Ever looked at a gorgeous, impossibly complex luxury clock and thought, "You know what this needs? My clumsy, unqualified hands all over it?" No? Well, apparently, some very clever people did. And now, for the low, low price of $15,000, you can build one yourself.
Meet the Nostromo, a high-end desk clock that arrives in pieces. It's the brainchild of luxury watchmaker MB&F and DIY clock kit experts Maison Alcée, who clearly believe that true appreciation comes with a healthy dose of exasperation.
The Flatpack Principle, But Fancy
We've all been there: staring at an IKEA manual, questioning every life choice that led us to a Saturday afternoon spent wrestling with an Allen wrench. Yet, once that wobbly bookshelf stands (mostly) upright, there's a certain pride. A bond, even. It's called the "IKEA effect," and it turns out, it's not just for affordable furniture.
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Start Your News DetoxThe Nostromo is leveraging this psychological quirk, but with German silver and a 14-day power reserve instead of particleboard. Its designer, Maximilian Maertens, took inspiration from the spaceship in Alien (hence the name, which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for a desk clock). Instead of just buying a masterpiece, you become a temporary horologist.
This isn't just a little assembly, mind you. The delicate regulating part comes pre-built, because even luxury brands have limits to their sadism. But you get to install the other 222 components. Gears, wheels, the frame – it's all yours. The estimated build time? A solid ten hours. Don't worry, they throw in watchmaking tools, a 250-page manual, and video tutorials. Because apparently, that's where we are now.
Once you've emerged from your garage, probably covered in tiny springs and a newfound respect for actual watchmakers, you'll have an elliptical, futuristic desk clock. It tells hours, minutes, and seconds, boasts a switchable hourly chime, and looks rather sleek on its three sculptural legs. Oh, and it's made of brass, German silver, and stainless steel. Because, you know, $15,000.
Only 50 of these self-assembled marvels are available worldwide. So, if you've got the cash, the time, and a deep-seated desire to feel really invested in your desk accessories, the Nostromo is calling. Just try not to lose any tiny screws.
