MB&F HM 11 Architect

MB&F's previous Horological Machines have explored science fiction, aircraft, supercars… For their 21st calibre – Horological Machine No.11 – MB&F explored the world of architecture. But not any form of architecture: the experimental, postmodern architecture of the 1960s, when a handful of ground-breaking architects went against the prevailing utilitarian trend, creating innovative, organic forms.

HM11 ‘Architect’ is the culmination of 18 years of watchmaking R&D at MB&F, as much in case design as in movement engineering. Starting with the 364 components of the movement: a vertically stacked 60-second flying tourbillon, housed under a double-domed sapphire crystal, that sends information to four “rooms” through conical gears – an MB&F specialty. The first three rooms contain hours and minutes, the power reserve indicator, and a thermometer, while the fourth room is for time setting: an oversized crown in sapphire crystal, a world first.

To wind the 4 days of power reserve, another world first: simply rotate the entire case on its base, a system so efficient that turning the case just 90 degrees will power the watch up for 2½ hours. And finally, the insane case itself – undefinable but just 42mm in diameter – with its 92 components, including 19 gaskets that make this 3D sculpture of titanium and sapphire water-resistant.