Maison Alcée has launched an eagerly anticipated moon phase module for its acclaimed Persée clock, empowering owners to personally assemble and integrate this celestial complication. This innovative kit responds directly to extensive community requests, further enhancing the interactive nature of the brand's timepieces. The module is engineered to be compatible with all existing Persée variations, adding a significant layer of customization and technical engagement for enthusiasts.

The original Persée clock is renowned for its hands-on assembly experience, where owners construct the timepiece from individual components. This approach fosters a deep connection between the owner and their clock, supported by comprehensive guides and a dedicated online community. The introduction of the moon phase module extends this philosophy, offering a new challenge and a more intricate display of astronomical timekeeping.

Developing this module presented considerable engineering challenges for Benoît and Alcée Monfort. They meticulously designed the module to ensure flawless operation across all Persée variants—Azur, Nuit, Or, Douce, and Fantôme—and critically, to function correctly whether the clock is oriented vertically or horizontally. This flexibility is a unique and complex feature for a moon phase mechanism, highlighting Maison Alcée's commitment to thoughtful design and user experience.

The moon phase kit comprises 18 precision-crafted components, accompanied by all necessary tools and comprehensive assembly instructions, including video tutorials. Integrating the module requires partial disassembly of the base Persée clock, which itself consists of 233 parts and typically takes between six to eight hours to build from scratch. This process promises a rewarding experience for those who appreciate the intricacies of horological mechanics.

Crafted predominantly in France, the components reflect Maison Alcée's dedication to quality and traditional techniques. The moon disc, for instance, features a hammered and polished convex surface, with a satin finish on its underside, and each crater is meticulously hand-worked, giving the display a remarkable depth and realism. The 29.5-day lunar cycle is gracefully depicted at the bottom right of the dial, advancing daily around midday, with adjustments made manually via a ratchet mechanism, aligning with the interactive spirit of the project.

The moon bridge showcases the brand's distinctive “gratté” finish, an artistic blend of hammered and frosted textures that produces a subtle, captivating shimmer. The ratchet is elegantly lacquered and engraved with a gilded constellation of Persée, set against a star-studded sky. Additionally, the kit offers optional Super-LumiNova for the hands and markers, allowing owners to apply this luminous material themselves for enhanced visibility in low light conditions.