MB&F strikes gold with the new HM6 Space Pirate
Following on from the success of the limited edition Grade 5 titanium, the Horological Machine N°6 (aka HM6 ‘Space Pirate’) now comes in a stunning shimmering 18K red gold case
This year, MB&F has chosen to craft the latest edition of the HM6 Space Pirate in a rare, noble alloy that serves to further enhance the beauty of its incredible horology machine. This isn’t the general standard 5N red gold used by other watch brands, but instead the remarkable metal MB&F has selected is a tarnish-resistant 5N+ red gold, which ensures the case of the timepiece retains its youthful good looks as it ages gracefully. Using two solid ingots of 18K 5N+ red gold, the case was machined using a small amount of palladium in addition to the standard gold and copper found in 5N red gold. Palladium eliminates the tarnishing properties that copper molecules holds, ensuring they do not come in contact with air, which means no copper tarnishing that would eventually force the colour of the case to turn slightly orange.
The centre of the uniquely designed case features a perfect precision regulator; a 60-second flying-tourbillon complete with a retractable shield that offers protection from the sun’s destructive thermonuclear radiation. A crown at 9 o’clock opens and closes the shield in a blink of an eye, allowing the wearer to admire the impressive heart of the spacecraft designed for the wrist. Meanwhile, each of the four corners of HM6’s biomorphic case is home to a 360° sphere, capped top and bottom by transparent sapphire crystal domes. Up forward, two semi-spherical indications rotate vertically at 90° to the engine, displaying the hours and minutes in large, highly legible numerals. At the back, driven by the automatic winding rotor, twin spherical turbines spin horizontally, regulating the winding system in case of excessive speed to reduce stress and wear.
HM6 RT’s soft satin finished case is highlighted by the contrasting polished Ti-6Al-4V titanium band that wraps lengthways around the central circumference of the hull, only parting by a circular aperture on top of the case circumventing the central dome that houses the tourbillon. This detailing reinforces the structure, maximizing the water resistance of 30 metres whilst at the same time supporting the lugs.
Powered by an automatic three-dimensional horological engine that boasts 475 components, the HM6 RT offers the wearer a chance to view a part of the mechanism through the sapphire crystal case back, along with the pale blue high-grade platinum 950 winding battle-axe rotor. The blue of the rotor is neatly echoed in the hour and minute markers. The HM6 RT is a limited edition of 18 pieces, where the MB&F designers have ensured the watch keeps precise track of time by engineering a 72 hour power reserve before the watch engine loses energy, which when fully powered beats at a steady cadence of 18,000 vibrations per hour.
