Comments:
I would think it's quite likely that there will be variants of this HMX appearing down the road...
MB&F HMX launch to celebrate 10th anniversary of MB&F
This evening I am fortunate to be invited by Max Busser and the Hour Glass Singapore for a dinner to launch the MB&F HMX. X is the Roman numeral for 10 to mark the 10th anniversary of this independent watchmaker. A quick post here to share with fellow PuristS (as I am still eating dinner so this is a live report!)
Max started the dinner explaining his journey the past 10 years, emphasizing the times the company almost failed and how they picked themselves up. Many very inspiring stories of how his partners and friends helped pull him thru and how hard he worked with his team to turn things around in years they almost went under
inspiration for the new HMX
Presenting the HMX!
4 colors. Each one LE 20 in a case made of steel and titanium at a very attractive price for an anniversary piece!
Dinner was great especially with my fun watch the LM 101 with electric blue strap
Some other MB&Fs I like tonight
Cheers
Robin
Max started the dinner explaining his journey the past 10 years, emphasizing the times the company almost failed and how they picked themselves up. Many very inspiring stories of how his partners and friends helped pull him thru and how hard he worked with his team to turn things around in years they almost went under
inspiration for the new HMX
Presenting the HMX!
4 colors. Each one LE 20 in a case made of steel and titanium at a very attractive price for an anniversary piece!
Dinner was great especially with my fun watch the LM 101 with electric blue strap
Some other MB&Fs I like tonight
Cheers
Robin
Nice on the spot reporting Robin!!! (but...)
and great pics, thanks for sharing it with us and taking the time to post them! I love the HM3 on that gold strap!
The watch and marketing BS itself about the HMX... umm... is it right to say that swallowing a mouthful of your own vomit is more enjoyable... or as a grown man it is acceptable that you need to change your underwear after laughing so much?
Cheers
Andrew
This message has been edited by andrewluff on 2015-06-02 07:38:42
Thanks Andrew
Could you clarify your comments on the HMX?
I thought it was a very nice piece so am confused on your comments
Cheers
Robin
I thought it was a very nice piece so am confused on your comments
Cheers
Robin
Nothing against the watches Robin...
I like the look of them (cross between the HM5 and Romain Jerome Subcraft) but it is actually the marketing story that goes with it which I had just read before seeing your post which makes me feel like a sucker.
I especially found joy in the part of 'Recognising their importance, HMX is our way to say thanks to an absolutely vital group of Friends: the collectors who have supported us from the beginning'. However, funny enough I have not heard of anyone standing up yet who was a previous customer (myself included) from the early days receive a letter inviting them to buy the watch at this wonderful price as a term of respect for the friendship and support they have given to the brand. I think the only thing I actually read is how they are all purportedly sold out already to the boutiques and the MAD galleries.
Maybe I am just being cynical, but isn't this just a way of releasing 80 new watches at a lower price point to entice new clients rather than to reward the ones who have been in since the early days... or perhaps a way of getting potentially CHF2.4m worth of sales as a birthday present to MB&F? I can't see where else the big present lies and if I was an owner of the HM5 (luckily I now only own a HM1 and our very own PuristS HM3) I think I would be crying.
Just my slant on it
Cheers
Andrew
Ah I understand now Andrew
I see your perspective and can understand what you mean now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Well all brands do some form of marketing... Part of the business
For the HM5 owners, I compared the HM5 and HMX and there are some differences which I feel make the HM5 more robust and feels it commands a higher price tag.
Firstly the HM5 is either in precious metals, carbon Macrolon or titanium. The HMX is in steel with some titanium in the case.
The HM5 also has a much bigger wrist presence with a larger case and more heft, plus it can "open up" to allow "charging" of the super luminova - all these I feel makes the HM5 feel more luxurious and special if you will.
The HM5's time display also looks better and more legible than the HMX IMHO.
Overall I also find the finishing of the case of the HM5 look and feel nicer.
The HMX is also very special being an anniversary piece and also has a very nice curvy case (great design!) and it is definitely worthy of being an anniversary piece but I still think the HM5 is a more robustly built watch which commands a higher price point.
For small wrists like mine, the HMX does fit my wrist more than the bigger HM5
Cheers
Robin
Well all brands do some form of marketing... Part of the business
For the HM5 owners, I compared the HM5 and HMX and there are some differences which I feel make the HM5 more robust and feels it commands a higher price tag.
Firstly the HM5 is either in precious metals, carbon Macrolon or titanium. The HMX is in steel with some titanium in the case.
The HM5 also has a much bigger wrist presence with a larger case and more heft, plus it can "open up" to allow "charging" of the super luminova - all these I feel makes the HM5 feel more luxurious and special if you will.
The HM5's time display also looks better and more legible than the HMX IMHO.
Overall I also find the finishing of the case of the HM5 look and feel nicer.
The HMX is also very special being an anniversary piece and also has a very nice curvy case (great design!) and it is definitely worthy of being an anniversary piece but I still think the HM5 is a more robustly built watch which commands a higher price point.
For small wrists like mine, the HMX does fit my wrist more than the bigger HM5
Cheers
Robin
Would be interesting to see a side by side comparison with the HM5
or with the Romain Jerome who also came out with the curved version, I remember everyone comparing the HM5 and RJ starship when they came out at the same time a few years back.
It is really interesting to hear your thoughts on the levels of finish and how they have been lowered for this piece. I compare this with the Ti HM5 which is the basic version but did Max confirm that this was going to be the only versions or other materials will follow at I guess at a higher price (and not so much of a big thank you)?
Not wanting to get on my soapbox, all brands make us think how lucky we are to be able to buy their products! Some just BS better than others and I see no link with this piece and a thank you 
Cheers
Andrew
Looking at the past HM
I would think it's quite likely that there will be variants of this HMX appearing down the road...
So you mean...
We will probably see a whole range of super affordable, special favour, made for collectors, 10th Anniversary pieces for the friends in recognition of those who supported MB&F from the start?
Cheers
Andrew
haha...
Andrew I do understand and share your feelings. Having said that, given the small production & their business strategy centered around 'limited supply' concepts, I don't blame him for trying to reach out to new customers most of the time. And when you factor in all the 'iterations', take HM2 for example, then it makes even more sense to feel out new customers as owners of previous HM2 is probably the least likely ones to buy another variation of HM2..
Afterall he's in the business to make money and frankly the money is in the huge pool of new customers where he can engage with his story.
Thanks, Andrew, very interesting points and...
putting into words some vaguely discomforting "feelings" that some have been feeling.
Marketing is one thing, any realist recognizes the need for marketing, but I think the thing that bothers lots of Purists are sincere ideas used insincerely...
(above not necessarily directed at Max or MB&F...)
cheers,
TM
Both Thomas & Andrew are well valid from my perspective.
IMHO, both Andrew & Thomas made very valid points. Being a big fan of MB&F, i love their openess. Period. But if they would like to go after new customers, we totally understand the needs as they are running a business. But if they are creating a new piece using current model as reference w/ a Soprod movements, i think potentially it's cause uneasiness. IMHO, it's better off launch w/a different design (nice but less expensive to build) w/a better movement. ps. I like Soprod but i think it's deserved a better engine's pedigree.
Thanks Robin ...very interesting
and these watches are ...simply extraordinary
A great meal also
Best
Christian
Glad you like the post Christian
Nice watches and nice food
Perfect pairing
Cheers
Robin
Perfect pairing
Cheers
Robin
The VIDEO and thanks for the live report!
I like the way peolpe wearing MB&Fs choose their strap color. It is a move which fits the brand's spirit greatly.
I find this HMX very nice, maybe smoother thant the HM5.
I wonder which are the features integrated in this one and what are its dimensions.
Thanks a lot for taking time to share this with us that fast.
And have a great dinner Robin.
Cheers, Mark
This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-06-02 10:32:37
I find this HMX very nice, maybe smoother thant the HM5.
I wonder which are the features integrated in this one and what are its dimensions.
Thanks a lot for taking time to share this with us that fast.
And have a great dinner Robin.
Cheers, Mark
This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-06-02 10:32:37
Thanks for the video Mark!
Really cool video!
The dimensions are 46.8 x 44.3 x 20.7 mm according to MB&F's website.
Key features:
- Bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes, displayed by dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lens.
Cheers
robin
Thanks a lot Robin for this live report!
I see the watch soon so I will make my comments once I see it.
Fx
Fx
Sure Ronald. Specs from MB&F website
Limited edition of 4 x 20 pieces in grade 5 titanium and stainless steel
- Case:
- Grade 5 titanium and stainless steel with detailing in Lotus black, British racing green, Bugatti blue or Ferrari red.
- Dimensions: 46.8 x 44.3 x 20.7 mm
- Number of components: 44
- Water resistance: 30m / 90’ / 3atm
- Movement:
- Three-dimensional horological engine, composed of a jumping hour and trailing minutes module developed in-house by MB&F, powered by a Sellita gear train.
- Mechanical movement, automatic winding
- 22K gold automatic winding rotor
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Balance frequency: 28,800bph/4Hz.
- Number of components: 223
- Number of jewels: 29
Functions:
- Bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes, displayed by dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lens.
- Sapphire crystals on top, front and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
- Dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lens.
- Strap and buckle:
- Partially perforated calfskin strap with colour complementary to Engine, titanium tang buckle.
The sellita's movement base is a poor choice.
I really can't undertand why they chose it.
Some collectors told me the same
I guess it helps lower the cost and speed of developing this watch.
For those who need a high end movement, this HMX is probably not for them I guess
Cheers
Robin
For those who need a high end movement, this HMX is probably not for them I guess
Cheers
Robin
I believe so Ronald
Max did say he wanted to make the HMX more affordable
Cheers
Robin
Cheers
Robin
Ok, but do you really believe it?
MB&F do not produce low cost watches, they turned the watches into artworks, always providing the best in design and mechanics.
I know your policy about the price tag, but i don't think the GP basis would have increased the final price so heavily
I know your policy about the price tag, but i don't think the GP basis would have increased the final price so heavily
I won't know for sure to be honest
I chose to believe what I heard in this case
That Max wanted the HMX to be a more affordable HM.
Why he did this, the intentions - whether to really thank his fans (including me) so they can get an anniversary piece at a good price (which I really respect honestly) or as Andrew mentioned, maybe a marketing gimmick to draw new customers who previously couldn't afford an MBF or a reaction to market slowdown etc - I really won't know the real intentions of marketers.
So yes I believe MBF did want specifically the HMX to be more affordable. The intentions of that I will never know for sure. But I respect Max Busser and I chose to believe in the good faith part personally - that's just my personal view
They might jolly well have a HM7 or LM3 that might be even cheaper or lots more expensive I won't know
Cheers
Robin
That Max wanted the HMX to be a more affordable HM.
Why he did this, the intentions - whether to really thank his fans (including me) so they can get an anniversary piece at a good price (which I really respect honestly) or as Andrew mentioned, maybe a marketing gimmick to draw new customers who previously couldn't afford an MBF or a reaction to market slowdown etc - I really won't know the real intentions of marketers.
So yes I believe MBF did want specifically the HMX to be more affordable. The intentions of that I will never know for sure. But I respect Max Busser and I chose to believe in the good faith part personally - that's just my personal view
They might jolly well have a HM7 or LM3 that might be even cheaper or lots more expensive I won't know
Cheers
Robin
Why's that?
I thought Sellita always provided good solid workhorse type movements?
Cheers
Andrew
fantastic live report !
enjoyed it thoroughly and lovely photos too. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to share them.
Cheers !
Nice!
I want an HM4!
Santa Claus, I've been a good boy this year!
The Frog with the gold strap is awesome. That's cool.
Santa Claus, I've been a good boy this year!
The Frog with the gold strap is awesome. That's cool.