MB&F THE FIFTH ELEMENT User manual

USER INSTRUCTIONS
THE FIFTH ELEMENT

You have just acquired an advanced instrument born
from a partnership between MB&F and L’Épée 1839.
The Fifth Element has been developed with passion
and care by L’Épée 1839 in Delémont - Switzerland.
CONGRATULATIONS

Care and maintenance
The structure
Clock
Hygrometer
Thermometer
Barometer
6
8
10
12
13
14
CONTENTS

6
Fingerprints will damage the coating so always wear gloves
when manipulating the structure and its elements – and
wipe off any ngerprints immediately.
Use only a soft and dry cloth to clean the structure and its
elements. Dust and particles contained in the cloth could
scratch parts. Do not use any kind of cleaning products.
It is recommended to keep The Fifth Element distant from
any source of heat or vibrations. To preserve the longevity
and functionality of The Fifth Element, do not permanently
expose the elements to direct sunlight, a blower, or in a
humid or dusty place.
Our instruments 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 no-
tice 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 de-
pending on the surrounding environmental conditions.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE

7
The Fifth Element is composed of:
- 4 elements (clock, hygrometer, thermometer, barometer)
- 1 main structure with 4 landing stations for the elements
- 1 key
It is recommended not to put pressure or tension on the
main structure. The best way to handle the structure is to
manipulate it by the biggest ring, having previously re-
moved the 4 elements before (each element is approx. 2 kg).
CARE AND MAINTENANCE

8
The Alien and its ring rotate thanks to a mechanical move-
ment placed in the center of the main structure. Only the
Alien and ring move, not the entire structure. They turn in
the clockwise direction.
The position of the ring and Alien can also be adjusted by
hand in order to reposition the Alien when the rotation
stops. However, always turn in the clockwise direction; be
aware that turning the alien and ring anti-clockwise could
break the movement.
Wind the movement with the integrated key placed in the
middle of the structure. Similarly to winding a mechanical
clock movement, you will feel the resistance steadily in-
crease when winding the movement; do not force
excessively.
THE STRUCTURE

9
Start/stop function:
Once the movement is fully wound, a “start” button allows
you to start the rotation of the Alien and its ring. Push hor-
izontally on “start” to start the movement; it disappears
under the main plate of the structure, to appear as “stop”
on the opposite side. Do not push vertically. In the same
way, push horizontally on “Stop” to stop the rotation.
THE STRUCTURE

10
Reading the time
Hours and minutes are displayed under a glass dome on
the clock element.
Setting the time
Remove the element from its station, use the key and place
it as displayed in the diagram. Turn only anti-clockwise (as
indicated by the arrow on the clock).
CLOCK
TIME SETTING
(Anti-clockwise ONLY, see
the arrow on the plate)

11
Winding the movement
Remove the element from its station, use the unique key
and place it as displayed in the diagram.
The movement should be fully wound every 8 days. During
the process, you will see the movement’s wheels moving,
allowing the barrel to be wound up. Be sure to wind the
spring completely. Resistance will increase as you ap-
proach the full winding point, but continue to wind until
you feel you have approached the breaking point (sign
that the movement is fully wound). However, be very care-
ful to stop before and do not force the mechanism by try-
ing to go further than the breaking point.
CLOCK

12
HYGROMETER
The hygrometer indicates the relative humidity of the air
where it is placed. This percentage varies considerably be-
tween outside air and indoor air, for example inside a
house. A comfortable atmosphere corresponds to a rate of
between 40 and 60% depending on the region.
One can check the correct operation of the instrument by
comparing it to an electronic hygrometer. If there is a sig-
nicant difference, it can be adjusted by acting on the ad-
justment screw accessible on the back of the element.

13
THERMOMETER
Reading the temperature is possible in degrees Celsius
(central graduation) and Fahrenheit (graduation outside
the circle).
If you notice a signicant difference between the indication
of the thermometer and the actual temperature, the instru-
ment can be adjusted by acting on the adjustment screw
on the back of the element.

14
BAROMETER
The barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure, ei-
ther in HPa (Hectopascal) or InHg (inches of mercury); and
therefore an indication of the weather: “Rain/Change/Fair”
The barometer hand indicates the atmospheric pressure.
The hand will generally not reach the extremes; classic vari-
ations are usually between 1000 and 1025 HPa.

15
BAROMETER
Adjustment of the barometer:
When leaving our workshop, the instrument is set on the
altitude of Delémont, Switzerland, about 435m above sea
level. Adjustments can be done by using the adjustment
screw on the back of the instrument. Turn the screw with a
screwdriver so that the hand moves. The precise local ad-
justment can be made by comparison with a reference ba-
rometer (data available on the internet, nearest weather
station or electronic barometer).

L’Épée Manufacture
Rue St-Maurice 1 - P.O. Box 973
2800 Delémont - Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
After Sales Services:
Tel. +41 (0)32421 94 05
www.lepee1839.ch