At LVMH Watch Week 2026, Swiss clockmaker L’Epée 1839 unveiled La Regatta Métiers d’Art — a serene and sculptural interpretation of one of its most poetic creations. A testament to discipline, rhythm, and refined craftsmanship, this vertical clock transforms timekeeping into an artistic narrative inspired by the elegance of rowing.
A Vertical Expression of Time and Motion
Rather than a traditional horizontal design, La Regatta Métiers d’Art is realised as a towering vertical clock. Its slender, minimalist silhouette evokes the streamlined shape of a racing skiff gliding over calm water — a fitting metaphor for balance and quiet strength. The entire gear train of the clock is aligned along a single vertical axis, echoing the upright form and harmony of a rowing shell cutting through the waves.
This architectural layout isn’t just aesthetic — it reflects a philosophy where time flows with rhythm, equilibrium, and grace. At opposite ends of the construction sits the barrel and the escapement, creating both visual and mechanical balance.
The Artistry of Grand Feu Enameling
What sets the Métiers d’Art editions apart is the extensive use of Grand Feu enameling — a centuries-old technique dating back to Byzantine and Georgian traditions. Each piece’s “hull” is entirely hand-enamelled by the renowned Georgian atelier David Kakabadze Enamel. The process involves applying numerous layers of coloured enamel onto a metal surface, each followed by high-temperature firing. The result is a surface of exceptional luminosity and depth — one that captures and reflects light like rippling water.
This artisanal mastery mirrors the repeated, fluid action of an oar in motion — slow, mindful, and requiring perfect timing. No two enamel finishes are alike; every clock is truly one of one.
Three Artistic Expressions
While La Regatta Métiers d’Art is a singular concept, it branches into distinctly artistic interpretations based on the enamelling method:
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La Regatta Umi — Drawing inspiration from Hokusai’s dynamic waves, this version employs intricate cloisonné enameling with ultra-fine gold wires and paillons (silver leaves) beneath transparent enamel to evoke the sea’s rhythmic power.
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La Regatta Blue Horizon — Utilises flinqué enamel, where guilloché engraving beneath translucent enamel creates optical depth. As light shifts, the surface responds with subtle visual movement, reinforcing the nautical narrative.
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La Regatta Prism — Employs plique-à-jour enameling, one of the most challenging techniques in haute horlogerie. This creates a stained-glass effect with translucent enamel in a mosaic pattern, capturing shifting reflections like sunlight on water.
Each edition remains a unique, bespoke creation — customizable on demand with pricing available upon enquiry.
Mechanical Heartbeat: In-House Calibre and Technical Details
Despite its artistic surface, La Regatta Métiers d’Art remains deeply rooted in mechanical horology. Powered by an in-house L’Epée 1839 calibre, the clock operates at 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour) and boasts an impressive eight-day power reserve — a hallmark of the house’s commitment to endurance and reliability.
Key technical features include:
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26 jewels and Incabloc balance protection
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Palladium-plated brass, polished stainless steel, and aluminium construction
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A height of 518 mm, with a 120 mm square base
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Hours and minutes display via vertically aligned gear train
Every material and finish — polished, satin brushed, and sandblasted — is chosen to elevate both mechanical precision and visual elegance.
When Craftsmanship and Calm Converge
La Regatta Métiers d’Art represents a rare fusion of sport, mechanics, and fine art. The serene vertical architecture, paired with luminous enamelling and rhythmic movement, invites contemplation — a quiet counterpoint to the pace of modern life. Whether viewed as a horological achievement or a sculptural object, this series confirms L’Epée 1839’s reputation as Switzerland’s leading high-end clockmaker.
Verdict: A New Canvas for Time
At LVMH Watch Week, La Regatta Métiers d’Art doesn’t just tell the time — it interprets it. Through techniques rooted in centuries of craft, and a design inspired by motion and balance, L’Epée 1839 invites collectors and connoisseurs alike to experience time as an artistic voyage.
