started · updated
MB&F and Maison Alcée launch $15,000 DIY Alien-inspired clock
High-end watchmaker MB&F and French specialist Maison Alcée have collaborated to release the Nostromo, a luxury desk clock priced at approximately $15,000. Inspired by the starship in the 'Alien' science fiction franchise, the timepiece is designed as a DIY assembly project to foster a deeper connection between the owner and the craftsmanship of the object.
The clock arrives partially disassembled, consisting of 222 pieces. While the delicate regulating organ is pre-assembled to ensure precision, the buyer is responsible for constructing the rest of the mechanism, a process estimated to take about ten hours. The kit includes a wooden chest, necessary tools, a 250-page manual, and video tutorials accessible via QR codes.
Once completed, the Nostromo features a 14-day power reserve and an optional hourly chime. The project aims to apply the psychological investment found in flatpack furniture to the world of haute horlogerie, encouraging users to appreciate the mechanical complexity of their purchase.