Maison Alcée x MB&F Nostromo: An Alien-Like Co-Creation for M.A.D.Gallery's 15th Anniversary
Maison Alcée x MB&F Nostromo: An Alien-Like Co-Creation for M.A.D.Gallery's 15th Anniversary
MB&F's M.A.D.Gallery celebrates its 15th anniversary with a remarkable collaboration: the Nostromo, a clock kit designed by MB&F's Creative Designer Maximilian Maertens and crafted by Maison Alcée. The result is an alien-like creature from outer space that doubles as a fully functional mechanical desk clock.
When Watchmaking Becomes an Experience
Maison Alcée, founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Alcée and Benoît Montfort, doesn't just make clocks — it creates a watchmaking experience. Their first clock, the Persée, arrives as a kit with 233 components that clients assemble themselves at home, guided by a 250-page illustrated book with QR codes for video support.
"Everything is presented in a highly pedagogic way, but it isn't child's play," shares Alcée Montfort. "We didn't want to make a toy for adults; this is a genuine horological project, but one that comes with all the support clients need to succeed. The result is always a moment of intense pride at having created something from A to Z with one's own hands."
The Nostromo: A Whole Different Beast
For this collaboration, Maertens transformed the clock into an alien-inspired creature — a nod to MB&F's love for extraterrestrial design and H.R. Giger's aesthetic. The name itself comes from the spaceship in Ridley Scott's 1979 film "Alien."
The clock has been turned on its side with three organic feet added, bringing it to life as a sculptural object. It can be rotated on its feet for interactive display, with the time display angled upward for easier viewing.
Technical Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Name | Nostromo |
| Design | Maximilian Maertens (MB&F) |
| Craft | Maison Alcée |
| Materials | Stainless steel, brass, German silver |
| Dimensions | 160mm x 135mm x 123mm |
| Weight | 760g |
| Movement | Based on wristwatch caliber, enlarged scale |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, hour chime (on/off) |
| Power Reserve | 14 days |
| Assembly Time | Approximately 10 hours |
| Limited Edition | 50 pieces |
| Dial Color | Peacock blue (M.A.D.Gallery signature) |
Design Challenges
"It was no easy feat to modify the clock, since it needed to remain as user friendly as possible," explains Maertens. "It would have been easier if I had been designing something for professional watchmakers to assemble, but this was a different story."
The dial, previously a complete ring, has been separated into individual pieces in the M.A.D.Gallery's signature peacock blue. This allowed greater visibility into the movement and a view of the clock's gears. The hands have been reworked in black for heightened contrast against the movement components.
15 Years of M.A.D.Gallery
The M.A.D.Gallery launched in Geneva and has expanded to Dubai, with compact "MB&F Labs" in Taipei, Singapore, Paris, Beverly Hills, Menlo Park, and most recently a Lounge in Manhattan. To celebrate 15 years, the gallery invited several mechanical artists to create special limited editions — following Frank Buchwald, Martin Smith (Laikingland), and now Maison Alcée, with more collaborators to follow throughout 2026.
The Nostromo kit includes the same 250-page book/instruction manual as the Persée, with additional QR code video content specific to this model. Assembly takes approximately 10 hours, with only the regulating organ arriving pre-assembled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maison Alcée?
Maison Alcée is a young French horological maison founded by husband-and-wife team Alcée and Benoît Montfort. It creates clock kits that clients assemble themselves at home, featuring over 200 components, professional tools, and an art book that guides each stage. Their philosophy is that contemporary luxury can be experienced through the mindful act of creation.
How does the Nostromo differ from the Persée?
The Nostromo is based on the same wristwatch-derived movement as the Persée, but has been transformed into an alien-like creature with three organic feet, turned on its side, and finished in the M.A.D.Gallery's signature peacock blue. The dial has been separated into individual pieces for greater movement visibility, and the hands are black for contrast.
What is MB&F's M.A.D.Gallery?
The M.A.D.Gallery (Mechanical Art Devices Gallery) is MB&F's retail concept celebrating mechanical art. Launched 15 years ago in Geneva, it has expanded worldwide with boutiques and compact "MB&F Labs" in major cities. The gallery showcases not just watches but all forms of mechanical art and kinetic sculpture.
Source: WorldTempus, aBlogtoWatch
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