TIME FAST CHROME

INSIGHTS

The engine consists of a tiered movement with an 8-day power reserve that was entirely developed to hug the curves of the bodywork.  

The hours and minutes are displayed on the side through an aperture resembling a typical competition number, via two engraved stainless steel disks. A figure sits in the cockpit, where a glass dome, or rather a driver’s helmet, highlights the thrumming escapement. In front of him is the steering wheel, which adopts the three-spoke design typically seen in race cars, serving to set the time.

On the other side of the chassis is the advertising spot, the characteristic circle on iconic race cars, which can be optionally customized to create a personalized car, by means of an engraving, for example (the L’Epée 1839 logo comes as standard). 

In the cockpit, the car’s steering wheel, which has been specially designed to incorporate the time-setting wheel, can be used to adjust the time if the engine ever breaks down. Located in the driver’s seat, a counterclockwise adjustment adjusts the time, while clockwise adjustment can be used to reposition the steering wheel once the correct time is set. 

Time Fast D8 needs to be filled up (with mechanical energy) once every week. The mechanical movement's barrel is wound by moving the wheels in reverse to provide the car with the power it requires to remain fully functional. Meanwhile drive mode is simply designed to provide unimpeded delight. 

Just like a normal-sized car, Time Fast D8 is formed of solid aluminum body parts, as well as components as small as an escapement wheel (measuring just a few millimeters across). But here, each part is individually and impeccably finished , whether decorated, polished, satin finished or sand-blasted by hand.   

L’Epée 1839 presents an interpretation of the car where the human being, symbolized by the escapement, is placed at the heart of the car. Safely installed and protected by a glass dome (the helmet), it sets the pace, just like a driver regulating the power of the engine.

The movement’s plates form the chassis. Each has been designed with great attention to detail, symbolizing for instance the engine block of old race cars. As if to cool the motor constantly running at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the radiator grill is openworked to reveal the manufacturer’s emblem. A dual exhaust provides one final nod to the automotive world. 

Particular attention has been paid to the four wheels, whose spoked rims are wrapped in soft rubber for greater grip, providing excellent transmission of power during winding.