{"id":3761,"date":"2012-10-05T17:29:29","date_gmt":"2012-10-05T16:29:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/preprod.gmtmag.com\/?p=3761"},"modified":"2012-12-19T13:36:17","modified_gmt":"2012-12-19T12:36:17","slug":"mbf-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gmtmag.com\/en\/lifestyle-n-en\/gmt_time-2\/mbf-5.html","title":{"rendered":"MB&F : Horological Lab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The year was 2005 and with the launch of MB&F, an explosive new era in haute horlogerie began. After 14 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian B\u00fcsser was looking for something new: not just a change but a complete rupture with business as usual. His vision for MB&F – Maximilian B\u00fcsser & Friends – was an unbridled creative horological laboratory publically recognising the contributions of the many talented artisans working in collaboration on each project.\u00a0The shock waves generated by Horological Machine N\u00b01, MB&F\u2019s first timepiece, rocked the staid world of fine watchmaking and the emotions unleashed ranged the full gamut from vehement abhorrence to unabashed awe. Now, after eight years of successive three-dimensional Machines, each drawing us ever further from our horological comfort zones, there is no question that the dream has become a reality.\u00a0MB&F were under no illusion that the architectural kinetic art they were creating would be widely appreciated\u2009; in fact, they were fully aware that by uncompromisingly creating exactly what they \u2013 rather than \u2018the market\u2019 \u2013 wanted, the vast majority of collectors would be unlikely to understand. However, it soon became obvious that appreciation of MB&F\u2019s radical concept and ground breaking three-dimensional Machines was shared by ever increasing numbers of people looking to break out of the constraints of conformity. \u00a0MB&F is a human adventure with a unique goal\u2009: to create kinetic art that happens to tell the time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>1<\/strong><\/p>\n

An innovative and completely original timepiece, <\/strong>Horological Machine N\u00b01 features the world\u2019s first movement with four barrels connected in both parallel and series as well as the first wristwatch movement to have energy simultaneously transmitted to the regulating system from two sources. \u00a0The anatomy of HM1 is a poetic fusion of architecture and horology. Two discrete dials, one for hours, the other for minutes are joined by an elevated central 60-second tourbillon that creates its own centre stage.\u00a0Within the 18k gold case beats a movement like no other\u2009: 376 parts, 81 functional jewels, together with the four massive mainspring barrels. Wound automatically, the lungs of this machine breathe life into the Machine, endowing HM1 with an impressive 7-day power reserve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>2<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

With its distinctive rectangular shape, flying buttresses, dual portholes and modular construction, Horological Machine N\u00b02 startled the world of haute horlogerie when it was launched in 2008. HM2-SV then surprised again with its crystal-clear sapphire case offering unprecedented visual access into the meticulously hand-finished, 349-component engine powering the indications on HM2\u2019s iconic twin dials.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HOROLOGICAL MACHINE N\u00b03<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the shock of HM1 and otherworldly HM2, Horological Machine N\u00b03 hammered home the message that MB&F was in an alternate reality when it came to fine watchmaking as contemporary art. The press release for HM3 began\u2009: \u201cWarning\u2009! Horological Machine N\u00b03 is so far outside existing timekeeping references that it may cause sensory overload.\u201d It might have also warned those with a weak heart or a preference for the comfort of traditional timekeepers to stay close to a defibrillator and medical assistance.\u00a0HM3 is available in two versions, each offering its own very distinct visual characteristics\u2009: \u2018Sidewinder\u2019, with the indicator cones lined perpendicular to the arm\u2009; and \u2018Starcruiser\u2019, with cones in line with the arm. At first regard the viewer\u2019s mind attempts to take in HM3\u2019s kinetically energetic movement and reconcile the paradox of the automatic winding rotor on the top of the watch, before being assailed again by twin cones rising majestically from the sculptured three-dimensional case. No wonder so many struggle to comprehend that this dynamic three dimensional sculptural art is also a highly technical wristwatch.\u00a0With both winding rotor and oscillating balance on top of the Machine\u2019s engine to better appreciate its beautiful finishing, HM3 pushes both the technical and aesthetic limits of horological architecture and design further than anyone could imagine\u2026 and then some! Two high-tech ceramic bearings drive the time indications in the cones: one showing hours plus day\/night, the other the minutes, while an oversized date wheel around the rotor \u2013 incredibly it is a larger diameter than the movement itself \u2013 frames the engine. The prominence of the battle-axe 22K solid gold rotor on top of HM3 increases recognition of this already iconic MB&F symbol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HM3 Frog<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of MB&F\u2019s main goals is to bring a child\u2019s sense of awe and playfulness into high-end watchmaking. With the HM3 Frog series, that goal has undoubtedly been achieved.\u00a0The protruding eyes of real-life frogs enable them to see in many directions without having to turn their head. HM3 Frog\u2019s bulbous hour and minute domes \u2013 paper thin and meticulously honed from solid blocks of aluminium \u2013 create a similar, but reversed, effect in that the wearer can easily read the time from a variety of angles without having to turn their wrist.\u00a0The original HM3 Frog Ti is named after its high-tech titanium case. Its blue 22k gold battle-axe winding rotor on top of the Jean-Marc Wiederrecht designed complication is framed by an oversized date wheel. The Frog may portray the time in a playful manner, but there is nothing but meticulous attention to detail regarding the fine hand-finishing of the highly-tuned engine.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

HM3 Poison Dart Frog<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

HM3 Poison Dart Frog is a limited edition of 10 pieces inspired by the spectacular yellow-banded poison dart frog hailing from South America. The deadly potential of these innocuous-looking amphibians is camouflaged in the tropical rainforest by their exotically-patterned black and yellow skin. Similarly, the high-tech zirconium case of Poison Dart Frog is disguised by a sleek, black layer of PVD contrasting spectacularly with the animated yellow gold rotor and screws.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HM3 Fire Frog<\/strong><\/p>\n

HM3 Fire Frog is a limited edition of 10 pieces created exclusively to celebrate the opening of the MB&F boutique in Beijing. Fire Frog is named for the warm glow emitted by the 18k red gold of its complex case and 22k red gold winding rotor. Rising up from the fire are the iconic bulbous domes of the Frog\u2019s hour and minute indicators. With its regal red gold case, HM3 Fire Frog warms both heart and eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>4 \u2018Thunderbolt\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The streamlined faster-than-sound looking HM4 Thunderbolt stretches horological art to its very limits. Neither the Thunderbolt\u2019s aviation-inspired case or engine would or could exist without the other, yet each is so transcendental as to be able to stand alone as a work of art in its own right.\u00a0The case of HM4 blends high-tech titanium for its lightweight and strength with a sapphire crystal centre section offering a stunning view into the Engine. The limited editions HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble take the aviation theme even further with real hand-applied rivets in their fuselages and hand painted \u2018nose art\u2019 inspired by the rebellious paintings on WWII aircraft. The exclusive HM4 RT, with sophisticated satin-sheen red gold and sapphire case, offers an altogether more luxurious way to fly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Thunderbolt\u2019s engine is the culmination of three long years of intensive development. Each of the 300-plus components \u2013 including the regulator and even the screws \u2013 was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating hours\/minutes (right) and power reserve (left). With the dials perpendicular to the wearer\u2019s wrist, Horological Machine N\u00b04 might be described as the perfect pilot or driver\u2019s watch. Each of the two aviation instrument-styled dials \u2013 one to wind and re-fuel the tanks, the other to set the time \u2013 is directly controlled by its own crown, providing instantaneous feedback of the action.\u00a0Visible through a shaped sapphire display panel on the top of the case, a distinctive streamlined cock supports the balance, its centre cut away to reveal as much of the oscillating wheel as possible and validating the \u201ckinetic\u201d in MB&F\u2019s \u201ckinetic art\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The unmistakable wedge-shaped case of HM5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019 is direct homage to the plucky Amida Digitrend watch from the 1970s; however, it also has unmistakable references to another icon of that era, the Lamborghini Miura, the original supercar. While the Miura revolutionised car design in a plethora of ways, one of its many striking features were the black louvres over the back window.\u00a0The last decade or two has seen an exponential growth in inventions that have revolutionised our lives. Robots may not yet cook dinner, but they do build cars, vacuum the home and mow the lawn. Sending a man to Mars is more a question of economics than engineering. But imagine the excitement and dreams of the future in the early 1970s. Man could fly on the road with Italian supercars; fly on the sea with hovercrafts; fly at supersonic speeds on Concorde; and fly to the moon in Apollo. Everything was possible, including humanoid robots, jet-packs and flying cars. In the 1970s, the future wasn\u2019t tomorrow, it was today!\u00a0At first glance HM5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019 appears to be a relatively simple timepiece. But it\u2019s much more complicated than that. The time display consists of bi-directional jumping hours and minutes with indications inversed, reflected 90\u00b0 and then magnified 20%.\u00a0 HM5\u2019s case is not water resistant, but its movement is. Rear louvres on a supercar block light, on HM5 they let light in. HM5 has exhaust pipes, but they drain water. HM5 is called \u2018On the Road Again\u2019, but its inspiration, the Digitrend, barely left the garage.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

The hour and minute time displays are overlapping numbered disks rotating horizontally on top of the movement, yet the time is displayed vertically in a \u2018dashboard\u2019 at the front of the case. For this MB&F worked with a high-precision optical glass supplier to develop a reflective sapphire crystal prism that would both bend the light from the disks 90\u00b0 as well as magnify it by 20% to maximise legibility. The vertical forward-facing display makes HM5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019 an excellent driver\u2019s watch: there is no need to lift the wrist from the steering wheel of your Lambo to read the time!\u00a0As with any supercar, the best often lies under the hood and looking below the surface of the HM5 case reveals a surprise\u2009: another case\u2009! The reason for the inner container is water resistance. Those supercar louvres on HM5 let in light, but also water \u2013 the reason for those dual exhaust ports \u2013 so to protect the high-performance Engine from moisture as well as shocks, it is housed in its own stainless steel shell. This inner case is similar to the ridged chassis of a car on which the external coachwork\/body is mounted.\u00a0Turning HM5 over reveals the Engine through a sapphire crystal display back with its 22k gold battle-axe winding rotor, fast oscillating balance and stunning hand-finished bridges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Legacy Machine No<\/sup>1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Until 2011, MB&F\u2019s futuristic Machines might be accurately described as \u2018wild\u2019, \u2018extreme\u2019, \u2018unrestrained\u2019 and even \u2018outrageous\u2019. Words like \u2018traditional\u2019, \u2018classical\u2019 and \u2018round\u2019 did not appear in the MB&F lexicon. However, that all changed with Legacy Machine N\u00b01 (LM1).\u00a0 With its monumental central balance\u2009; superlatively finished movement\u2009; completely independent dual time zones\u2009; world-first vertical power reserve indicator and elegant annular case, LM1 is a sublimation of classical excellence\u2009; a joyful celebration of traditional watchmaking; and, above all, an authentic three-dimensional MB&F Machine.\u00a0Legacy Machine N\u00b01 was conceived when Maximilian B\u00fcsser started imagining\u2009: \u201cWhat type of Machines would I have created if I had been born in 1867 instead of 1967\u2009? In the early 1900s the first wristwatches appear and I would want to create three-dimensional Machines for the wrist. But there are no Grendizers, Star Wars or supersonic jets for my inspiration. However, there are pocket watches, the Eiffel Tower and Jules Verne, so what might my 1911 Machine look like\u2009? It has to be round and it has to be three-dimensional\u2009: Legacy Machine N\u00b01 was my answer.\u201d\u00a0In fidelity to high-quality 19th<\/sup> century pocket watches, LM1 features a traditionally slow oscillating (2.5 Hz), large diameter balance with Breguet overcoil suspended from majestic twin arches. Its enigmatic regulating mechanism is in full view, but without apparent connection to the movement.\u00a0Both the hours and the minutes on each of the two sub dials can be set completely independently of each other (dual time zone complications usually do not allow independent adjustment of the minutes), the pristine white dials further reinforcing visual references to that golden age of watchmaking, 1780-1850. Looking like a miniature sextant, the world\u2019s first wristwatch vertical power reserve indicator keeps track of available power and provides a visual three-dimensional counterpoint to the graceful arches supporting the balance.\u00a0Gazing down through Legacy Machine N\u00b01\u2019s crystal clear bubble dome to the micro-mechanical fantasy below, it\u2019s easy to imagine Jules Verne\u2019s Captain Nemo gazing down upon the mythical underwater city of Atlantis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Legacy Machine N\u00b01\u2019s in-house movement bears testimony to the enormous talent of its creators, Mojon and Voutilainen. Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Mojon and his team at Chronode (Best Watchmaker Prize at the 2010 Grand Prix d\u2019Horlogerie de Gen\u00e8ve) met the considerable challenge of developing the movement for LM1 from a blank sheet, while acclaimed independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen took responsibility for the aesthetic design and ensuring the utmost respect for tradition and finish. Immaculate Geneva waves, highly polished gold chatons and bridges with impeccably executed bevels following deliberate internal angles (which cannot be finished by machine), showcase the absolutely peerless fine-finishing.\u00a0The movement of Legacy Machine N\u00b01 proudly bears the names of both its creators and is the first calibre (other than his own) to bear Voutilainen\u2019s name. Available in either white gold or red gold, with Legacy Machine N\u00b01 MB&F has reinterpreted traditional 19th<\/sup> century watchmaking excellence to create a contemporary horological objet d\u2019art.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The year was 2005 and with the launch of MB&F, an explosive new era in haute horlogerie began. After 14 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian B\u00fcsser was looking for something new: not just a change but a complete rupture with business as usual. His vision for MB&F – Maximilian B\u00fcsser & Friends – was an unbridled creative horological laboratory publically recognising the contributions of the many talented artisans working in collaboration on each project.\u00a0The shock waves generated by Horological Machine N\u00b01, MB&F\u2019s first timepiece, rocked the staid world of fine watchmaking and the emotions unleashed ranged the full gamut from vehement abhorrence to unabashed awe. Now, after eight years of successive three-dimensional Machines, each drawing us ever further from our horological comfort zones, there is no question that the dream has become a reality.\u00a0MB&F were under no illusion that the architectural kinetic art they were creating would be widely appreciated\u2009; in fact, they were fully aware that by uncompromisingly creating exactly what they \u2013 rather than \u2018the market\u2019 \u2013 wanted, the vast majority of collectors would be unlikely to understand. However, it soon became obvious that appreciation of MB&F\u2019s radical concept and ground breaking three-dimensional Machines was shared by ever increasing numbers of people looking to break out of the constraints of conformity. \u00a0MB&F is a human adventure with a unique goal\u2009: to create kinetic art that happens to tell the time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>1<\/strong><\/p>\n

An innovative and completely original timepiece, <\/strong>Horological Machine N\u00b01 features the world\u2019s first movement with four barrels connected in both parallel and series as well as the first wristwatch movement to have energy simultaneously transmitted to the regulating system from two sources. \u00a0The anatomy of HM1 is a poetic fusion of architecture and horology. Two discrete dials, one for hours, the other for minutes are joined by an elevated central 60-second tourbillon that creates its own centre stage.\u00a0Within the 18k gold case beats a movement like no other\u2009: 376 parts, 81 functional jewels, together with the four massive mainspring barrels. Wound automatically, the lungs of this machine breathe life into the Machine, endowing HM1 with an impressive 7-day power reserve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>2<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

With its distinctive rectangular shape, flying buttresses, dual portholes and modular construction, Horological Machine N\u00b02 startled the world of haute horlogerie when it was launched in 2008. HM2-SV then surprised again with its crystal-clear sapphire case offering unprecedented visual access into the meticulously hand-finished, 349-component engine powering the indications on HM2\u2019s iconic twin dials.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HOROLOGICAL MACHINE N\u00b03<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the shock of HM1 and otherworldly HM2, Horological Machine N\u00b03 hammered home the message that MB&F was in an alternate reality when it came to fine watchmaking as contemporary art. The press release for HM3 began\u2009: \u201cWarning\u2009! Horological Machine N\u00b03 is so far outside existing timekeeping references that it may cause sensory overload.\u201d It might have also warned those with a weak heart or a preference for the comfort of traditional timekeepers to stay close to a defibrillator and medical assistance.\u00a0HM3 is available in two versions, each offering its own very distinct visual characteristics\u2009: \u2018Sidewinder\u2019, with the indicator cones lined perpendicular to the arm\u2009; and \u2018Starcruiser\u2019, with cones in line with the arm. At first regard the viewer\u2019s mind attempts to take in HM3\u2019s kinetically energetic movement and reconcile the paradox of the automatic winding rotor on the top of the watch, before being assailed again by twin cones rising majestically from the sculptured three-dimensional case. No wonder so many struggle to comprehend that this dynamic three dimensional sculptural art is also a highly technical wristwatch.\u00a0With both winding rotor and oscillating balance on top of the Machine\u2019s engine to better appreciate its beautiful finishing, HM3 pushes both the technical and aesthetic limits of horological architecture and design further than anyone could imagine\u2026 and then some! Two high-tech ceramic bearings drive the time indications in the cones: one showing hours plus day\/night, the other the minutes, while an oversized date wheel around the rotor \u2013 incredibly it is a larger diameter than the movement itself \u2013 frames the engine. The prominence of the battle-axe 22K solid gold rotor on top of HM3 increases recognition of this already iconic MB&F symbol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HM3 Frog<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of MB&F\u2019s main goals is to bring a child\u2019s sense of awe and playfulness into high-end watchmaking. With the HM3 Frog series, that goal has undoubtedly been achieved.\u00a0The protruding eyes of real-life frogs enable them to see in many directions without having to turn their head. HM3 Frog\u2019s bulbous hour and minute domes \u2013 paper thin and meticulously honed from solid blocks of aluminium \u2013 create a similar, but reversed, effect in that the wearer can easily read the time from a variety of angles without having to turn their wrist.\u00a0The original HM3 Frog Ti is named after its high-tech titanium case. Its blue 22k gold battle-axe winding rotor on top of the Jean-Marc Wiederrecht designed complication is framed by an oversized date wheel. The Frog may portray the time in a playful manner, but there is nothing but meticulous attention to detail regarding the fine hand-finishing of the highly-tuned engine.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

HM3 Poison Dart Frog<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

HM3 Poison Dart Frog is a limited edition of 10 pieces inspired by the spectacular yellow-banded poison dart frog hailing from South America. The deadly potential of these innocuous-looking amphibians is camouflaged in the tropical rainforest by their exotically-patterned black and yellow skin. Similarly, the high-tech zirconium case of Poison Dart Frog is disguised by a sleek, black layer of PVD contrasting spectacularly with the animated yellow gold rotor and screws.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HM3 Fire Frog<\/strong><\/p>\n

HM3 Fire Frog is a limited edition of 10 pieces created exclusively to celebrate the opening of the MB&F boutique in Beijing. Fire Frog is named for the warm glow emitted by the 18k red gold of its complex case and 22k red gold winding rotor. Rising up from the fire are the iconic bulbous domes of the Frog\u2019s hour and minute indicators. With its regal red gold case, HM3 Fire Frog warms both heart and eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>4 \u2018Thunderbolt\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The streamlined faster-than-sound looking HM4 Thunderbolt stretches horological art to its very limits. Neither the Thunderbolt\u2019s aviation-inspired case or engine would or could exist without the other, yet each is so transcendental as to be able to stand alone as a work of art in its own right.\u00a0The case of HM4 blends high-tech titanium for its lightweight and strength with a sapphire crystal centre section offering a stunning view into the Engine. The limited editions HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble take the aviation theme even further with real hand-applied rivets in their fuselages and hand painted \u2018nose art\u2019 inspired by the rebellious paintings on WWII aircraft. The exclusive HM4 RT, with sophisticated satin-sheen red gold and sapphire case, offers an altogether more luxurious way to fly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Thunderbolt\u2019s engine is the culmination of three long years of intensive development. Each of the 300-plus components \u2013 including the regulator and even the screws \u2013 was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating hours\/minutes (right) and power reserve (left). With the dials perpendicular to the wearer\u2019s wrist, Horological Machine N\u00b04 might be described as the perfect pilot or driver\u2019s watch. Each of the two aviation instrument-styled dials \u2013 one to wind and re-fuel the tanks, the other to set the time \u2013 is directly controlled by its own crown, providing instantaneous feedback of the action.\u00a0Visible through a shaped sapphire display panel on the top of the case, a distinctive streamlined cock supports the balance, its centre cut away to reveal as much of the oscillating wheel as possible and validating the \u201ckinetic\u201d in MB&F\u2019s \u201ckinetic art\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Horological Machine No<\/sup>5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The unmistakable wedge-shaped case of HM5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019 is direct homage to the plucky Amida Digitrend watch from the 1970s; however, it also has unmistakable references to another icon of that era, the Lamborghini Miura, the original supercar. While the Miura revolutionised car design in a plethora of ways, one of its many striking features were the black louvres over the back window.\u00a0The last decade or two has seen an exponential growth in inventions that have revolutionised our lives. Robots may not yet cook dinner, but they do build cars, vacuum the home and mow the lawn. Sending a man to Mars is more a question of economics than engineering. But imagine the excitement and dreams of the future in the early 1970s. Man could fly on the road with Italian supercars; fly on the sea with hovercrafts; fly at supersonic speeds on Concorde; and fly to the moon in Apollo. Everything was possible, including humanoid robots, jet-packs and flying cars. In the 1970s, the future wasn\u2019t tomorrow, it was today!\u00a0At first glance HM5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019 appears to be a relatively simple timepiece. But it\u2019s much more complicated than that. The time display consists of bi-directional jumping hours and minutes with indications inversed, reflected 90\u00b0 and then magnified 20%.\u00a0 HM5\u2019s case is not water resistant, but its movement is. Rear louvres on a supercar block light, on HM5 they let light in. HM5 has exhaust pipes, but they drain water. HM5 is called \u2018On the Road Again\u2019, but its inspiration, the Digitrend, barely left the garage.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

The hour and minute time displays are overlapping numbered disks rotating horizontally on top of the movement, yet the time is displayed vertically in a \u2018dashboard\u2019 at the front of the case. For this MB&F worked with a high-precision optical glass supplier to develop a reflective sapphire crystal prism that would both bend the light from the disks 90\u00b0 as well as magnify it by 20% to maximise legibility. The vertical forward-facing display makes HM5 \u2018On the Road Again\u2019 an excellent driver\u2019s watch: there is no need to lift the wrist from the steering wheel of your Lambo to read the time!\u00a0As with any supercar, the best often lies under the hood and looking below the surface of the HM5 case reveals a surprise\u2009: another case\u2009! The reason for the inner container is water resistance. Those supercar louvres on HM5 let in light, but also water \u2013 the reason for those dual exhaust ports \u2013 so to protect the high-performance Engine from moisture as well as shocks, it is housed in its own stainless steel shell. This inner case is similar to the ridged chassis of a car on which the external coachwork\/body is mounted.\u00a0Turning HM5 over reveals the Engine through a sapphire crystal display back with its 22k gold battle-axe winding rotor, fast oscillating balance and stunning hand-finished bridges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Legacy Machine No<\/sup>1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Until 2011, MB&F\u2019s futuristic Machines might be accurately described as \u2018wild\u2019, \u2018extreme\u2019, \u2018unrestrained\u2019 and even \u2018outrageous\u2019. Words like \u2018traditional\u2019, \u2018classical\u2019 and \u2018round\u2019 did not appear in the MB&F lexicon. However, that all changed with Legacy Machine N\u00b01 (LM1).\u00a0 With its monumental central balance\u2009; superlatively finished movement\u2009; completely independent dual time zones\u2009; world-first vertical power reserve indicator and elegant annular case, LM1 is a sublimation of classical excellence\u2009; a joyful celebration of traditional watchmaking; and, above all, an authentic three-dimensional MB&F Machine.\u00a0Legacy Machine N\u00b01 was conceived when Maximilian B\u00fcsser started imagining\u2009: \u201cWhat type of Machines would I have created if I had been born in 1867 instead of 1967\u2009? In the early 1900s the first wristwatches appear and I would want to create three-dimensional Machines for the wrist. But there are no Grendizers, Star Wars or supersonic jets for my inspiration. However, there are pocket watches, the Eiffel Tower and Jules Verne, so what might my 1911 Machine look like\u2009? It has to be round and it has to be three-dimensional\u2009: Legacy Machine N\u00b01 was my answer.\u201d\u00a0In fidelity to high-quality 19th<\/sup> century pocket watches, LM1 features a traditionally slow oscillating (2.5 Hz), large diameter balance with Breguet overcoil suspended from majestic twin arches. Its enigmatic regulating mechanism is in full view, but without apparent connection to the movement.\u00a0Both the hours and the minutes on each of the two sub dials can be set completely independently of each other (dual time zone complications usually do not allow independent adjustment of the minutes), the pristine white dials further reinforcing visual references to that golden age of watchmaking, 1780-1850. Looking like a miniature sextant, the world\u2019s first wristwatch vertical power reserve indicator keeps track of available power and provides a visual three-dimensional counterpoint to the graceful arches supporting the balance.\u00a0Gazing down through Legacy Machine N\u00b01\u2019s crystal clear bubble dome to the micro-mechanical fantasy below, it\u2019s easy to imagine Jules Verne\u2019s Captain Nemo gazing down upon the mythical underwater city of Atlantis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Legacy Machine N\u00b01\u2019s in-house movement bears testimony to the enormous talent of its creators, Mojon and Voutilainen. Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Mojon and his team at Chronode (Best Watchmaker Prize at the 2010 Grand Prix d\u2019Horlogerie de Gen\u00e8ve) met the considerable challenge of developing the movement for LM1 from a blank sheet, while acclaimed independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen took responsibility for the aesthetic design and ensuring the utmost respect for tradition and finish. Immaculate Geneva waves, highly polished gold chatons and bridges with impeccably executed bevels following deliberate internal angles (which cannot be finished by machine), showcase the absolutely peerless fine-finishing.\u00a0The movement of Legacy Machine N\u00b01 proudly bears the names of both its creators and is the first calibre (other than his own) to bear Voutilainen\u2019s name. Available in either white gold or red gold, with Legacy Machine N\u00b01 MB&F has reinterpreted traditional 19th<\/sup> century watchmaking excellence to create a contemporary horological objet d\u2019art.<\/p>\n

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