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The brand CODE41 is known for taking a community-driven approach to watchmaking and is now introducing a timepiece unlike anything that has come before: the Mecascape. What exactly is the Mecascape? Not quite a clock, not a pocket watch, and certainly not a wristwatch — the Mecascape is something else entirely. CODE 41 calls the Mecascape a time object, but whatever you call it, the Mecascape is functional art that showcases the best of Swiss watchmaking innovation.
CODE41 was established in 2016 with the goal of democratizing luxury watchmaking. The idea is simple in concept, but groundbreaking in its execution. First, CODE41 involves its customers in every phase of the watchmaking process — from design to manufacturing to assembly and delivery. Second, CODE41 is dedicated to full transparency. One of the issues that plagues Swiss watchmaking is the nebulous nature of the Swiss Made appellation, whereby 60% of the watch’s value must come from Switzerland. Instead, CODE41 embraces Total Transparency of Origin (TTO), providing customers with information on the country of origin, production cost, and markups on every single component of the timepiece. To be clear, CODE41 is as Swiss as it gets, with over 90% of the value of its timepieces coming from Switzerland; yet, the brand allows you to see exactly what you’re getting and where your money’s going. Adhering to TTO means that you can judge the value and markup for yourself, allowing you to make an informed decision. Given CODE41’s host of successful releases and loyal community of enthusiasts, the value is clearly there.
Why create the Mecascape? Claudio D’Amore, CODE41’s founder and CEO describes it best: “My idea for the Mecascape goes back to 2009, more than 12 years ago. Today, after having founded CODE41, given birth to six collections, and dedicated five years of focused development to the project, the time has come — the maturity and the means, too — to give birth to the first Mecascape. The team and I knew from the outset that we were working on something really special, an ambitious and daring project in every sense of the word. Translating my vision into a unique and original watch object was a real collective challenge, and we are all very proud of the result. Working with time from all angles (and that’s the right word here) has rarely been so rewarding.”
The Mecascape allows you to experience timekeeping in an all-new way. Like many of CODE41’s creations, the Mecascape is housed in a Grade 5 titanium case that measures in at 108mm x 71mm, yet remains slim at only 8.1mm including the sapphire crystal. The use of titanium keeps the Mecascape light, yet extraordinarily strong.
The dimensions of the Mecascape mean that there’s ample space to experiment with both the dial layout and the movement architecture. This was a challenge that CODE41’s collaborator Cercle des Horlogers, an independent Swiss watchmaking workshop nestled between Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds, was eager to take on.
The dial elements on the Mecascape are all familiar — hours, minutes, date, second time zone (GMT), and power reserve. However, the layout is entirely unique. CODE41 separates the different timekeeping elements, similar to a regulator watch, yet allows the chapter rings to overlap for the hours and minutes, keeping the primary timekeeping elements together for easy time-telling. The face of the Mecascape remains clean and open, with skeletonization that allows the novel movement to shine through without reducing legibility.
Comprised of 237 components and 39 rubies, the mechanical manufacture movement is entirely Swiss-made. Handwinding the movement provides eight days of power reserve, making it easy to wind and set at the beginning of each week and not worry about until the next. Though the Mecascape itself is incredibly strong, CODE41 provides a leather case lined with microfiber and a cutout for a credit card, allowing you to safely carry the Mecascape in a pocket. However, the Mecascape is something you’ll want to see and enjoy throughout the day. As such, CODE41 developed a metal stand that allows you to position the Mecascape on your desk or furniture, doubling as an elegant desk clock.
If the aesthetics of the Mecascape are especially pleasing to the eye, you can thank Fibonacci. Utilizing the mathematical language of the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci sequence (elements that are found across nature and the art world’s most beautiful pieces), the Mecascape is visually balanced, the design harmonious. However, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, and CODE41 will be offering the Mecascape in a variety of colorways to suit your own unique taste.
Pre-orders for the CODE41 Mecascape are now open, with prices starting at $9,950 USD. To learn more about the Mecascape and place your order, please visit the brand’s website.