Whenever MB&F introduces a new timepiece, they make sure it is a true work of art. MB&F is the brainchild of Maximilian Büsser, a former Harry Winston team member who left in 2005 to start his own company. He has successfully built a brand that draws on the freedom and creativity that arises from bringing together independent horological professionals to produce true works of art. The watches introduced at SIHH 2019 are once again two great timepieces. The first is the all-new MB&F Medusa clock. This marks the tenth time that MB&F has worked together with world-renowned clockmaker L’Epée 1839. The second piece is the MB&F MH6 Final Edition, the last installment in the MB&F HM6 watch series.
MB&F Medusa Clock
The newest addition to the MB&F line-up is the remarkable Medusa clock. It’s the tenth collaboration between MB&F and Swiss clockmaker L’Epée 1839. The Medusa takes its inspiration from the warm ocean waters – home of the elegant and ancient jellyfish. The Medusa is a dual-configuration clock housed in hand-blown Murano glass in the shape of the infamous jellyfish. The clock is a piece that will light up any room and can be ceiling mounted or placed on a desk.
The large transparent hand-blown Murano glass dome gives this clock its characteristic look. The clock is available with a blue, green, or pink transparent dome, through which you can see two rotating discs that display the hours and minutes. The time is read off a single fixed indicator that extends over the rings. Similar to a jellyfish at night, the Medusa clock glows in the dark thanks to Super Luminova, which adds a touch of magic to this beautiful piece. Each color variation of the Medusa clock is limited to a run of 50 pieces.
MB&F HM6 Final Edition
In addition to the Medusa clock, MB&F also released the final edition of their iconic MB&F HM6 series. The 8 pieces of this HM6 ‘Final Edition’ bring the total number of HM6s to 100 pieces. MB&F have been making the Horological Machine Nº6 series since 2014. It’s a timepiece that has brought MB&F a great deal of fame and is as much a piece of art for the wrist as a wristwatch. Since its release, people seem to either love it or hate it. The remarkable design was inspired by a Japanese anime series called Capitaine Flam from the 1970s and 1980s. In the series, the captain travels through space in a spaceship that inspired the design of the HM6. Similar to the previous HM6 editions, the Final Edition looks more like a spacecraft than a watch.
For the final installment in the series, the company decided to go for a stainless steel 52-mm case with a blue color motif that was inspired by the temperature of the stars. The color is prominent on the platinum oscillating weight, numerals, and markings. The hours and minutes are displayed under sapphire domes perpendicular to the case and are run by conical gears. The automatic 68-jewel movement and its 475 components are protected against over winding and other stress by air resistance from two turbines, which is meant to increase its longevity.
Another characteristic feature of the watch is the flying tourbillon. This complication is housed under a dome that also contains a retractable shield to protect the revolving cage’s lubricants from the adverse effects of ultraviolet light; this improves accuracy of the watch’s mechanism. The dome and shield blend in perfectly with the case’s curves and additional elements, making a truly unique timepiece. The Final Edition is powered by the same movement that powers all the HM6 watches developed by MB&F and David Candaux. It features a 72-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 30 m. The Final Version comes with an alligator leather strap and coordinating steel buckle.
MB&F’s decision to discontinue the production of the HM6 series is a strategic one. The manufacturer wishes to move forward and explore new territories, keeping their creative spark alive. The choice itself is in line with other bold decisions made by the MB&F brand. We’re curious to see what they will come up with next. One thing is certain: Whatever they do won’t go unnoticed; neither will the iconic Horological Machine Nº6.
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