For MB&F and its virtuoso leader Maximilian Büsser, watchmaking is an unceasing affair of creativity and sophistication. 8:35:00, at first glance, doesn’t carry with it particular meaning in the world of high-end watchmaking. But does the time hold the key to a mystery?
Why even ask that question? When it comes to haute horology, the vast majority of watches are presented with their hands aligned to the time of 10:10. Perhaps it is the near-perfect symmetry of the hands’ placement at 10 and 2 o’clock. Perhaps it is the fact that in that position, the space above the hands outlines one third of the dial, allowing for a visually comforting geometry when a complication at 6 o’clock (the most common position for an additional feature) joins the design to form three equal sections on the dial.
A large number of MB&F’s creations, however, are presented with their hands or dials or captivating modules set to 8:35:00. Yet the question of “why” becomes secondary when in the presence of the manufacture’s extraordinary and uniquely designed timepieces. After all, why would a house so deeply rooted in the rejection of convention not follow its decisive character all the way to the most subtle aspect of presentation?
Maybe the choice of time is a playful nod to the horological enthusiasts detail-oriented enough to have the otherwise inconspicuous trait jump out at them. Maybe it is the product of extensive research by the manufacture. The only thing for sure is that there is no coincidence. Whatever the intent, 8:35:00 serves as a constant reminder that MB&F plays by its own rules and that no holds are barred within the infinite playground that is Maximilian Büsser’s imagination. And in the presence of such inimitable creativity, one more touch of charismatic mystery seems delightfully appropriate.
The Horological Machine No 6, or HM6, for example, could at first sight easily be confused with a futuristic ship deep in inter-planetary travel. That is no coincidence as the design for the watch was inspired by the spaceship on a Japanese anime series from the 1970’s and 1980’s. Instead of a traditional round shape, the HM6 adopts a rectangular form that allows it to feature its hours, minutes and twin spherical turbines on the four corners of the architecture. In its center, the timepiece displays the mesmerizing tourbillon of its 475-component three-dimensional engine. That tourbillon, in another unique twist, even boasts a retractable shield activated via the crown. Atop the dial, not one but rather five sapphire-crystal domes extend the unique multi-dimensionality to the outer structure. Instead of hands, the HM6 displays its hours and minutes by way of two semi-spherical indicators, thus providing unparalleled legibility to go along with its fascinating sense of modernity. And the time displayed by the brand… 8:35:00.
