical art object. Availability is restricted to M.A.D. Galleries in Geneva and Dubai, as well as MB&F LABs globally, reinforcing the brand’s boutique and curated distribution strategy. The retail price for this unique collaboration is set at CHF 12,000 (excluding VAT), reflecting the high level of craftsmanship, design innovation, and the engaging DIY experience it offers.
The Genesis of a Collaborative Vision
The partnership between MB&F and Maison Alcéee did not emerge from a vacuum. It is rooted in a shared appreciation for mechanical complexity, innovative design, and the desire to engage a broader audience with the art of horology. The M.A.D. Gallery, since its inception in 2011, has been a testament to Maximilian Büsser’s vision of creating a space that transcends traditional retail. It is a curated environment where art, engineering, and horology converge, often featuring kinetic sculptures and mechanical marvels that challenge conventional perceptions of timekeeping.
Maison Alcéee, founded much later in 2021, tapped into a growing interest in hands-on experiences and the tactile satisfaction of building something intricate. Their success with the "Persée" clock demonstrated a clear market for high-quality, educational DIY horological kits. The challenge for them was to elevate this concept to the caliber and artistic vision synonymous with MB&F.
The timing of the Nostromo’s unveiling, just before Geneva Watch Days, is a strategic move. This major industry event draws significant attention from collectors, journalists, and enthusiasts, providing an ideal platform to introduce such an innovative product to a global audience. Geneva Watch Days itself has evolved into a significant calendar event, moving beyond a traditional trade show format to embrace a more open and dynamic presentation of new timepieces, making it a fitting stage for a collaboration that emphasizes creativity and engagement.
Design Philosophy and Mechanical Ingenuity
Maximilian Maertens, the creative force behind Nostromo’s design, is known for his ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible mechanical forms. His work at MB&F often explores themes that are not typically associated with watchmaking, pushing the boundaries of aesthetic and conceptual exploration. The "alien-like creature" motif for Nostromo aligns perfectly with MB&F’s broader narrative of exploring the unknown and the fantastical through mechanical means. The name "Nostromo" itself evokes a sense of adventure, isolation, and the inherent mystery of space, themes that resonate deeply within MB&F’s design language.
From a technical standpoint, the Nostromo is a significant undertaking. The 14-day power reserve is a considerable achievement for a desk clock of this nature, requiring a carefully designed and robust barrel and gear train. The on-demand chiming mechanism adds another layer of complexity, demanding precise execution to ensure both reliability and acoustic quality. The decision to pre-assemble only the regulating organ is a deliberate choice that balances accessibility with the preservation of a true horological building experience. The regulating organ is the heart of any mechanical timepiece, and its intricate nature often requires specialized knowledge. By leaving this component pre-assembled, Maison Alcéee provides a crucial point of entry for less experienced builders, while still requiring them to assemble the majority of the movement and the clock’s structure.
The extensive 250-page manual, coupled with video content, speaks volumes about the commitment to user experience. In an era where digital instruction is increasingly prevalent, integrating QR codes to access video tutorials demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to education and engagement. This comprehensive support system aims to mitigate potential frustrations and enhance the overall enjoyment of the building process, transforming it into a learning journey.
Broader Implications for the Watch Industry
The collaboration between MB&F and Maison Alcéee on the Nostromo desk clock carries several implications for the wider watch and mechanical art industry. Firstly, it highlights the growing trend of experiential luxury. Consumers are increasingly seeking not just a product, but an experience – a story, a process, and a sense of personal involvement. The Nostromo offers precisely this, allowing individuals to become intimately connected with the creation of their timepiece.
Secondly, it underscores the potential for collaborations between established haute horlogerie brands and smaller, specialized ateliers. This type of partnership can inject fresh perspectives and innovative approaches into the industry, while simultaneously providing a wider platform for emerging talents like Maison Alcéee. It democratizes the appreciation for complex mechanics by making them more approachable and engaging.
Thirdly, the success of such a project could encourage other brands to explore similar DIY or build-it-yourself initiatives, potentially expanding the collector base for mechanical objects. By lowering the barrier to entry for understanding and appreciating intricate mechanisms, these projects can foster a new generation of watch enthusiasts and collectors who possess a deeper, hands-on understanding of horology.
The Nostromo is more than just a desk clock; it is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of innovation, the art of mechanical engineering, and the joy of creation. Its extraterrestrial design, combined with its engaging DIY aspect, positions it as a unique offering in the luxury market, appealing to those who appreciate both artistic vision and the satisfaction of building something extraordinary with their own hands. As Geneva Watch Days commences, the Nostromo stands as a compelling example of how creativity, collaboration, and hands-on engagement are shaping the future of mechanical marvels.
Technical Specifications
- Case: 160mm length x 134mm width x 123mm height. Crafted from stainless steel, brass, and German silver. Features three "alien-style" legs for support. Designed by MB&F creative designer Maximilian Maertens and produced by Maison Alcéee.
- Display: Horizontally arranged movement. Hours and minutes indicated by black hands on a central peacock blue ring dial. Running seconds located at the 3 o’clock position. Features an on-demand hour chime.
- Movement: DIY clock kit comprising 222 components. Features brass gears, steel base plate, dial, axles, gears, and spacers, with German silver bushes. Offers a 14-day power reserve. Total weight of the assembled clock is 760 grams. The regulating organ is the only pre-assembled component. Supplied with a 250-page instruction manual, including video content accessible via QR codes.
- Availability: Limited edition of 50 pieces. Exclusively available through M.A.D. Galleries in Geneva and Dubai, and MB&F LABs worldwide.
- Price: CHF 12,000 (excluding VAT).
