Introducing: The L’Epée 1839 Fully Mechanical Watch Box
What We Know
When you see L’Epée, you should think of clocks. And that’s a fair initial thought to have as the brand fancies itself as “Switzerland’s leading clock manufacture” per its website and has introduced clocks in partnership with brands such as MB&F, Louis Vuitton, and Baccarat. On the clock side of things, I find the brand’s claim to be easily backed up as its creations are made entirely in-house, and 2025 marks its 186th year in operation. Today, we have a new object from L’Epée, a watch box. But of course, as a brand that continually thinks outside the box, this isn’t just any old spot to store a watch.
Have you ever come across or maybe even owned one of those, let’s call them low market, watch boxes that feature a stunning plastic or, if you’re lucky, an extremely flimsy layer of glass on top, a window to the wonders inside? L’Epée’s Watch Box takes that idea and makes it much more lux. Think less (far, far less) TJ Maxx and more Bergdorf Goodman.
The L’Epée Watch Box is a fully mechanical display case that transforms the act of accessing your watch into an event. The transparent acrylic glass casing shows off not only your watch but also the works of the fully mechanical lift system. With the push of a button, the box springs to life, opening and raising the watch. Closing the case rewinds the internal mechanism, keeping it perpetually ready for its next use. The internal mechanics are entirely developed and assembled in-house, showcasing L’Epée’s expertise.
A plaque on the side of the box reads “L’Epée by Winston Chapman.” Chapman is a designer, US-based watch collector, and longtime member of the Hodinkee community. This project started in Chapman’s mind, and after gathering feedback from a group of other collectors, he put pen to paper, eventually building the confidence to cold email Maximilian Büsser, founder of MB&F. Büsser was impressed and ended up connecting Chapman with Arnaud Nicolas, CEO & Creative Director of L’Epée. Off Chapman and L’Epée went on a road that ended with today’s release.
What We Think
This is a product for those who appreciate the marriage of horological craftsmanship and industrial design. L’Epée has managed to make a simple task – grabbing your watch for the day – feel like a glorious, crowning moment. The clear housing puts the focus on both the watch and the intricate mechanics of the box itself, turning it into a display piece even when closed (as one would hope for a $12,000 watch box).
While this is clearly a niche offering for serious collectors, it’s a unique way to spotlight a cherished watch. For enthusiasts who view their watches as more than tools, the L’Epée Watch Box offers a tactile and visual experience that’s hard to resist. To be fair, it’s both unnecessary and a bit strange, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t downright awesome.
For the rest of my life, I will feel lesser than when I open my watch box as I know there is someone out there doing the same task by simply pushing a button and letting the wonderful world of L’Epée do the rest.
The Basics
Brand: L’Epée 1839
Model: Watch Box
Dimensions: 215mm length, 150mm width, 140mm height
Material: Acrylic glass and stainless steel
Pricing & Availability
Price: $12,000
For more, click here.
Hodinkee
