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ThePuristS hosted an intimate gathering at the Napa Valley Grille in Los Angeles on Monday evening, September 25th, with Maximilian Busser attending as the guest of honor. The casual dinner provided a fantastic opportunity sit and talk with the CEO and founder of Max Busser & Friends and to learn about his hopes and expectations for this new company.
The Guest of Honor, Max Busser with the rapt attention of Mehna.
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The Napa Valley Grille provided a comfortable setting serving California wine country cuisine and boasting an in-depth selection of California wines. Chef Anne Conness? philosophy of keeping things simple forces the food to speak for itself, and a well-rounded selection of California wines complements her dishes well. We were seated in the Rutherford Room, one of two rooms available for private dining, and the attentiveness of the service assured that no one ever had an empty glass. As for the quality of the food, despite satisfying portions, one LA Purist was seen ordering a second dinner!
The Rutherford Room at th Napa Valley Grille.
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After the entr?es, Max introduced us to what we were anxiously awaiting, the Horological Machine No. 1. The Machine did not disappoint, and a close inspection of the piece gave an understanding of MB&F?s statement that ?it is a machine epitomizing the incredible passion and enthusiasm that its collective of Friends dedicated to its creation.? The watch is designed by Eric Giroud, and the movement is by Laurent Besse and Peter Speake-Marin.
Horological Machine No. 1.
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With the introduction of this special machine, the spirit of MB&F becomes evident. Max explains that the question he is always being asked is ?Why did you do this?? His response is reflective of both an artist and a philosopher. By the age of 31, he had worked his way into a dream position of Managing Director of Harry Winston Ultimate Timepiece SA Geneva. As he successfully guided the company into one of the global leaders in watchmaking, he came to realize that more power in the industry did not necessarily translate into more enjoyment. And the dream of MB&F was formed. He dreamed of a small company, working only with people that he respected, appreciated, and who would share his passion. Max likened his reason to take a chance and to form this dream company to Private Ryan?s burden: when given the gift of a very fortunate life, it is a person?s duty to live a life that is worthwhile. The name of the company says it all. This is friends doing what they love. It is a company where passion is the driving force. All the baggage of conforming with corporate cultures, demands of investors, and constraints of brand building may all be left behind.
Max offered a few words shedding some light on the technical innovations created by MB&F.
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The Horological Machine No. 1 is an exciting new watch which showcases the creative drive that is being harnessed at MB&F. Max challenged his Friends to approach this project with the enthusiasm and innocence of children. With limitless imagination, children do not understand the impossible. Children are also allowed to be unreasonable in their dreams and passions. With this approach, there are no bounds that cannot be explored. This watch was developed in the incredible span of ten months. Only 100 will be produced and will be available at the rate of 30 per year for the next three years.
Max understands that there is an emotional tie that attracts a particular person to a particular watch. And he understands that his creative vision may not make that vital connection with some people. But even those people may acquire a taste for MB&F once they understand the philosophy of the watch. Hopefully, his creations will draw out those emotions and ignite the same passions in others that he and his friends have put into these timepieces.
Upon meeting Max for the first time this evening, he was extremely personable, gracious, and friendly. He patiently answered all questions, and even shared his points of view on determining price points and the intrinsic value of watches.
After speaking to the group, Max answered questions and discussed a wide range of issues regarding the watch and MB&F.
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At the end of the evening, Max provided all attendees with a hard-bound brochure of the Horological Machine No. 1, and personally signed them for any who asked.
A special thank you to Max Busser, for introducing us to the Horological Machine No. 1 and allowing us an insight into his vision and MB&F.
The prototype of the movement was kindly made available for examination.
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Steve H. taking his turn to take a closer look at the Horological Machine No.1 on his wrist.
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And, yes, there were other notables in the room this evening, including Vianney halter's Antiqua.
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The opportunity to hold a watch in your hands and ask its maker anything you like makes these dinners enormously enjoyable events.
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Anthony explaining the beauty of Panerai to Ivar.
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Beauty wasn't only on the wrists this evening, as several PuristS arrived with more than a watch on their arms...
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Good food and wine, a great gathering of friends, an exciting new watch?
That says it all.
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