Independents
Alex shares an owner's candid thoughts on the MB&F Horological Machine N°2, a timepiece that challenges traditional watch aesthetics. This article, translated from the owner's perspective, delves into the emotional impact and intellectual engagement required to appreciate this 'machine more than watch,' highlighting its intriguing design and polarizing appeal.
A friend of mine recently received his Horological Machine n°2 and since he is both technically challenged and is not comfortable in writing in English asked me to share scans and impressions with you. The text is his (my translation) and the photos are from you’re truly.
Ever since the day I saw the Opus III (2003) and even though he is not a watchmaker I had dreamt of having a watch which Max Büsser was involved in. The Opus III was an eye opener and the Opus IV a jaw opener. It was a difficult project launching a brand where all elements of design and brand recognition would be reinvented for every new creation but I had faith and impatiently waited the unveiling of the HM-1.
It was a very interesting piece but unfortunately not up to my means. I was happy to hear that MB&F would be switching each year between a new model with a fully developed inhouse movement and another on a base ebauche which would invariably lower the price range.
I was more that intrigued when I first saw the movement for the HM-2, it looked like anything but a watch movement but my heart was beating fast because I knew that this one was maybe the ONE. When I saw the 1st photos I knew that I wanted it and badly and based only on these photos I placed an order at my AD.
Last week I got a call from my AD saying that he had received the HM-2 and I immediately dashed to his store, and 20 minutes later it was sitting on my wrist.
The HM-2 is definitely more machine than watch! It’s not a beautiful watch but it is a timepiece which is both interesting and intriguing and which obliges you to a certain intellectual gymnastics to understand and approach it. It is a watch with a great emotional impact and that is the main reason it attracts me so much.
For the past days many who have seen it on my wrist have commented on it. They wonder what the object I have on my wrist is! No one actually imagined it could be a watch!!
It’s an object which I can’t stop staring at. It is anything but tactile (unlike the HM-1 which was all in curves) but I can’t stop touching it. The case construction is full of subtleties which I discover over time and the mix of titanium, rose gold and grey ruthenium dials give the watch a fantastically contemporary look without it being gimmicky in any way.
Now I just can’t wait to see Horological Machine 3 J
The blue "cache" for the moonphase indication looks surprisingly like the case shape of the HM-1!
I can imagine the excitement and joy at receiving the watch. Wear it in the best of health! - SJX
With one comment. For some reason, I think this is one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen....Ok, its not like Vacheron or Voutilainen or even Journe beauty......But the different textures, finishes, dial treatments, blending of materials and metals are just a georgeous sum of the parts. I was floored with this watch when I saw it and thank you and Alex for sharing your joy with us! Wear it well! Its a treasure! Most I have seen posted are RG versions - Are people more partial to the
Even Doc with his passion for vintage VC's have to admit, that this is something oustanding ! It's a step out in the blue, a new way to see things, like this was in the 20's. When I visit you next time you better bring out your friend too :-) Thanks for an excellent post, my dear Alex Doc
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