Our Take

Continuous operations for 185 years, L’Epée is one of the oldest, high-end clockmaking ventures on earth. To commemorate its 185th anniversary, the Swiss brand presents the T35 – a testament to L’Epée’s creative designs and mastery of horology.

Pulling from inspiration in 1920s and 1930s race cars, the T35 pays homage to one of the greatest race cars of all time. True to L’Epée’s focus on functional mechanisms and complications, the T35 does more than tell the time. Activate the handbrake, and the T35’s V-8 engine releases to reveal a beautifully hidden gas cigar torch. This is a clock that asks its owner to take a seat for a moment to enjoy the fine things in life, namely a good cigar.

Like its sibling, the Time Fast D8, the T35 bears an ultra-creative, functional mechanism for winding the clock. The T35’s rear wheels are a strong nod to vintage toy cars from childhood, or Hot Wheels, where the 8-day power reserve movement is wound by pulling the car back. Another fun element of the T35, so true to the spirit of L’Epée, is how time is set. Simply reach into the driver’s seat and turn the wheel counterclockwise. This will adjust the hours and minutes showcased on the side of the T35’s chassis.

The T35 is roughly 17 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 5 inches in height, coming together to weigh 9 lbs. This creative, automotive themed clock will come in 100 pieces in each of its four colors – Racing blue, British Racing green, Obsidian Black and ‘Red’ Rosso Corsa.

The Details

Technical properties of the car Limited edition: 100 pieces per color in Racing blue, British Racing green, Obsidian Black and ‘Red’ Rosso Corsa

Dimensions:

• Length: 439.7 mm
• Width: 180.5 mm
• Height: 119 mm
• Weight: 4.52 kg

Functions:

• Hour and minute display
• Shift the handbrake to release the engine and reveal the lighter
• Time set via counterclockwise rotation of the steering wheel
• A clockwise rotation serves to reposition the steering wheel as desired.
• The clock is wound using the rear wheels: Pull Back the car to fill it up i.e. wind the barrel, supplying the clock mechanism with energy.
• The car can move freely forwards

**Engine **

• Tiered mechanical movement, L’Epée 1839 1855 MHD in-house caliber
• Escapement: 18,000 vib/hour
• 26 jewels
• Power reserve: 8 days
• Materials: nickel- and palladium-plated brass, polished stainless steel, colored with the use of automotive lacquers.
• Incabloc protection system

Lighter:

• Rechargeable gas lighter featuring a gas level indicator Lighter with double flame specially design for Cigars.

MATERIALS & FINISHING

• Materials:
• Palladium-plated brass, stainless steel
• Blown glass dome, machined and polished to simulate the driver’s helmet
• Bodywork in aluminum
• Automotive lacquer
• Rims in stainless steel
• Tires in hard-wearing rubber with special embedded foam

Finishes:

• Polished and sand-blasted movement (plates and wheels) / Satin-finished / Polished and satin-finished rims / Lacquered bodywork