The Unnamed Society unveils Chapter V of The Unnamed Society’s unfolding story. Following the resounding success of the first collaboration with famed Swiss clockmaker L’Épée 1839 on the rifle-as-a-clock concept introduced last year, demand had been growing for a follow-up. Winchester Reimagined Chapter V is the fascinating fifth chapter of a continuing journey that explores the unknown behind the known. It captures this spirit for today, uncompromisingly respectful of what it symbolizes yet daring to open new perspectives.
It takes exceptional refinement in the choice of materials into uncharted territory. The bold statement made by the object is now matched with the bold combination of materials, colors and textures. The sleek, powerful lines are given a genuine freshness. A new, unexpected energy from unexpected associations to evoke unexpected emotions, for an endlessly fascinating experience. Not just to behold, but also in the way it unleashes a daring note in any space.
The choice of metals allows for every nuance of self-expression: Winchester, Reimagined comes in variations of steel, gold plated —3N—, and black chrome, as well as in a selection of bicolor —gold plated and steel iterations. Likewise, the stock and forestock provide the canvas for exploring new material combinations, truly pushing the boundaries of the rare and exotic: alligator, bull, kangaroo, snake, lamb, shark, lizard, stingray, bloodwood, walnut, rosewood, oak, and ebony.
The original Winchester lever action repeating rifle introduced in 1866 was a game changer by its approach to loading ammunition, cocking the hammer, and chambering the bullet in one rapid, fluid motion —with a lever actioned by the trigger hand. It allowed for excellent handling and accuracy without prior training.
By 1866 when the Winchester was introduced, the Swiss watchmaking Manufacture L’Épée 1839 had already been making precision clocks for more than 21 years. And yet, the Swiss manufacture would have been awed by the Winchester’s reliability and accuracy. Today, L’Épée 1839 is not just creating a unique timepiece, but recreating a piece of a unique time in its workshops in Delémont, in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains.
The idea was never to bolt a clock to a gun. L’Épée reengineered the original’s hallmark loading and cocking mechanism to wind the timekeeping caliber and rethought its barrel system to indicate and set the time. On the original, the ammunition capacity without having to reload the magazine was 15 rounds. It is only logical for Winchester Reimagined to take 15 cocks of the lever to fully wind the mechanism, and generate a power reserve of approximately 7 days.
Arnaud Nicolas, CEO of L’Épée says: “Working together with The Unnamed Society was a dream come true, especially in terms of finding creative engineering solutions to address the countless challenges of ‘Winchester, reimagined’. These ‘timepieces of art’ offer a unique combination of watchmaking excellence and artistic expression, one that challenges and inspires the imagination from every angle, with every reflection of light on these daring creations.”
In a respectful nod to the tradition of great gunsmithing, the receiver is engraved to further underscore the interplay of artistry at so many levels of perception. True to its trailblazing spirit, Winchester, reimagined also proposes an alternative to the classic arabesque motif: a modern interpretation of gun engraving by master bladesmith and knife designer Tashi Bharucha.
From the mounting anticipation as you behold the magnificent leather case to the gratifying feeling of beholding something truly exceptional, and watching, mesmerized, as the light reflects off the masterfully worked materials, surfaces, and textures —every facet of experiencing a creation by The Unnamed Society is carefully and subtly thought-through. So it is more intense, so it will endure.
The case is finished in the finest leather; the bespoke stand crafted from rich walnut allows Winchester, reimagined to be displayed to the fullest effect on a table, desk, mantel, or wall.
Winchester Reimagined Chapter V is a Limited Collection of 87 Unique Pieces, each one is a one-off creation with its own unique juxtaposition of precious and unexpected materials, textures, and colors.
Sticker Price TBC. For more info on L’Epée 1839 click here.
