MB&F’s three dimensional time-telling machines
MB&F was founded by a previous employee of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maximilian Büsser, who heralds an innate entrepreneurial spirit inspired by his passion for complex timepieces. A graduate with a Masters degree in Micro-Technology Engineering, Büsser was appointed Managing Director of Harry Winston Rare Timepieces in 1998 when he was just 31 years old
Exuding an abundance of energy, Büsser harnessed a desire for complete freedom and in 2005 resigned from Harry Winston to form his creative ideal: MB&F. Short for Maximilian Büsser and Friends, MB&F is primarily thought of as a human adventure more than a running company; a human adventure with just a goal to create incredible horological machines. Based around a fundamental idea, the brand is dedicated to employ talented horological artisans, artists and professionals, welcoming them into the family, to design and craft radical and original horological masterpiece for each year. During the few past months, MB&F has unveiled exciting, technological savvy time telling machines that hold a breath-taking aesthetic with a futuristic outlook.
HM6 ‘Space Pirate’
The Horological Machine No.6 (HM6) ‘Space Pirate’ resembles a space buggy used to explore the rough terrain of an alien planet. In each of the four corners of the biomorphic case is a 360° transparent sapphire crystal dome that protects the hours, minutes and twin spherical turbines that are powered by a three-dimensional horological engine. In the centre of the aeronautic grade Ti-6Al-4V titanium case, is another dome that houses a 60-second flying tourbillon, the precision regulator of HM6’s Engine. The flying tourbillon can be protected from UV radiation, which speeds up oxidation of lubricating oils, by a retractable shield operated by a crown on the left side of the case. Turning the watch over, a sapphire crystal display portal allows a tantalising view of the 475 finely finished components making up the highly complex movement, which required over three years of development. Also visible through the display back is part of the winding mechanism and the platinum 950 winding battle-axe rotor.
Legacy Machine No.1 – LM1 Platinum
The LM1 model is an unusual MB&F creation thanks to its traditional, classical and round case that supports a crystal clear bubble sapphire dome. Although unique, the watch, however, does retain the brand’s signature of time-telling 3D machines, with its monumental central balance wheel, superior finished movement, independent dual time zones and a vertical power reserve indicator that feature on the remarkable convex dial. For 2015, the LM1 has been crafted in platinum with a blue dial that hides MB&F’s in-house three-dimensional horological movement.
HM3 MegaWind Final Edition
Strong contrasts both catch the eye and engage the mind, making the HM3 MegaWind Final Edition timepiece a truly unique model that is limited to just 25 individually numbered timepieces. As the last member to join the HM3 collection, the Final Edition is luminous yet dark, boasting polished surfaces and matte finishes, and combining precious metals with hard-working titanium. Featuring a black PVD treated 18k gold case and a blackened 22k gold and titanium winding rotor which illuminates the dark with a bright green glow of GL C3 Grade A Super-LumiNova. At the top of the dial, a giant battle-axe shaped winding rotor mesmerises the eye as it swings leisurely over the carefully hand-finished movement. The rotating hours and minutes cones are powered by a precise HM3 engine, where the inverted movement could only have been created with the use of two large high-tech ceramic bearings that measure 15mm in diameter and are visible through the case back. The complex movement consists of 270 fine-finished, high-precision components, 36 jewels, crafted bridges, and a rapidly oscillating balance wheel that pulses at 28,800 VpH.
Melchior
To commemorate MB&F’s first decade in the horology industry, the Geneva-based Horological lab will present a few special Anniversary Pieces during the year 2015. Melchior is the given name to the interesting table clock that is limited to 99 pieces and is deemed an exceptional objet d’art, sculpted as a kinetic robot in shades of silver and grey. The 480 component mechanical table roboclock, is crafted from smart steel and brass, designed with an enigmatic glint in his eyes, an animated brain and muscular, articulated arms – – the right one packing a rocket launcher, the left a Gatling gun that can be detached and used as a key to wind the clock. Melchior’s armour boasts some of the functions traditionally found in wrist wear, such as jumping hours, sweeping minutes, double retrograde seconds and a 40 day power reserve. The jumping hours and sweeping minutes on Melchior’s chest are displayed via discs bearing MB&F’s signature numerals – with pointers incorporated into the breastplate – while a dial on Melchior’s abdomen is the power reserve indicator.
