Introducing The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 Now in Blue Edition

MB&F's association with cars runs deep, starting in 2012 with the HM5, followed by the HM8 in 2016. Each of these versions is linked through the instantly recognizable speedometer-shaped dial on the side of the case that reminds us of a bold, futuristic design. In the seventies. From Amida, the company from which Max was inspired by the design.

To grasp MB&F’s connection to the automotive realm, let’s rewind to 1985. As a child, Maximilian Büsser harbored a dream of becoming a car designer, a passion ingrained in him. Upon learning about the opening of ArtCenter College of Design's European campus near his childhood home, he was filled with hope. However, the hefty tuition fee of CHF 50,000 posed a challenge. Despite his parents' willingness to support him, Maximilian knew it was too much. Despite encouragement to pursue engineering due to his mathematical prowess, he enrolled in the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). Yet, this wasn’t the end of his story.

A decade after the first automotive-inspired MB&F Machines, MB&F revealed the supercar-inspired HM8 Mark 2 in 2023. with white or green body panels, the latter limited to 33 pieces, the HM8 Mark 2 comes back with a new 2024 limited edition featuring glossy sapphire blue bodywork, again limited to 33 pieces. Thanks to their metallic pigments and a translucent material, the blue body panels recall luxurious car paints, both technically and aesthetically.

The case, crafted from Grade 5 titanium with blue CarbonMacrolon®, is not only visually striking but also meticulously engineered, comprising 42 components. Its dimensions measure 47 x 41.5 x 19 mm, ensuring a harmonious balance of robustness and elegance.

The HM8 Mark 2's vibrant sapphire blue hue is achieved using metallic pigments sourced from minerals, akin to those used in metallic car paint. These pigments are meticulously blended with resin following a precise protocol, including parameters like incorporation time, mixing temperature, speed, and duration. Crafting this double-curved sapphire involves a level of complexity that's 30 to 40 times costlier than a typical dome sapphire, with only one supplier willing to undertake the challenge.

Developed exclusively for MB&F, CarbonMacrolon® is a composite material comprising a polymer matrix infused with carbon nanotubes, enhancing its strength and rigidity. Offering superior tensile strength and stiffness compared to traditional carbon fiber reinforcements, CarbonMacrolon® is solid, allowing for various finishing techniques such as coloring, polishing, bead-blasting, lacquering, and satin-finishing. Moreover, it weighs eight times less than steel.

Much of the technology within the HM8 Mark 2 remains discreet, akin to a hypercar, starting with the intricately milled titanium chassis. The hardness of this alloy presented a significant challenge for MB&F's technicians.

Similarly concealed but equally innovative is the new crown design, featuring a "double de-clutch" system reminiscent of automotive mechanisms. By pressing and turning the crown three-quarters of a turn, it releases, optimizing space and enhancing system security.

The idea didn’t end there, as the mission was to make the numerals look almost digital or electronic. This was achieved using sapphire disks that were coated with a black metallization, leaving the numerals clear. Super-LumiNova® was then added underneath the sapphire disc, so that the luminescence would be completely flat.

As mentioned, Max drew inspiration for this dial from Amida Digitrend's unconventional design. MB&F implemented a sapphire prism to vertically display the jumping hours and sweeping minutes, although they were physically flat atop the movement. Time was shown through a window reminiscent of a vintage speedometer on the front of the case, designed for easy readability while driving. The stacked discs maximize digit size and thus enhance legibility.

The three-dimensional horological engine, comprising a jumping hour and trailing minutes module developed in-house by MB&F and powered by a Girard-Perregaux base movement, features automatic winding with a power reserve of 42 hours. Its balance frequency stands at 28,800 bph/4Hz, and it consists of 247 components. 

Crafting the battle axe rotor, which propels the movement, is exceptionally intricate due to the thinness of its 22-carat gold blades, measuring just two-tenths of a millimeter thick. These blades are too delicate for machining and must be stamped, with the engraving pre-incorporated into the stamping process. The piece is completed by a sporty and comfortable white calfskin strap. and priced at  CHF 68,000 which is equivalent 273,000 AED 

 For more information, please visit MB&F official website.