MB&F Introduces Its Latest Automotive-Inspired Timepiece - The HM8 Mark 2
5 min read
The automotive-inspired time machines at MB&F get the latest addition as the brand launches the HM8 Mark 2 timepiece. This horological machine with jumping hours and automatic winding harks back to the distinguishable iconic aesthetics of the Porsche 918 Spyder’s twin humped rear exhausts for the shape of the body, and the Zagato double bubble for the sapphire crystal.
A Deep Connection To Cars And Automotive Design
MB&F’s Founder Maximilian Büsser has been a lifelong car enthusiast and fostered a childhood dream of being a car designer. While the dream couldn’t translate into a four-wheeled reality, he sure gifted the world of watchmaking an unparalleled language of an automotive-inspired watch design which combines the best of both worlds.
For the latest release, the HM8 Mark 2, Max offers us a visually arresting timepiece that surprisingly promises enhanced wearability in spite of its size. The HM8 Mark 2 just like its automotive-inspired siblings such as the HM5, the HMX in 2015, and the HM8 in 2016 serves an instantly recognizable speedometer-style display along its case side, a handsome recall to the iconic era of 70s car design.
The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is the most technologically evolved model to date.
The Chassis
The HM8 Mark 2 HM8 Mark 2 utilizes an independent water-resistant chassis as its case foundation, onto which the watch's body panels are affixed. Offering a choice of selection for the CarbonMacrolon coachwork, the timepiece is available in two colors: white and British racing green. The British racing green edition features a red gold rotor and balance wheel, turquoise minute markers, and is limited to a production run of 33 pieces.
The proprietary composite material for MB&F, CarbonMacrolon consisting of a polymer matrix infused with carbon nanotubes, which enhance its strength and rigidity is exclusively developed for the HM8 Mark 2.
Under The Hood - The Beating Heart
Just like the supercars it emulates, the MB&F HM8 Mark 2 features a 247-component engineering marvel giving life to its gears and wheels. The movement, based on a Girard-Perregaux caliber serves as the base for the in-house horological engine module for the HM8 Mark 2 beating at 28,800bph/4Hz and offers an autonomy of 42 hours.
Across the watch, the hyper car-inspired nuances such as the titanium chassis coupled with the CarbonMacrolon body panels serve the entire package an unrivaled intricacy.
Moreover, the 22-carat gold battle-axe rotor that powers the caliber of the HM8 Mark 2 presents a remarkable level of complexity. Each of its blades measures a mere two-tenths of a millimeter in thickness, making machining an impossibility. Instead, the blade had to be stamped adding to the intricacy of manufacturing and assembly.
Even the crown on this timepiece features a “double de-clutch” system which works by pushing the crown in and turning it three-quarters of a turn to release it thus enhancing the security of the system.
Instant Takeaways
Viewing the MB&F HM8 Mark 2 from any angle reveals a horological machine that appears fast and furious. It is a culmination of the best from each of the marvels created in the automotive series by Max.
With heightened technical advancements, better legibility, greater case resistance, and sleek lines that replicate the scintillating curves of supercars, the MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is a timepiece that brings a touch of automotive history and sexiness to the wrist!
Technical specifications
HM8 Mark 2 is available:
- in titanium and green CarbonMacrolon® body panel limited to 33 pieces;
- in titanium and white CarbonMacrolon® body panel.
- Three-dimensional horological engine, composed of a jumping hour and trailing minutes module developed in-house by MB&F, powered by a Girard-Perregaux base movement.
- Mechanical movement, automatic winding 22K gold automatic winding rotor
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Balance frequency: 28,800bph/4Hz.
- Number of components: 247 components
- Number of jewels: 30 jewels
Case
- Grade 5 titanium with green or white CarbonMacrolon®
- Dimensions: 47 x 41.5 x 19 mm
- Number of components: 42
- Water resistance: 30m / 90’ / 3atm
- Sapphire crystals on top, front and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
- Dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lens.
