HM3 Frog
Movement : self-winding mechanical movement with 22K blued rose gold battle-axe shaped ‘mystery’ rotor, 3D horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/ Agenhor, hour and minute information transmitted via ceramic ball bearings to rotating domes (304 components). Case : Grade 5 titanium and display backs with antireflective treatment on both faces Size : 47mm x 50mm x 16mm Dials : rotating aluminium domes, stationary hands Functions : Hour on one dome (aluminium dome rotating in 12 hours), minutes on 2nd dome (aluminium dome rotating in 60 minutes), date around the movement Strap& Buckle : Black hand-stitched alligator with 18K white gold & titanium custom designed deployment buckle
Horological Machine No3 Frog Zr
Movement : self-winding mechanical movement with purple PVD coated 22K rose gold battle-axe shaped ‘mystery’ rotor, 3D horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/ Agenhor, hour and minute information transmitted via ceramic ball bearings to rotating domes (304 components). Case : Zirconium Size : 47mm x 50mm x 16mm Dials : rotating aluminium domes, stationary hands Functions : Hour on one dome (aluminium dome rotating in 12 hours), minutes on 2nd dome (aluminium dome rotating in 60 minutes), date around the movement Strap & Buckle : Black hand-stitched alligator with 18K white gold & titanium custom designed deployment buckle. Limited Edition : 18 pieces
But all good things come to an end and, after three very successful years, Horological Machine No2 takes one last bow on centre stage with two final limited editions of 18 pieces each, both featuring sapphire cases: HM2-Black SV and HM2-Red SV close the HM2 collection, thus ensuring its exclusivity.
While both new final models are derived from the original HM2-SV, each has its own very distinctive identity. HM2-Black SV features a sapphire case, black dials and a black PVD titanium baseplate that makes a strongly contrasting backdrop for the unique architecture of the HM2 Engine inside, which is framed by an electric green rubber gasket clearly visible through the transparent top. Turning the watch over reveals yet another splash of colour from the vivid green 22K gold winding rotor.
HM2-Red SV has its sapphire case black dials mounted on a regal red gold baseplate. The black dials, black rubber gasket and the rich red of the case back provide a stunning juxtaposition with HM2’s silver Engine. Turning the watch over rewards the viewer with the sight of MB&F’s signature 22K red gold battle-axe rotor complimenting the red gold of the case back.
Haute horlogerie is (usually) a very restrained and serious business; however one of Maximilian Büsser’s main goals in creating MB&F was to bring a child’s sense of awe and sense of playfulness into high-end watchmaking. There is no doubting that with the HM3 Frog, Chocolate Frog and Frog Zr, MB&F have certainly achieved that aim… and more !
The protruding eyes of the (amphibian) frog enable it to see in many directions without having to turn its head. The bulbous domes of the HM3 Frog have the opposite, but no less important, feature of enabling the time to be easily seen from many angles without having to turn the wrist. The Frog differs substantially from HM3 in that it is the aluminum domes that rotate under the sapphire crystals in the Frog, whereas it is the hour and minute hands that rotate around their respective stationary cones on HM3.
In 2011 The PuristS celebrate their tenth anniversary and MB&F is honoured that the HM3 Chocolate Frog was the first timepiece selected to honour the occasion. The “Chocolate Frog”, a limited edition of only 10 pieces, is a world first for MB&F, demonstrating its deep relationship with The PuristS, as it is the first model created specifically for a third party.
The Frog Zr may portray the time in a playful manner, but there is nothing playful about the meticulous attention to detail regarding the fine hand-finishing of the 304 component highly-tuned 36-jewel engine purring within its space-grade zirconium case. Zr is the chemical symbol for zirconium, a metal resembling titanium – but tougher !
To give an idea of just how tough zirconium is, the blades in modern jet engines can only support the incredibly high temperatures and stresses they generate thanks to a protective ceramic layer of zirconium and yttrium oxide.
Underneath its apparently tough guy zirconium exterior, the flamboyant purple 22K gold rotor animatedly spinning on the dial, reflecting intriguing hints of green and yellow, sends a crystal clear message that the Frog Zr also has a healthy sense of fun.
