L’EPEE 1839 MELCHIOR User Instructions

MELCHIOR

USER INSTRUCTIONS

by

CONGRATULATIONS

You have just acquired one of the most advanced
timepieces born from a partnership between

La Manufacture L’Épée 1839 and MB&F.

Melchior has been developed with passion and care
by our Master Watchmakers in Delémont-Switzerland.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Please, be very careful to never touch the movement
of Melchior either on the front or on the back
of the movement, except with the winding key.

Furthermore, the movement should never be in contact
with any liquids – even in vaporized form. If this occurs,
the clock should be serviced immediately.

A simple contact on certain pieces can generate delays
in timekeeping, which can only be solved by servicing.
Fingerprints will also damage the coating.

Use only a soft and dry cloth to clean the clock. Dust
and particles contained in the cloth could scratch
parts. Do not use any kind of cleaning products to wipe
the clock. It is recommended to keep the clock
distant from any source of heat or vibrations. To pres­erve the longevity and functionality of Melchior,
do not permanently expose the clock to direct sunlight
or in a humid or dusty place.

Our clocks are developed to ensure optimal accuracy
and reliability. It is well accepted for a ne mechanical
clock to have a few seconds’ variation per day and
our clocks are set so as not to delay. However if you
should notice a bigger variation, please contact an
authorized dealer who will advise you, or a L’Épée 1839
technical support center which will proceed with the
necessary adjustment.

As for all Horological pieces of art, it is recommended
to periodically service your clock. A mechanical
masterpiece requires ne oils for the lubrication of the
movement. These oils deteriorate over the years.
We therefore advise having the movement serviced
every 5 years. Be aware that the optimal period
between servicing times can vary depending on the
surrounding environmental conditions.

DO

NOT

TOUCH

On the following
picture, the only parts
which can be
cleaned and touched
are those outside
of the zone colored
in red ; in case of
intrusions, a service
will be needed.

HOURS AND MINUTES DISPLAY THE KEY

Reading the time

The hours and minutes are indicated by the arrows
of the shield, pointing on the hours and minutes dials.

Special rotation of the hours dial

A new mechanism has been developed especially
for Melchior. The hours dial stays in the same position
during the rst 55 minutes of an hour ; then the dial
starts to turn slowly and regularly (no jump) during the
last 5 minutes of the hour ; to nally stop exactly at
the beginning of the next hour. This process is repeated
ever y hour.

The key is xed on Melchior’s left arm with a magnetic
system.

To remove the key, place Melchior on a at surface and
pull the key straight out from its left arm.

Be careful to hold the top of the arm to ensure that
Melchior does not tip over or fall.

To put the key back, approach the key always straight
towards the compartment, until the key is attracted
back into place by the magnetic system.

In this example it is forty­seven minutes past two (2:47).
The hours dial has not
moved.

Here it is fty-eight minutes
past three (3:58).
The hours dial has started
to turn.

In this example,
it is twenty-ve minutes
past ten (10:25).

WINDING THE MOVEMENT

Place the clock on a at surface and insert the key in
Point A, using the larger diameter end of the key
(see diagram). Wind the movement with anti-clockwise
rotations. The movement’s ve barrels should be
fully wound every 40 days. Be sure to wind up the spring
completely. During the process, you will see the
movement’s wheels moving, allowing all ve barrels
to be wound up as they are coupled. At the end
of the winding procedure, you will feel the necessary
force increase signicantly ; do not wind further
as this is the sign that the movement is fully wound.

The Power Reserve Indicator

The dial on the left provides an intuitive view of
the energy remaining in the movement. It turns 300°,
acting as a gauge.

Fully wound, the marker rotates towards the right of
the gauge. During the next 40 days, the power reserve
indicator will progressively rotate anti-clockwise
to nally end on the left of the gauge. This indicates
that the clock needs to be wound again.

Fully wound

40-day power reserve

After 40 days

The clock must be wound up

(A) Winding (movement)
Anti-clockwise only

The Double Retrograde Second

The double retrograde second (in red) symbolizing
two eyes, is revealed gradually from behind
the eyes-shield, before returning under the shield.
This process is repeated in cycles of 20 seconds.
Please make sure nothing touches the retrograde
second function.

SETTING THE TIME

Place the clock on a at surface. Insert the key
in Point B on the diagram, using the smaller diameter
end of the key. Turn the key anti-clockwise only
in order to set the time.

(B) Time setting

Anti-clockwise only,
as indicated by
the arrow on the plate

Starting position Final position

L’Épée Manufacture

Rue St-Maurice 1- P.O. Box 973
2800 Delémont-Switzerland
T [phone]
After Sales Service :
T [phone]
www.lepee-clock.ch