Founded by Maximilian Büsser nearly twenty years ago, in 2005, MB&F have become known for their innovative, conceptual watches made in small numbers and which seek to push the boundaries of how we see time. Their approach to watchmaking focuses on collaboration and bringing handcrafted methods to their futuristic ideas. Their Horological Machines are kinetic sculptures intended to tease out the imagination, displaying time in entirely unconventional ways. This HM6 is an excellent example of their ambition, with its sinuous curves and carefully balanced design.
This titanium HM6 was first released in 2014, in a limited run of just 50 pieces. Joining a series of Horological Machines that were already quite avantgarde in design, the HM6 pushed this even further, separating all the time-telling elements and completely abandoning any pretense of adhering to a standard watch shape.
The curves and natural shapes found throughout the watch exemplify the biomorphism that permeates MB&F’s work, imposing elements of nature into a functional, metal form. The case itself is made from Grade 5 titanium. A centralised flying tourbillon is the focal point of the watch, visually functioning as the cockpit of the spaceship. There are two crowns present – the one at 3 o’clock for the usual time-adjustment purposes, but the one at 9 o’clock can be activated to roll down a protective cover for the tourbillon, much like opening and closing the top of a convertible, but more practically, this function protects the oils in the watch’s inner workings from becoming oxidised due to light.
Meanwhile, the four domes on each corner are reminiscent of spacecraft thrusters, overall highlighting the automotive shape of this case. The two domes that face towards the wearer house the hour and minute indications, which rotate vertically to display the time and have green arrows guiding you to a more exact reading of the time. Because of the curved shape of the glass and the hemispherical indicators, the numbers appear to be slightly magnified, for greater ease of reading and also adding to the quirky appearance of the watch. On the opposite end, the two domes found there are fitted with turbines that spin automatically, in order to regulate the watch’s winding system. These have a black and white pattern that look similar to an illusion pattern.
Turning the watch over reveals the underside of the movement, as well as the four domes. From what can be seen of the movement below the tourbillon, it is excellently finished, with perlage visible on the baseplate, carefully brushed surfaces, and sharp anglage across all the edges. Each of the sections are carefully layered atop each other, giving the impression of depth and complexity even through such a small aperture. The watchmaking engine of the HM6 was developed exclusively for MB&F by David Candaux, a highly-talented independent watchmaker, designer, and constructor based in Vallée de Joux.
The case diameter is rather large, sitting at 49.5mm x 52.3mm in diameter and 20.4mm in thickness. However, the natural curves of the case and the pivoted lugs make this a surprisingly ergonomic experience, and the watch sits very comfortably on the wrist.
A Collected Man is a Pre-Owned Approved partner of MB&F, a relationship which stems from the deep appreciation we have for the work of Maximillian Büsser and his friends. We are pleased to note that MB&F has graciously offered a complimentary service to the buyer within the first six months after the sale.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this MB&F HM6 TI will be subject to 20% VAT
