MB&F opens the year with the Horological Machine No6 ‘SV’
During its presentation at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), MB&F showed off the Horological Machine No6 SV with 457 components revealed in a streamlined, sapphire crystal case
The world’s first ever horological concept laboratory, MB&F, welcomed the year 2016 with an outstanding timepiece that made its aficionados thrilled. During the unveiling at SIHH in January, MB&F added another remarkable horological machine in its range of amazing creations for the past decade.
Made as the extreme variation of the HM6 Space Pirate, the Horological Machine No6 SV (SV for “Sapphire Vision”) adds an extra three-dimensional layer to the biomorphic beauty of the HM6 ‘Space Pirate’ by revealing the mechanical marvels of the unique Engine within. The complex curves of two transparent sapphire crystal plates sandwich a precious metal "streamliner" case band, creating two horological amphitheatres dedicated to the appreciation of exquisite, hand-finished micro engineering.
The Space Pirate’s previous titanium or red gold armour has given way to a crystal-clear sapphire shell: An intricate composition of no less than eleven sapphire crystal domes, encircled by a streamlined case band in 18 carat red gold or platinum 950. All that sapphire crystal demands intensive craftsmanship with about 350 hours or two months of working days to manufacture a single case.
Horological Machine No6 SV features a metal case band that is distinguished by horizontal lines reminiscent of the American Greyhound “Streamliner” buses of the 1950s and '60s, which grew out of a late Art Deco style known as Streamline Moderne. The sandwich construction is punctuated and highlighted by the vividly coloured stripes of the water-resistance seals.
At the front, two spherical domes rotate vertically, respectively displaying hours and minutes in large, highly legible numerals. Aft, twin spherical turbines spin horizontally, driven by the rotor and multiplying gearing that automatically regulates the winding system to minimize stress and wear.
A central dome houses a 60-second flying tourbillon, the precision regulator of the HM6 Engine. However, high-precision regulators are especially sensitive to changes in oil viscosity, and ultra violet radiation gradually breaks down lubricating oils. This is why HM6 features a retractable, semi-spherical, titanium protective shield; when closed, it blocks harmful radiation from prematurely oxidising the lubrication oils in the regulator. A crown at 9 o'clock opens and closes the cover in the blink of an eye.
The nine sapphire crystal domes – five on top and four underneath – are carefully fastened to the transparent plates thanks to a special gluing process, achieved under vacuum in a high temperature oven. This offers maximal strength and water resistance at 30 metres.
As entrancing as its organically curved exterior case is, the real star of HM6 SV is its Engine, which doesn't simply take centre stage but the whole auditorium. Offering power reserve of 72 hours, the 475 finely-finished components make up the highly complex movement, the result of more than three years’ worth of development.
Wrapped in hand-stitched calfskin strap with custom designed folding buckle matching the case band, the Horological Machine No.6 ‘SV’ is a limited edition of 10 pieces in platinum/sapphire crystal and 10 pieces in red gold/sapphire crystal.
