The Horological Machine No. 11 (HM11) is a return to form for MB&F, celebrating the type of micromechanical engineering that has made Swiss watchmaking so renowned. Designed by Max Busser and Eric Giroud, the HM11 draws inspiration from futuristic home designs of the 1960s, often those designed in Switzerland.
A Tiny Habitation for the Wrist
The HM11 is a watch that can be appreciated as a tiny building, with its inviting and attractive design. The watchmaker’s analogy of imagining oneself as a tiny person inside the watch helps to understand the importance of aesthetics in watchmaking. The HM11 simply builds on this concept, expanding it for a larger audience of timepiece aficionados.
A Nod to the 1960s
The HM11’s design language is clearly rooted in the 1960s, with its use of small orbs on rods to create the hour markers, echoing larger wall clocks of that era. The pivoting case is another novel feature of the HM11, allowing for easy reading of the time and other indications. It also serves to manually wind the watch, requiring just ten turns of the case to fully wind the 96 total hours of power reserve available in the movement.
A Mechanical Thermometer
The HM11 features a mechanical thermometer, a rare complication in watches today. These thermometers were more about measuring the internal temperature of the watch, as mechanical watches in the past were more greatly affected by differences in temperature. The HM11’s thermometer range is from -20 degrees centigrade to +60.
Limited Edition
The MB&F Horological Machine No. 11 is a limited edition watch, with only 50 pieces being produced. It is available in two versions, both in titanium: one with a blue-colored mainplate and a matching white strap, and the other with a red gold dial mainplate and a khaki green strap. The retail price of the HM11 is $230,000 USD.
Conclusion
The MB&F Horological Machine No. 11 is a unique and innovative watch that celebrates the art of micromechanical engineering. With its futuristic design, novel features, and limited edition status, the HM11 is sure to be a coveted timepiece among collectors.