Where Time Meets Design: A Fusion of Artistry, Innovation, and Functionality
In the world of horology, where precision meets aesthetics, MB&F stands as a beacon of innovation. Renowned for pushing boundaries, the Swiss brand has once again blurred the lines between timekeeping and architecture with the introduction of Horological Machine Nº11 Architect.
The Conceptual Journey
Architectural genius Le Corbusier once stated, “une maison est une machine à habiter” (a house is a machine to live in). Taking inspiration from this philosophy and the avant-garde architectural movement of the mid-20th century, MB&F’s Maximilian Büsser envisioned a timepiece that transcends the conventional boundaries of watchmaking. The result is a living, breathing creation that challenges perceptions – the Horological Machine Nº11 Architect.
A Unique Perspective
Maximilian Büsser
Much like the experimental architecture of the 1960s, the HM11 Architect is a testament to humanistic design. Büsser, inspired by houses that seemed to have emerged from the earth itself, pondered, “What if that house was a watch?” The central flying tourbillon, akin to the heart of a house, pushes skyward under a double-domed sapphire roof. The quatrefoil-shaped upper bridge echoes the architectural beauty of humanity’s grand temples.
The HM11 Architect is not just a watch; it is a multi-dimensional experience. Four symmetrical volumes extend from the central core, creating parabolic rooms. The entire structure rotates on its foundations, allowing access to each room. The time room, power reserve display, a rare thermometer, and the time-setting crown – each room serves a unique purpose, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
A Feast for the Eyes
While the exterior walls boast polished grade-5 titanium, the central atrium remains open, covered by a double-arched sapphire crystal roof. The in-house HM11 engine, with plates and bridges colored in ozone blue or warm solar hues of 5N gold, hums beneath. The call to precision is evident in the details, from the conical display markers to the unique see-through sapphire crown, offering an unimpeded view into the intricate movement.
A Marvel of Engineering
Crafting the HM11 case is no simple feat. The materials of choice – titanium and sapphire crystal – are notoriously challenging to machine. The case, consisting of 92 components, undergoes meticulous processes of milling, finishing, and quality control. The see-through crown, a technical marvel in itself, features a double airlock security system, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality.
The HM11 Architect engine is a symphony of power and efficiency. Winding the watch becomes an amplified experience, where turning the entire case adds weight to the relationship between the timepiece and its wearer. The flying tourbillon ensures chronometric stability, while a full-system dampener protects against shocks, showcasing MB&F’s commitment to pushing the limits of traditional watchmaking.
A Collector’s Dream
Available in two editions – titanium with a blue dial plate and titanium with a red gold dial plate – the HM11 Architect is a limited-edition marvel. Only 25 pieces of each edition will ever grace the wrists of fortunate collectors, making this horological masterpiece a rare and sought-after treasure.
The Collaborative Journey
The creation of the HM11 Architect is not a solo venture. MB&F acknowledges the collaborative efforts of a team of skilled professionals, from concept to production. The result is a testament to the seamless integration of artistic vision, technical prowess, and craftsmanship.
Living Differently with MB&F
In the spirit of true innovation, MB&F has once again redefined the possibilities of watchmaking. The Horological Machine Nº11 Architect is not just a timepiece; it’s a living, breathing piece of art that challenges conventions and invites enthusiasts to experience time in a way that transcends the ordinary. As the saying goes, true change starts when you think differently, but it endures when you live differently – and with the HM11 Architect, MB&F invites you to live differently indeed.