Time Tales
INTRO
Time isn't just counted - it is celebrated!
Inspired by the whimsical magic of childhood cartoons, L’Epée 1839 breathes new life into this beloved heirloom.
Time Tales is a complex and contemporary reimagining of the traditional Swiss Cuckoo clock blending nostalgia with the Maison’s boundless creativity.
With a total of 1,241 components, L'Epée 1839's Time Tales brings time to life through its complex in-house mechanical movement. Every hour and half-hour, the signature cuckoo appears from its hidden perch, singing along with the chimes—striking the hours and a single note on the half-hour. The music box then plays its melody, while a double automaton brings mischievous figurines to life in a playful dance, making timekeeping an experience rather than just a measure.
THE STORY
Inspired by the Four Wise Monkeys philosophy and vintage cartoons, Time Tales reflects values dear to the Maison; a blend of playful audacity and a lighthearted reminder to treasure how we spend our time.
At first glance, Time Tales’ aluminum structure appears sleek and modern, with a black and silver polished housing. But soon, its form reveals a playful twist—evoking retro rockets and the dazzling fireworks of classic cartoons etched into our collective imagination. Think of classic cartoons where a zany character straps themselves to a rocket for a quick escape—only for chaos to ensue. The journey is never as simple as point A to point B; detours, mishaps, and spectacular blunders turn speed into slapstick. Time Tales’ rocket-shaped design playfully echoes this, serving as a reminder to pause, embrace the unexpected, and take time to slow down. And sometimes it is not necessary to rush or go too fast if one wants to succeed.
Time is displayed with two matchstick-shaped hands, a whimsical nod to the slapstick energy of animated adventures. Yet, the real magic begins when the mechanical movement is wound. As the cuckoo sings, a double automat with figurines—channeling “Tex Avery” slapstick brilliance, the timeless antics of “Tom and Jerry”, and the boundless energy of “Looney Tunes”—spring into motion, transporting us back to a childhood where time stood still and every moment was both fun and a new discovery.
Designed by Jason Sarkoyan and Martin Bolo, the mischievous figurines come in three unique collections—dogs, birds, and monkeys—each embodying the timeless wisdom of See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil, and Do no evil. This ancient proverb found in many cultures, often depicted through four wise monkeys, reminds us to be mindful of the negativity we absorb and spread.
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INSIGHTS
More than just a clock, Time Tales is a finely tuned mechanical masterpiece that brings time to life through movement and sound. Designed for versatility, its fully mechanical “computer”, developed entirely in-house, offers complete control—allowing to activate each function on demand, mute elements individually, or pre-program a silent mode for a truly personalized experience.
At its heart, Time Tales features three distinct movements, able to function independently or together, like a fine-tuned mechanical brain; The cuckoo pops out from its bird house, calling the hour in harmony with the hour striking function.
This kinetic sculpture conceals a sophisticated, in-house-developed cuckoo mechanism, integrating a music box, an hour-striking function, and the signature cuckoo call. The cuckoo call and chimes sound together, marking the full hours with a complete chime and a single strike on the half-hour. The sequence concludes as the music box springs to life, accompanied by the second automaton animating the figurines.
An 8-day timekeeping movement ensures a precise display of hours and minutes with two matchstick-inspired shaped hands ready to lighten up the time and the whole firework rocket inspired cabinet.
This intricate choreography is effortlessly controlled through three signature pulleys, elegantly suspended from the clock and a lever hidden under the clock. The left pulley is for absolute silence of all sound animations. The middle pulley replays the last hour’s performance at any moment, offering a chance to relive the spectacle. The right pulley activates or deactivates a pre-set silent mode, allowing for scheduled quiet periods.
Additionally, a dedicated lever beneath the clock provides independent control over the music box, letting you choose between continuous play, a short demo performance or synchronizing it with the clock’s hourly strikes.
For intense moments of concentration of peace or deep sleep, Time Tales features a do not disturb function with a fully mechanical silent mode, allowing for pre-set quiet intervals. A rotating dial, adorned with two elegant pointers, marks the start and end of each silent period, while a discreet symbol beneath the 12:00 numeral subtly signals when the mode is active.
Programmable Silent Mode
Pulley system to configurate on demand play or absolute silence
Matchstick hands reminiscent of vintage cartoons
Cuckoo ringing the hours and half hours
SPECIFICATIONS
EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITION
Time Tales is produced in a limited edition of 99 pieces per versions - available with 3 different sets of figurine options: Monkeys, Birds, Dogs.
FUNCTIONS
Hour and minute display - Striking hour function and signature Cuckoo call : Counting the hours by ringing the specific hours, and a single strike on the half-hour – Music box with double automat composed of dancing figurines and a cuckoo peeking out of its bird house.
Customizable Silent Mode to pre-program quiet periods using second dial with two hands setting the start and end times.
Complete user control with the 3 pulleys
• Left pulley: Deactivates the cuckoo and chimes for full silence
• Middle pulley: Replays the last hour’s sequence on demand
• Right pulley: Activates or deactivates the pre-set quiet time mode
• Separate lever for the music box: Allows continuous play or occasional demos
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Height: 71cm – x Ø28cm Top of the cabinet
Weight : 14 kg
OPTIONAL DISPLAY STAND
Weight : 24 kg
Height : without piece : 61,7 cm - with piece : 77 cm
Base dimensions : 30 cm x 35 cm
MOVEMENT
L’Epée 1839 1855 MHD in-house caliber
Escapement: 18,000 vib/hour
11 jewels
Power reserve: 8 days
Number of components: 1241
Materials: nickel- and palladium-plated brass, stainless steel
Incabloc protection system
MATERIALS & FINISHING
Aluminum cabinet, Palladium-plated brass, stainless steel
Polished / Satin-finished / Sand-blasted/ lacquered
Detailed hand-lacquered of figurines