MB&F Horological Machine HM 2, 20.DRRTL.R, Rose Gold and Titanium

This pre-owned, 18-carat rose gold and titanium MB&F Horological Machine 2 (ref. 20.DRRTL.R with Sowind base) watch is in mint condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. This rare MB&F comes as a full set, with the original box and paperwork, and is guaranteed for authenticity. 

The extra large case has an 18-carat rose gold front and a titanium case-back. It measures an impressive 59 mm in width and 38 mm in length (without the lugs) and has a thickness of 13 mm. The watch has a real three-dimensional presence, yet it sits nicely on the arm, thanks to its excellent design, composed of 102 individual pieces. The lugs are nicely curved on the case-back, giving the watch a comfortable fit on the wrist.

The front features two dials, each 26 mm in diameter. The left dial has an outer chapter of white Arabic numerals on a ruthenium background, between the traditional eight and four o'clock markers. This scale serves as the retrograde date-function, jumping between the last and first day of the month. The middle of the dial, on a different level, features the bi-hemisphere moon-phase, emphasising the three dimensionality of the watch. The dial is a wonderful blends of colours, with ruthenium and silver being the dominant colours, but with rose gold re-appearing in small details like the pointed arrow for the date and moon, and blue used to shadow out the latter.

The right-hand side dial has concentric retrograde minutes on an outer scale, with a pointed, white arrow with a rose gold edge marking the minutes. The inner chapter is occupied by a ruthenium dial with white Arabic numerals for the captivating jumping hours. The hours are shown through a blue circle, giving the right dial a clear design, making it easy to read, despite its complexity.

Both the front and back are covered by sapphire crystals with anti-glare treatment, the latter revealing the stunning movement. The mix of hues and finishing is stunning, with the 22-carat rose gold rotor in the form of a battle-axe dominating the view. Watching it move is dazzling, making it almost as exciting as the front of the watch. The Sowind-based movement is designed by  Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and Agenhor, and it is made up of of 349 parts, including 44 jewels, beating at a rate of 28,800 A/h. The Horological Machine 2 comes on a brown stitched alligator strap with a hidden, magnetic deployant clasp of rose gold and titanium.

The watch, despite its complexity, represents functionality. Designed from the ground up, it not just re-imagines, but re-invents what a watch is. Building on traditional watchmaking, it uses 21st century micro-engineering to create a contemporary timepiece. And as such, it is not just a horological machine, but a revolutionary timepiece as well.

This intriguing watch is limited to 125 pieces only.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.