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, now comes the HM8 Mark 2, the most technologically evolved model to date.
The new MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is presented in a choice of white or British racing green CarbonMacrolon that has a matte finish on the top and a high polish on the sides. The white version is paired with a green CVD rotor and light green minute markers, while the British racing green version comes with a red gold rotor and balance wheel and turquoise minute markers and is limited to 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 fibre reinforcing. MB&F’s CarbonMacrolon is a solid material that is hard and can be coloured, 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
Like any super or hyper-car, a lot of the technology inside the MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is not visually obvious, starting with the titanium chassis, which is extremely complicated to mill. Even in stainless steel, it would have been extremely complex to make, but the hardness of this alloy really put MB&F’s technicians to the test. The same is true of the CarbonMacrolon body panels, which due to the small production quantities, could only be milled from a block, adding another layer of complexity to the watch’s coachwork.
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 22-carat 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 is delivered on a calfskin strap texturized-like fabric, in white for the British green model and green for the white model with a titanium tang buckle.
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 MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is available in titanium and green CarbonMacrolon body panel is limited to 33 pieces; and in titanium and white CarbonMacrolon body panel. The case is composed of 42 parts and measures 47 x 41.5 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 features dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with an integrated magnifying lens.
The Movement
The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 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 is light as a feather and a watch that wears extremely comfortably. An MB&F with a light air of a Richard Mille in an incredibly interesting material and with a stunning color scheme. A very unexpected release for the brand and a watch that was love at first sight for us.
Sticker Price $78,000 USD. For more info on MB&F click here.
