MB&F’s connection to cars runs deep, starting in 2012 with the HM5, followed by the HMX in 2015, and the HM8 in 2016. Each of these iterations is linked by its instantly recognizable speedometer-style display on the side of the case that recalls the daring and futuristic design of the 1970s. A decade after their first automotive-inspired MB&F Machines, the brand presented the HM8 Mark 2 in 2023.
The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 was initially offered in white or British racing green CarbonMacrolon and now is being presented in blue in a limited edition of 33 pieces.
CarbonMacrolon was developed specifically for MB&F and is a composite material composed of a polymer matrix injected with carbon nanotubes, which add strength and rigidity. Carbon nanotubes offer superior tensile strength and stiffness than traditional carbon fiber reinforcing. MB&F’s CarbonMacrolon is a solid material that is hard and can be colored, polished, bead-blasted, lacquered, or satin-finished. In addition to all these attributes, it weighs eight times less than steel, making it extremely versatile and interesting from both a technical and design point of view.
Things to Know About the Watch
The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 BLUE is cased in Grade 5 Titanium and blue CarbonMacrolon body panels and is limited to 33 pieces. The case is composed of 42 parts and measures 47 mm x 41.5 mm x 19 mm. The sapphire crystals on the top, front, and display back are treated with an anti-reflective coating on both faces. The HM8 Mark 2 BLUE features dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with an integrated magnifying lens.
A long line of MB&F timepieces has pushed the limits of what is physically possible in terms of sapphire crystal production, and the HM8 Mark 2 is no exception. The creation of this double-curved sapphire has reached a complexity that is 30 to 40 times more expensive than a dome sapphire. Only one supplier agreed to take on the challenge.
During the many hours required to produce each sapphire crystal, the risk of breakage is incredibly high —and if it is going to break, it is always at the very last moment, much to the utter desperation of all concerned. Once safely completed and fitted into the timepiece, however, it is just as robust as the sapphire crystal on any sports watch.
And last, but not least, the battle axe rotor that powers the movement is incredibly complex to make as one of the 22K gold blades is only two-tenths of a millimeter thick. It cannot possibly be machined so it had to be stamped, with the engraving already incorporated into the stamp. The time is indicated by bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes, displayed by dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lenses.
The HM8 Mark 2 BLUE is delivered on a white calfskin strap texturized-like fabric, with a titanium loop buckle to fasten the strap with velcro like on those fancy straps from Richard Mille.
Not under the hood, but equally hidden, is a brand-new type of crown that has a sort of “double de-clutch” system, to coin an automobile term. It works by pushing the crown in and turning it three-quarters of a turn to release it. This has the advantage of gaining space and providing additional security to the system, which is a genuine advantage for a sports watch.
The Movement
The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 BLUE is equipped with a 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. This 247-part automatic movement features a 22K gold oscillating weight and provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new MB&F Horological Machine No. 8 Mark 2 BLUE is light as a feather and it wears extremely comfortably. An MB&F with the light air of a Richard Mille in an incredibly interesting material and with a stunning color scheme that is somewhat sparkly when exposed to direct sunlight —almost looking like Aventurine.
Sticker Price USD 78,000. For more info on MB&F click here.
