Only recently taken over by LVMH, L’Epée 1839 is celebrating its 185th anniversary with the T35, drawing inspiration from iconic 1920s and 1930s race cars, the T35 pays homage to a legendary racing machine that is perhaps considered the greatest race car of all time and one of the most famous and influential racers in automotive history. But the T35 is more than a clock – the removable engine block is actually a cigar lighter.
The body is made from panels of solid aluminum, with other components in stainless steel and palladium-plated brass, car clock will impress while sitting on your desk, shelf, table, bar, or display case. The T35 bodywork is available in classical racing colours: French racing blue, British racing green, Obsidian black, and Rosso Corsa, each version is limited to 100 pieces.
The T35 is the ultimate gentleman’s accessory. With a simple activation of the handbrake, its V8 engine is released, revealing a beautifully hidden gas cigar torch within. In today’s fast-paced world, L’Epée 1839 invites you to take a moment for yourself and appreciate the great moments and small luxuries in life.
The time is shown with two drums visible through a cutaway on the aluminium panels on the left of the body. The 1855 MHD movement sits in the driver’s seat, with the balance wheel and escapement protected by a glass dome. It’s an in-house calibre that runs for eight days on a full wind and beats at a leisurely 2.5 Hz. The movement is wound by pulling back the car, with its rear wheels geared to wind the large mainspring. To set the time, the user turns the three-spoked steering wheel counterclockwise. Turning it clockwise “steers” the front wheels and when fully wound the clock can run for 8-days.
Today L’Epée is known for sculptures such as these, but also makes more traditional-looking carriage clocks. The clockmaker was founded in 1839 by Auguste L’Epée in Besançon, France, but is now based in the Swiss mountains. The T35 Race Car Clock with Cigar Lighter will be available beginning October 2024 and will retail for $41,000. Learn more at L’Epée 1839.