The Nostromo is a high-end mechanical desk clock sold as an assembly kit: buyers complete most of its 222-part mechanism themselves, with the regulating organ supplied pre-assembled. MB&F estimates about 10 hours to put it together. New Atlas reported a price of CHF 12,000 (approximately US$15,000) and a 50-unit run in September 2026; MB&F’s product page does not list either figure, so confirm current terms with the seller.
What is the MB&F Nostromo clock?
Nostromo is a mechanical table-clock collaboration between Maison Alcée and MB&F, presented as a M.A.D.Gallery anniversary project. Its proposition is unusual: rather than buying a finished clock, the customer takes part in completing one. MB&F describes Maison Alcée’s concept as letting clients assemble their own table clock, with a movement based on a wristwatch movement scaled up for the desk.
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The clock has three organic feet and an upward-angled display. MB&F says the completed clock can rotate on its feet, giving its sculptural form a functional role as well as a visual one. Designer Max Maertens drew on science-fiction imagery. As quoted on MB&F’s official product page, Maximilian Maertens said: “I am a huge H.R. Giger fan, and I wanted to bring a little bit of the alien world into play. Its name, Nostromo, also comes from outer space as it is the name of the spaceship in the first Alien movie.”
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What does the Nostromo do?
The clock displays hours, minutes, and seconds, and can sound an hourly chime that the owner can switch on or off. Its stated power reserve is 14 days.
#1 Best Overall
- 🕛【Versatile Clock Mechanisms】 Our clock movements are available in 3 shaft sizes to fit clock panels of varying thicknesses( 0 to 1/2 in ( 0-12mm) ). The short shaft suits 0-4mm thickness, the middle fits 4-8mm, and the long fits 8-12mm. Please confirm your panel thickness before purchase to ensure a proper fit.
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- 🕛【Friendly Reminders】 Please confirm the size of these clock movement replacements before purchase. Please install hands in order (hour, minute, second) and keep them parallel for smooth operation. Aluminum movement may have minor transportation deformation, which is normal and can be adjusted manually.
What is included, and how much assembly is involved?
MB&F lists 222 components and estimates approximately 10 hours for assembly. Only the regulating organ arrives pre-assembled; the buyer handles the rest of the build. The kit comes in a wooden box with more than 200 components, professional tools, and an art book. MB&F also links to step-by-step assembly-video support. New Atlas reported that the instruction manual is 250 pages and the box includes QR codes to video tutorials.
That makes this more than a clock with a few decorative pieces to attach: the buyer is expected to spend substantial time assembling a mechanical object. The maker’s estimate is a guide, not a guaranteed completion time for every owner; the official page does not specify a skill prerequisite.
Rank #2
- COMPLETE EDUCATIONAL KIT: Lily's Home First Puzzle Clock is an educational kit that explains the scientific nature of clocks. It contains everything you and your child (or grandchild) need to build a working clock.
- LEARN WHILE PLAYING: Building the clock offers a unique opportunity to promote cognitive development in children young and old. The colorful pieces are easy to handle, and the kit instructions are easy enough for just about anyone to follow.
- NO BATTERIES REQUIRED: The complete kit includes 31 pieces - all you need to build a mechanical clock. There are no batteries required for the clock to run. It operates mechanically using a spring and gears to wind it.
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- PLEASE REVIEW THE VIDEO: For Easier assembly or if you have any difficulties please review the assembly video
Materials and dimensions
| Specification | MB&F listing |
|---|---|
| Display | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Chime | Hourly; switchable on or off |
| Power reserve | 14 days |
| Component count | 222 |
| Materials | Brass gears; 316 stainless steel for the base plate, dial, axles, gears, and base; nickel-silver bushes; 316 stainless steel spacers |
| Dimensions | Width 160 mm × height 123 mm × depth 135 mm |
How much does the Nostromo cost, and is it available?
New Atlas reported on September 9, 2026, that Nostromo costs CHF 12,000, approximately US$15,000, and is limited to 50 units worldwide. Those are press-reported figures: the MB&F product page reviewed for this article offers an order pathway but does not state a price or edition size. Ask the seller to confirm the price, availability, and any applicable terms before making a purchase decision.
MB&F’s page lists an October–November 2026 lead time. Because lead times can change and the page does not give a year alongside that listing in the supplied product information, verify the current estimate directly through the order pathway.
Rank #3
- Build a working mechanical clock: Assemble 378 wooden parts, with 43 spare parts included. The vintage wall clock uses a pendulum and a counterweight-driven mechanism
- An expert-level project: Designed for patient, experienced adult builders. Allow approximately 8 hours for assembly; time varies with experience, and setup and adjustment require care
- No glue required: Follow the color step-by-step manual and prepare moving parts with the included sandpaper and wax. Careful sanding, waxing and gear alignment are part of the build
- Prepare for setup: The instructions call for a craft knife, scissors and sand or salt for the counterweight. Level the clock, wind it and adjust the pendulum as directed
- Made in the EU: An engineered-wood clock kit for hands-on hobbyists who enjoy mechanical models. Assembled size: approximately 26.77 H x 11.26 W x 3.35 D inches
Who is the Nostromo for?
Nostromo is best understood as a luxury mechanical-clock project for someone who values the making process as much as the finished object. Its appeal is the combination of an unusual, science-fiction-inspired design and the experience of assembling a substantial movement with supplied tools and video guidance. Someone seeking an immediately usable, conventional desk clock may find the long build and reported price difficult to justify.
Maison Alcée, founded in 2021 by Alcée and Benoît Montfort, received the GPHG Audacity Prize in 2023, according to MB&F’s company profile. That background helps explain the collaboration’s emphasis on watchmaking craft, but it does not change the practical decision: the Nostromo asks the buyer to invest time and money in the process as well as the object.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Clock movement replacement: high torque clock with 2 hooks, long shaft, drive long clock hands (10 mm to 450 mm).
- Movement size: Total shaft length is 23 mm (29/32 inch), thread length is 12mm (15/32 inch),suitable for 4 - 8 mm (5/ 32 - 5/16 inches) thickness clock panel.
- Size from the hole center to the tip: the hour hand is approx. 203 mm/ 8.0 inches long; The minute hand is about 305 mm/ 12 inches in length.
- DIY clock supplies: the complete clock movement kit is suitable for repairing or making a clock, serving as good replacements for large and thick clock frames.
- Warm notice: when you install them, please keep the hour hand and minute hand parallel; And please do not use too much pressure to avoid bending them.
Rank #4
- Intricate Design Wooden Puzzle: UGEARS clock kit 3D wooden puzzles for adults features 320 detailed parts for a challenging and rewarding assembly experience of building kit.
- Working Mechanism: Gravity-powered system in our 3D puzzle for adults with a descending weight bag that turns the gears, moving the pendulum and rotating the hour and minute discs.
- Tool-Free Assembly Adult Puzzles: No additional tools or glue required for assembly our brain teaser puzzles for adults; pieces fit together seamlessly for a smooth and enjoyable building experience.
- Family Project: This adult crafs is an excellent project for families to enjoy together and creating lasting memories. The wood puzzles adult is also a great as hobbies for women or hobbies for men.
- Perfect Gift: UGEARS craft kits for adults ideal gifts for puzzle lovers for Christmas, birthday or Fathers day puzzle as puzzles for dad, providing both entertainment and a sense of accomplishment.
Sources
- MB&F: Nostromo official product page
- New Atlas: September 9, 2026 report on the Nostromo
- MB&F: Company profile
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
