brand watches wiki – rolex watches, omega watches, replica watches

If you’re looking for watches that are out of this world, your first stop should be MB&F watches. For a watch brand that refers to its timepieces as “horological machines” and bases their aesthetic off the human adventure, MB&F watches are without peer in the world of super-cool gadget timepieces.
Enter the MB&F HM3 MoonMachine Watch. The timepiece is MB&F’s first foray into their Performance Art line by Finnish watchmaker Sepan Sarpaneva. Not content to kick off the line with a small start, Sarpaneva reconfigured the HM3 Frog—an element unique to MB&F watches.

The mechanism is configured as two bulbous domes to resemble frog eyes. Not only is the design unique, but extremely functional as well—the domed setup of the dials lets the wearer read the time at any angle of the watch with ease.
For those of us who like to keep track of the moon phases (the better to avoid crazy drivers during the full moon), the MoonMachine includes a moon-phase indicator inlaid above the HM3 Frog. The timepiece even includes stars etched into the colored background with an added sky rotor as a backdrop for the moon.
The watch is truly unique. Though the HM3 Frog setup can make the watch a bit bulky on the wrist, the timepiece truly captures the essence of the brand’s wish to combine the passion of horology with certain playfulness for design.

In spite of the edgy design, the watch is surprisingly easy to read. The hour and minute “eyes” are clearly marked, and though the font is whimsical, the piece itself is still very simple to read. Readability is rarely combined with avant-garde design, yet this watch manages to pull both off with style.
To top it all off, the horological machine is powered by a Girard-Perregaux base and encased in titanium or red gold. The alligator wristband will set off all versions of white gold and red gold moon faces set off against anthracite, light or dark blue skies to their best advantage.
Not made for the faint of heart, these avant-garde watches will thrill those looking for a horological masterpiece that will stand out from the crowd. With only 18 timepieces in production per version, the watch is twice as unique.
MB&F has certainly outdone itself with its MB&F HM3 MoonMachine Watch. With all the fun gadgetry of the steam punk avant-garde to the playfulness of MB&F to the high performance quality of the mechanics, this watch is truly a work of art.

From:Luxury Watches That Impress Review Blog

Read Full Post »

Every horological machine from MB&F is a study in thinking outside the box (the legacy machines aint too shabby either).  The HM3 Frog, which Max himself showed you here, is perhaps the most playful of all HM’s, and certainly one of the funkiest too.  Today, we are showing you a brand new iteration of the HM3 Frog called the HM3 Moonmachine, and this is the very first time MB&F has chosen to do a performance art piece with a watchmaker, instead of an artist like they’ve done with say, Sage Vaugn and Huang Hankang, or with a designer like Boucheron or Alain Silberstein.

The watchmaker MB&F chose to work with for the Moonmachine is none other than HODINKEE favorite Stepan Sarpaneva, and the resulting creation is without a doubt, our favorite HM3 yet.

Click through to read more about this incredible galactic collaboration between Stepan Sarpaneva and MB&F, as well as see lots of live photos, the official video, full specs, and pricing information.

From:HODINKEE

Read Full Post »

MB&F – Legacy Machine #1 by Maximilian Busser. Maximilian Büsser and Friends have revealed a new timepiece for 2011, the MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 Watch. For a brand built upon futurism and mechanical extremity, the Legacy Machine No. 1 is a departure in design– a romanesque, rounded model that reaches into the past for its inspiration. Büsser’s Legacy Machine is a throwback to the turn of the 20th century, where a revolution in watch-making was yielding timepieces just like this one. The MB&F LM1 may take its visual inspiration from 100 years ago, but the engineering and production are very modern-day. It includes a three-dimensional horological movement, mechanically wound and sporting a 45 hour power reserve. The watch comprises 279 components and 23 jewels, including gold detailing and sapphire crystals. The display is surprisingly straightforward for the Büsser crew– hours are shown on a dial on the left, minutes on the right and the power reserve is shown in a vertical meter in the bottom center. Is this change of pace welcome from a brand so focused on futurism and evolution? Absolutely. One common theme amongst the watches of MB&F is the playful inspiration upon which they are built. One is inspired by the frog, another by mid-century model airplanes– and this one reaches back into MB&F’s interest in history. We never thought we’d say the words “Steampunk” and “MB&F” in the same sentence, but we’re saying it now. Nice work, Mr. Büsser and company. ABOUT US …
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Read Full Post »

A question that journalists love to ask watch execs is “what watch would you wear if you weren’t in your position?”  Most of the time, they laugh it off so as to not offend the powers that be, or give praise to a competitor.  Ask an independent watchmaker the same question, and you’ll get a real answer.

In fact, one of the leading independents, Mr. Max Büsser of MB&F, went beyond answering that question, he’s showing us exactly what we would, and is wearing.  Max is the proud owner of a brand new watch, a watch not from MB&F, but rather from his long-time friend and some-time collaborater Peter Speake-Marin.  The watch Mr. Busser is wearing is the Speake-Marin Spirit Pioneer, a watch we showed you first here.

We have to say, it’s great to see friends and colleagues buying each others pieces, and this is the type of industry that gives us hope for the future of watchmaking.  Here is a better look at the watch on Mr. Busser’s wrist:

From:HODINKEE

Read Full Post »

The Sunday before SIHH kicked off, we paid a visit to the just opened M.A.D. Gallery, a new concept store owned and curated by MB&F.  The shop is unlike any other in the world, and if you make to Geneva, it would be a mistake not to visit.

Inside the gallery you will find a host of things that, while not produced by MB&F, are very much in the same vein as their machines, both horological and legacy.  Here are three of our favorite pieces from our visit, three pieces that don’t tell time.

From:HODINKEE

Read Full Post »

Since its introduction in the summer of 2010, MB&F’s HM4 Thunderbolt has redefined how most of us look at mechanical wrist wear. The watch’s inspiration? WWII model plane kits that Max Busser put together as a child. It’s only fitting then that these new Limited Editions take that a step further, outfitting each “fuselage” with period style detailing and artwork. The two Limited Editions are referred to as Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble.

From:HODINKEE

Read Full Post »

You want the best in modern watchmaking? You’re looking at it.  Tomorrow in Hong Kong, Christie’s will offer up three of the most interesting, provocative, and important examples of today’s horology all in one room. 

They have an MB&F HM3 in white gold, an Urwerk 202 in a rare configuration of dark Blue PVD coated platinum (blue platinum, you fo’ real?) and finally, the rarest of them all, a Harry Winston Opus V.  The Opus V is heralded by many as one of the most important watches of the past decade, combining Maximillian Busser’s business sense as then head of Harry Winston Timepieces and the technical skills of the boys at Urwerk. 

The Opus V helped pave the way for both MB&F and Urwerk to become the powerhouse independent brands that they are today, and it’s also what we imagine will be the only chance to own a watch with ties to both Mr. Busser and Mr. Baumgartner in the foreseeable future.  Only 45 Opus V’s were made in platinum and most are locked away in collectors’ safes.

The MB&F holds an estimate of $ 38,000-$ 51,000, the Urwerk is estimated at $ 72,000-$ 100,000, and the Harry Winston is at $ 124,000-$ 193,000. 

Oh and by the way, there is also a De Bethune perpetual calendar in the sale.  Boom. Go Nuts.

From:HODINKEE

Read Full Post »

Finally, the first limited edition Horological Machine Number 4 from MB&F is here. My favorite HM series watch to date gets done in two cool and very limited versions called the HM4 Razzle Dazzle and HM4 Double Trouble. The difference between the two? The pinup art of course.

Right here you can see a hands-on post on the standard non-limited MB&F HM4 watch. From the start this timepiece was meant to honor MB&F founder Max Busser’s love of airplanes with two engine style pods for the time and power reserve indicator. These limited edition models are a more retro take on the concept celebrating World War II era aircraft. Details include real rivets on the titanium “fuselage,” an aged look for the lume on the dials, a bomber-jacket inspired strap, and pinup art on the case body.

Pinup art is a specially honored American tradition – especially for service men. For a long time crews would celebrate their aircraft by painting images of women and other things as tokens of good luck just as sailors use to do with figureheads on the bows of ships. I wonder if that happens anymore today as much? Done by Geneva-based artist Isabelle Villa, the limited edition HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble watches have hand-painted figures on the sides of the watch case. These cheeky figures are fun but tasteful (as is the Swiss way).

I think there should be a new watch modification culture revolving around doing small paintings on watch cases – but that is another story. Both the HM4 Razzle Dazzle and HM4 Double Trouble will be limited to just 8 pieces each. Now that is limited. The dials of the pods are still applied with SuperLumiNova, but now with some copper added to give it an aged patina look.

The cool looks of the HM4 with its various sapphire crystal pieces looks particularly cool in this neat vintage plane style. I can’t wait to get some hands-on shots of these pieces. There is something so warm and celebratory about them. To complete the WWII look of the watch the strap is meant to look like vintage bomber jacket leather. It is in fact leather sourced from Swiss military issue bags. Good thing they didn’t have to ruin a nice jacket for these watches.

MB&F continues to have fun and move forward with their designs. While not AS retro as the Legacy Machine No 1, this is a very fun retro styled piece that manages to look good, celebrate and era, and celebrate art all at the same time. The MB&F HM4 Razzle Dazzle limited edition watches will be priced at $ 216,000 each.

Horological Machine N^o4 Thunderbolt – Technical Specifications from MB&F

Razzle Dazzle & Double Trouble are each limited editions of 8 pieces

Engine:

Three-dimensional horological engine developed 100% by MB&F
Manual winding with two mainspring barrels in parallel
Power reserve: 72 hours

Balance frequency: 21,600bph/3Hz
Number of components: 311

Number of jewels: 50

Functions:

Hours, minutes and power reserve indicator

Hours and minutes on right dial, power reserve indicator on left dial

Separate crowns for time setting and winding

Case:

Grade 5 titanium and sapphire

Dimensions: 54mm wide x 52mm long x 24mm high

Number of components: 65
Articulation of lugs: 3°
Nose art hand painted on case side.

Sapphire crystals:

Five sapphire crystals: 2 x dials, 1 x central case section, 2 x display panels (top and bottom)

Strap & Buckle:

Authentic vintage leather strap crafted from Swiss military bags with contrasting white hand stitching. Titanium/white gold custom designed deployment buckle attached to articulated lugs

From:aBlogtoRead.com

Read Full Post »

I’d first like to note that while the LM1 watch is lovely to look at, it is a pain in the ass to photograph – thanks Max! I finally got some hands-on time with MB&F’s new watch and collection: the Legacy Machine Number 1 that I originally discussed here. Nothing like the Horological Machine collection, the Legacy Collection unties the brand’s hands from offering futuristic designs exclusively. A passion for Max Busser of MB&F is also classicism, and he has been wanting to offer some fascinating classic designs for a while. As such, moving forward MB&F will be free to look into the past (with the Legacy Machines) as well as future (with the Horological Machines) at the same time.

The liberating experience for MB&F has resulted in what I believe to be their most wearable piece ever. At 44mm wide with a clean and easy to read set of dials, the Legacy Machine No. 1 is actually a solid daily wear. Having said that I also think that the HM4 Thunderbolt is a solid daily wear (but just for another type of person). In essence the LM1 is a simple watch in a round case. Of course the MB&F panache for design and finishing takes the watch to another plane – so in truth, it would be silly to say it is just another round watch with a snazzy dial. Though I say that knowing what else it out there. For this watch especially, you need to be rather familiar with the luxury watch landscape to appreciate both the concept and its refined design.

On the wrist the impressive LM1 wears larger than I anticipated. I was expecting a small MB&F timepiece given the 44mm wide case width – and I was wrong. The boldness I’ve come to expect from the brand is not lacking at all. I’ve also almost never seen before such a richly domed sapphire crystal. MB&F has it generously coated with anti-reflective material, but it still picks up light – hence the difficulty in photographing it. Nevertheless, it still has a clear look and reading the dial while viewing the balance wheel are easy and enjoyable.

Looking at these pictures I’ve taken make me feel as though I did a good job with the photography. Though in reality I want to credit the watches as much as my camera. The design offers a lot of beautiful real estate for polish, generous curves angles, and compelling color contrasts. All the elements on the dial and movements are clear and visible. In fact, the whole concept of the dial is to bring the balance wheel to the front. Not only that, but the design of the movement has been able to separate the anchor and escapement wheel from the balance. There are right there on the dial like there were meant to be there all along. Seeing their constant movement is a pleasure, and something one cannot at all gleam from seeing still images of the Legacy Machines 1 watches.

This ongoing visual movement on the dial really makes these watches impressive. In the video you can see more of that. The arch structure that holds the balance wheel looks pretty cool, and everyone seems to love the linear power reserve indicator. Detailing all over the Legacy Machine Number 1 watch is impressive. The transition between polish to brushed surfaces is crisp and on the movement Kari’s team did an excellent job making it sparkle and appear like something sensually polished from two centuries ago.

Even though each of the time dials is partially obstructed, reading the time is very simple on the clean white dial. The blued steel hands shine with quality, but I wish that the minute hands were just a bit longer. Still, the hours hands are of a different shape so legibility is still high. Setting the time is easy and smooth with each of the crowns. Operating the watch is intuitive and something I could do daily.

Coming in 18k rose gold or white gold, the MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 has a different personality in each of the metals. The rose gold model feels a bit more stately while the white gold one has a cooler, smooth look to it. Plus, the white gold model has a slightly darker face, while the rose gold model has a lighter face and a blued steel escapement. Try each of them on to see which is right for you. Attached to the case is a really great looking alligator strap – that is actually padded. You don’t often have straps like this that actually feel padded. There is a distinctly luxurious feel that goes with putting one of these watches on your wrist.

MB&F succeeded in doing something that I think is very hard – making a traditional looking watch actually cool. Not just look nice, but actually be cool and hip. You don’t need to be old or wear a suit to pull this off. You just need to have a strong personality and be confident. The Legacy Machine 1 will take care of the rest. For more technical details see my initial post of the MB&F LM1 watches here. Price once again is $ 92,000.

From:aBlogtoRead.com

Read Full Post »

Over the weekend, we were lucky enough to be the first Americans to see the production Legacy Machine One from MB&F in the metal.  The 44mm round watch with floating balance wheel, vertical power reserve and one hell of a beautifully designed movement does not disappoint at all.  In fact, it surprises and delights by being such a true-breed MB&F three dimensional work of horological art, all the while maintaining a practicality and wearability previously unseen in the horological machine line. 

Essentially, the Legacy Machine One is the MB&F to buy for all those collectors who said they’d never buy an MB&F.

Above is a high-definition video of MB&F North American president Stephen Hallock explaining the LM1 to us (really, really worth your 4 minutes) and below is a gallery of images we took of the watch in the metal.  Be sure to click through.

From:HODINKEE

Read Full Post »