MB&F HM11 Architect's Watch
The new Horological Machine N°11 Architect just released by MB&F is one of the most innovative and creative new watches in recent years. Inspired by founder Maximilian Büsser’s love of 1960s experimental architecture, the HM11 reimagines the case as a house, albeit with signature MB&F flair. Directly influenced by the Charles Haerling-designed Brenton House, HM11 Architect is an unexpected launch from a brand that is almost starting to feel predictable.
HM11 is built around a central tourbillon that is the heart and foundation of the “home”, flanked by four parabolic “rooms” that can rotate in either direction. With every 45° rotation of the case, one of the four functional dials or plates (also known as corridors) moves in a new direction, and clockwise rotation also winds the watch. Each rotation winds the watch for 72 minutes, and every 10 revolutions winds the watch for 96 hours of power reserve. Each of the four sections is made of curved polished titanium with a sapphire crystal “window” pane, while the central tourbillon sits beneath a curved sapphire crystal dome. Note the quatrefoil upper bridge, inspired by the skylight. nice watches shop
The first chamber displays the hours and minutes via a stem-mounted sphere (acting as hour markers) and red-tipped arrows (acting as hour and minute hands). Moving 90° to the left accesses the power reserve display, echoing the lever-shaped sphere and red-tipped arrow design language. The diameter of the five spheres gradually increases, with the final polished aluminum sphere having a full winding time of 96 hours. Another 90° rotation reveals a room with a truly unusual thermometer feature. Buyers of the HM11 consume no movement energy and can therefore choose between a Celsius or Fahrenheit thermometer. Please note that this thermometer displays the outside temperature, not the wearer's temperature. Finally, rotate it another 90° to reveal the MB&F pattern set in the sapphire crystal. Pull this button to set the time on the HM11.
The lightweight and overall compact proportions of the HM11 case are truly impressive. The lower half of the case is entirely made from grade 5 titanium, while the upper cover is machined separately and actually only holds in place once the movement is in place. It's a clever way to build cases, but it also takes a lot of time to make, with Büsser noting that each case takes a week to complete.replica Urwerk UR-230 Eagle
The transparent crown is also an impressive feat, measuring nearly 10 mm in diameter. This is challenged by the fact that most washers are 2 mm in diameter. Although larger gaskets were simply not feasible, MB&F decided to use two sets of gaskets. One of the gaskets forms a seal that prevents dust from entering through the sapphire crystal window, while a smaller gasket, located closer to the center of the movement, creates a water-resistant seal. A total of 19 gaskets are used on the HM11’s case to ensure 20m of water resistance.
Measuring 42mm wide and 23mm thick, this sophisticated and multifaceted timepiece is striking and an absolute pleasure to wear. The MB&F HM11 Architect is available in two styles, with the plates and bridges finished in Ozone Blue or 5N Gold PVD coating. While the blue may be slightly more popular, the red and gold version is also absolutely stunning. The MB&F HM11 Architect is one of the most impressive and creative watches I’ve seen in a while.