When it comes to timepieces, craftsmanship and art are aligned. When it comes to MB&F, these two have masterfully merged. As the world’s first watchmaking concept laboratory, the brand has made a name for itself with its artistic timepieces, so-called “Horological Machines”. Ten years ago, MB&F started a collection inspired by automobiles, and it was a childhood dream come true for the company’s founder Maximilian Büsser. The first model, the HM5, was released in 2012. The HMX followed in 2015, and the HM8 in 2016. This year, the HM8 Mark 2 enriches the collection as another portable work of art. The model is available in two versions: with a green titanium and CarbonMacrolon case, limited to 33 pieces, or a white one.
The case
The case measures 47 x 41.5 mm in diameter and is 19 mm in height. It is waterproof to a depth of 30 m. The Porsche 918 Spyder inspired the shape of the HM8 Mark 2 case. With each collection, MB&F dare to take up new material challenges to implement their unusual designs. This model is no exception, as new solutions had to be found.
Titanium and CarbonMacrolon
To emulate the shape of the vehicle body particularly well, MB&F chose a chassis construction. It consists of titanium grade 5 and a green or white CarbonMacrolon body panel. CarbonMacrolon is a polymer matrix with injected carbon nanotubes for increased strength and rigidity and was specially developed for MB&F. This unique solid material is eight times lighter than steel and offers a wide range of design options.
Green or white?
The coachwork is available in two colour variations – British racing green or white. The open-worked roof and the bottom of the CarbonMacrolon body are coloured in the corresponding hue. However, there is titanium in the center of the coachwork, that runs along the sides. The caseback is also made of titanium. Whereas the top of the case has a matt finish, the sides are highly polished. Yet, machining the material was challenging, as the alloys are difficult to mill due to their hardness.
Versatility
The versatility of its case makes the HM8 Mark 2 stand out and invites the wearer to observe it from all sides. From above, the movement is visible through the glass roof of the coachwork. The “Double Bubble” roof of Fiat Abarth’s Zagato served as inspiration for the roof’s appearance. It required a complex manufacturing process to bring the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides into its double-curved shape.
Unlike other timepieces, the HM8 Mark 2 displays the time on the front side and thus under the “hood” when you turn your wrist. There are two sapphire crystal windows integrated into the titanium frame. Between them, as on the front end of a car, is the MB&F emblem in the form of a badge. On the underside, the sapphire crystal offers a view of the lowered caseback, which bears the model’s name and an engraving of the brand name on a black ring with a bar. Moreover, the surrounding metal showcases an engraving of the material name on the left and the reference number on the right.
In addition, the case of the HM8 Mark 2 is equipped with a never-before-seen type of fluted crown. It is released by pressing and turning it three-quarters of a turn. Through this integration, the crown is more secure and takes up less space. Another peculiarity of the crown is its location as it is not on the right side of the case but on the rear side.
The dial
True to the concept, the dial resembles a speedometer, making it easy to read the time even while driving. Strongly inspired by the Amida Digitrend from 1976, the display is vertical and visible through two windows at the front of the watch.
Digital aesthetic
Counter-rotating sapphire discs indicate the jumping hour and sweeping minutes. Unlike the Amida Digitrend, however, the discs are not placed next to each other but one above the other. Due to the vertical format, the numerals are actually inverted. But with the help of dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lenses, they are visually reversed and appear the right way around. In addition, there is Super-LumiNova under the sapphire crystal, making it look flat instead of bulging.
Through this implementation, the white numerals on the sapphire discs with a black metal coating are more visible and appear almost digital. In addition, the minute counter adds a touch of colour with turquoise for the British racing green version and light green for the white version.
The movement
The sapphire crystal roof reveals an automatic movement, which is based on the Girard-Perregaux GP03300 calibre. It is supplemented by a module developed by MB&F with jumping hours and sweeping minutes. The movement oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz with a power reserve of 42 hours. The colour of the battle-axe-shaped rotor in 22-carat gold contrasts with the rest of the movement and draws all the attention. In the British racing green version, the rotor and balance are made of red gold. Likewise, the white version has a CVD-coated rotor in green. One of the rotor blades is only two-tenths of a millimetre thick and was therefore stamped and not engraved.
Strap, price, and availability
A white calfskin strap with a titanium pin buckle accompanies the British racing green model, limited to 33 pieces. The white version, on the other hand, has a calfskin strap in sage green. Both versions are available for CHF 73‘000.
If I had asked my history teacher at school what history actually was, he would have probably told me that it was all about the past. Unfortunately, I never asked him as I would have been staring out of the window, perhaps pondering the next great watch from Audemars Piguet. One thing, however, is certain:…
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) accommodates a flying tourbillon in the slim "Jumbo" case. In order to make this complication possible for the "Jumbo", a completely new movement had to be developed. At the same time, the watchmaker wanted to maintain the classic proportions. At the beginning of the year,…
Wempe and Norqain are introducing the Independence Wild One 42 Signature Collection, a limited-edition sports watch in vibrant turquoise. Created in collaboration with luxury watch and jewellery retailer as part of their Signature Collection series, this exclusive timepiece combines contemporary design with premium materials. With only 50 pieces available, it appeals equally to fans of…
Panerai is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its online fan community paneristi.com with the special edition Panerai Radiomir Venti – 45 mm. The website is a reference point for Panerai lovers all over the world and is independent of the brand or Richemont Group, to which Panerai has belonged since 1997. However, the anniversary model,…
First launched in 2015, the Legacy Machine Perpetual has been crafted since in red gold, platinum, white gold and titanium. A new 18k yellow gold case with striking blue face now joins the series. Beginning with a blank sheet of paper, MB&F and independent Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell have completely reinvented that most traditional of…
Parisian brand Hermès has introduced a new Arceau watch: the Arceau Squelette. Designed by Henri D'Origny, the brand's Arceau watches have been in existence since 1978. Most notably, they feature a 40 mm case and italicised, swirling numerals. However, the Arceau Squelette goes a step further by including a skeletonised movement, visible not only through…
The 37th edition of the America's Cup will take place between August and October. This year, the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, supported by Panerai, will once again be competing in the world's oldest sailing regatta. With the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech, Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio and Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience…
Porsche Design has unveiled the Chronograph 911 Turbo 50 Years, a limited-edition timepiece that honors the legendary 911 Turbo. This chronograph, limited to 1,974 units, embodies the performance and design ethos of the iconic sports car. Exclusively available to the owners of the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years special model, the watch is a testament…
Since 2017, future car owners of selected Porsche models have had the option of having their own Porsche Design chronographs, made to match their sports car. The latest version: the 911 GT3 RS Chronograph. Porsche Design is launching the new 911 GT3 RS Chronograph exclusively for buyers of its high-performance sports car. The watchmakers at…
Montblanc is unveiling the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18. The watch uses a new gold alloy called Lime Gold. The Montblanc 1858 line takes its inspiration from the professional Minerva watches from the 1920s and 1930s. These piece were used in extreme conditions, following their initial conception for use by the military.…
As a long-standing partner of the Italian sailing team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Panerai is presenting the Luminor Luna Rossa Carbotech. The special edition is being released on the occasion of the 37th America's Cup. The watch is only available for 24 hours and there are only 37 pieces. The case comes in the company's…
After four years of development, the time has come: Breguet presents two new pilot's watches inspired by the Maison’s military (Type 20) as well as civilian (Type XX) models of the 1950s. The new Type 20 Chronographe 2057 and the Type XX Chronographe 2067 fully stand in the tradition of Breguet's close relationship with aviation.…