MB&F’s deep connection to cars began in 2012 with the HM5, followed by the HMX in 2015 and the HM8 in 2016. Each model features a speedometer-style display reminiscent of 1970s design.
A decade later, in 2023, MB&F unveiled the supercar-inspired HM8 Mark 2. Following the success of its initial editions in white and green (the latter limited to 33 pieces), the HM8 Mark 2 returns in 2024 with a new limited edition featuring glossy sapphire blue bodywork, also limited to 33 pieces—the metallic pigments in the translucent material echo luxurious car paints, both technically and aesthetically.
To understand MB&F’s automotive passion, we step back to 1985. Founder Maximilian Büsser dreamed of becoming a car designer from a young age. Despite financial constraints preventing him from attending the ArtCenter College of Design, his path led him to the watchmaking industry. This background inspired him to incorporate car design into his timepieces.
Inspired by the 1976 Amida Digitrend, MB&F used a sapphire prism to display jumping hours and sweeping minutes vertically, resembling an old-style speedometer. Unlike the Amida, MB&F's design maximized digit size for better legibility. Super-LumiNova® beneath the sapphire disc created a flat luminescence.
The HM5 featured opening and closing slats inspired by the Lamborghini Miura, allowing light into the movement. The HMX replaced these with a sapphire crystal cover inspired by Touring Superleggera, featuring miniature oil caps. The HM8, inspired by Can-Am cars, introduced titanium roll bars and a view of the spinning rotor using a Girard-Perregaux calibre.
The HM8 Mark 2, with its "double bubble" sapphire crystal, draws inspiration from iconic supercars and continues this automotive homage with new features and enhanced materials.
The HM8 Mark 2, like its predecessors, uses a water-resistant chassis with CarbonMacrolon® body panels. The 2023 editions came in white or British racing green, limited to 33 pieces. With metallic pigments, the new 2024 edition in sapphire blue offers a striking aesthetic appealing to both watch and car enthusiasts.
Developed for MB&F, CarbonMacrolon® is a composite material with carbon nanotubes. It offers superior strength and versatility compared to traditional carbon fibre and is much lighter than steel.
The HM8 Mark 2 features a complex titanium chassis and milled CarbonMacrolon® body panels. Its double-curved sapphire crystal is exceptionally challenging to produce, and the 22-carat gold battle-axe rotor is finely stamped. A new crown design with a “double de-clutch” system provides added security and space efficiency.
The HM8 Mark 2 embodies the spirit of MB&F’s automotive series, enhancing its technicality, legibility, and wearability. It reminds us that it’s never too late to follow our dreams.
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