A watch brand with such unconventional looks that everyone labels it "indie" for its multidimensional design, with some pieces appearing as if they came from outer space. Yet, this "indie" status has a background: the brand doesn't design things to be strange, but rather manufactures "horological machines" rather than just watches.
3 Heads Combined into 1
Mr. Maximilian Büsser founded the brand on the philosophy that modern watches represent knowledge passed down for hundreds of years by masters since the 17th century. He wanted to take this foundation and improve upon it so that, 100 years from now, his creations would become the new foundation. He is joined by two visionaries: renowned movement designer Jean-François Mojon, and Kari Voutilainen, a master in the field of 19th-century style hand-finishing and decorative techniques. This is the origin of MB&F (Maximilian Büsser and Friends).
Not a Watch, but a Horological Machine
As mentioned, MB&F intends to produce "horological machines." How does that differ from a watch? One only needs to look at the timepieces they produce. Their signature lies in displaying the movement or components used to tell time clearly on the dial. Take the LM1, for example, which was launched to commemorate the legacy of historical watchmakers through a classic round case, time displays on white ceramic dials reminiscent of pocket watches, traditional Geneva waves, and the inclusion of a regulating system—a masterwork of 18th-19th century craftsmanship—showcased by a large, prominent balance wheel with a spring assembly. This serves as the focal point, demonstrating the ability to track two different time zones down to the minute using evolved traditional systems. Or consider the LM2, which features two independent balance wheels on the main dial that calculate the average to provide a precise reading of the seconds.
3 Dimensional
To emphasize the brand's focus on developing horological machines rather than standard watches, each MB&F collection incorporates 3D components or movements that enhance performance or ease of use. Examples include the Eiffel Tower-inspired bridge that suspends the balance wheel to allow the gear train to operate as smoothly as possible, or a power reserve indicator shaped like an astronomical sextant—both beautiful and functional.
What are some of the popular and valuable horological machines from MB&F? Let's take a look.
Legacy Machines Collection : Legacy Machine 1 (LM1), Legacy Machine 2 (LM2), Legacy Machine Split Escapement, Legacy Machine 101 (LM101)
Horological Machines Collection : Horological Machine 3 “Frog”, Horological Machine 6 “Space Pirate”, Horological Machine 9 “Flow Air” and “Flow Road”
Performance Art : Horological Machine 2 “Only Watch”, Horological Machine 4 “Only Watch”, Horological Machine 2 “Black Box”
Collaborations Collection : Balthazar Clock, Destination Moon Clock, Octopod Clock, The Fifth Element Clock, Medusa Clock, Starfleet Explorer Clock
References:
https://www.mbandf.com/en
https://www.watch-wiki.net/index.php?title=MB%26F
https://www.watchtime.com/tag/mbf/
https://www.watchchronicler.com/voyage-of-discovery-the-very-best-of-mbf-clocks/
