Joining the MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 Aquapod in titanium and the Aquapod in 18K 5N red gold released last year at the SIHH, comes a new iteration of the craziest and coolest MB&F released to date. The new HM7 Aquapod is also in titanium but this time with a gorgeous bright green bezel. Inspired by a jellyfish and the ocean, the MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 conquers the confines of the ocean and plunges into the water with this new model. Available in a limited edition of 50 pieces in grade 5 titanium with green bezel, this new iteration of the HM7 is simply out of this world. Below you will see the previous models limited to 33 and 66 pieces respectively or you can just check them out here on our website.
The Dial
The jellyfish-inspired design of the new MB&F HM7 Aquapod is counter-balanced by a rich horological execution with a central flying tourbillon with indications radiating out from the center like ripples in a pond. The HM7 Aquapod generates power from its tentacle-like automatic winding rotor. The HM7 Aquapod has radially symmetric rings displaying hours and minutes.
The curves of the high-domed sapphire crystal are mirrored in the shape of the time display rings, which are not simply flat and angled, but are mathematically precise, curved spherical segments. The hour and minute numerals and markers have been hand-painted in superluminova, making them legible by night. They are hand-painted, because it is impossible to print neatly on such complexly-curved components.
The Bezel
This time, instead of sporting a ceramic bezel, the new MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 Titanium Green is equipped with a sapphire crystal bezel with green lacquer. While Horological Machine No.7 is not considered a diving watch, it's unidirectional rotating bezel, allows for the watch to be used as such. However, unlike every other dive watch on the planet, Aquapod's bezel isn't attached to the case, but floats apart like a lifesaver.
For the blue and black bezels on previous iterations, the numerals and markers are first engraved in the ceramic using a laser, after which the engraved sections are filled with metalized titanium. The whole ring is then polished to a high gloss. In order to obtain the perfect color for this green edition, a sapphire crystal ring is inserted in the bezel; numbers and markets are metalized under the sapphire crystal, along with a layer of green lacquer.
The Movement
The 303-component, 72-hour power reserve HM7 Engine was developed in-house by MB&F. The movement beats at a frequency of 18,000 vph Spherically three-dimensional, all its mechanisms —from the winding rotor at the bottom, past the mainspring barrel and hour and minute displays, to the flying tourbillon on top— rotate concentrically around the center. The winding rotor’s tentacles are crafted from a solid block of titanium; their very three-dimensional nature makes machining and finishing extremely challenging. Underneath the tentacles, a platinum mass ensures powerful and efficient winding.
The Lume
And, like many jellyfish, MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 Aquapod Titanium Greenglows in the dark. It glows where you would expect it to —on the hour and minute numerals— but also around the inside of the movement, to light up that flying tourbillon at night and in addition, along the tentacle-like winding rotor so that its operation, too, can be appreciated in the dark.
The Case & Crowns
The case of the new MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 HM7 Aquapod Titanium Green is basically a three-dimensional sandwich comprising two hemispheres of high-domed sapphire crystal on either side of a metal case band. The case is comprised of 95 components and measures 53.8 mm in diameter by 21.3 mm tall.
The unidirectional ceramic bezel floats outside the case proper, while dual crowns are located between the two structures: the one on the left is for winding the movement —if necessary— and the crown on the right is for setting the time. The large crowns are ergonomically designed for ease of use, even when manipulated with wet fingers.
The Strap
The strap in engraved aircraft-grade rubber made Fluorocarbon FKM 70 Shore, an elastomer that highlights the casual nature of HM7 Aquapod, ensuring that it looks just as good with jeans and a t-shirt on land as it does with a bathing suit in the water. The strap is very nicely done with a matte finish and glossy edges and equipped with a double-folding buckle matching the case material. The interior side of the strap features a bubble pattern and the Aquapod name on it.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 HM7 Aquapod Titanium Green wears really big and high on the wrist. Regardless, this is yet another amazing creation from the think tank at MB&F and a watch that is definitely one of the most impressive timepieces they've ever created. Of all three iterations of the HM7 Aquapod, this is by far our favorite one. The MB&F Horological Machine No. 7 Aquapod is available in a limited edition of 33 pieces for the titanium model with blue bezel, 66 in 18K red gold and 50 for this new titanium green model.
Sticker Price $108,000 USD. For more info on MB&F click here.
