MB&F

• L’Epée in-house designed and manufactured movement, 17 jewels • jumping hours and sweeping minute on robot's chest, double retrograde seconds indicated by fly back discs mark 20-second intervals behind robot's eyes, 40-day power reserve indication on robot's abdomen • stainless steel, brass and PVD-coated components body and limbs in the shape of robot, with dome glass revealing the regulator posing as head • movement signed MB&F and L’Epée

The movement in working order when cataloging. The clock is in excellent condition, almost as new. Please follow the instruction to wind the movement. Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by a L’Epée guarantee card, MB&F instruction manual, a pair of gloves and outer packaging.

Unveiled in 2015 at BaselWorld, the Melchior is a highly functioning robot-form timepiece that was created in a limited series of 99 pieces. It is the second product in the collaboration between MB&F and L’Epée. Inspired by the theme “a creative adult is a child who survived”, this unique clock is encased in palladium-plated brass, stainless steel, red anodized aluminum and polished glass with functions ranging from sweeping minutes, double retrograde seconds and jumping hours. With no fewer than 480 components and 17 jewels, the L'Epée movement delivers 40 days of power reserve. Founded in 1839, L'Epée has been the forefront of clock-making and specializes in manufacturing high-end clocks comprised of hand-made components.

MB&F developed the concept for this clock with the assistance of designer Xin Wang. The regulator embodies the timepiece’s brain at work; just as the brain dictates the body, the regulator dictates the clock’s phenomenal precision. Under the glass dome are red discs in the eye which are retrograde indicators that jump back to their original position after 20 seconds. A consolidation of revolving discs and fixed vents gives the impression that Melchior is blinking, conveying a sense of human-like personality. The hours and minutes are displayed via discs on Melchior’s chest. Additionally, the left forearm is a detachable winding key which is intended to look like a Gatling gun to blast away the bad guys.

Just like Luke Skywalker’s R2-D2 droids in Star Wars, Melchoir will always be a resourceful and brave robot friend who is always there to save his friends and will satisfy all adults’ hanker for a robot friend.