Those with a fervor for timepieces and high-performance vehicles often find common ground, and it's no surprise to our readers that Max Büsser, initially aspiring to be an automobile designer, funneled his passion into crafting watches. His automotive-inspired dreams are evident in his designs, starting with a homage to the Amida Digitrend—a 1976 watch known for its lateral time display. This feature, typical of driver's watches, allows the time to be read without needing to lift the wrist from the steering wheel. Continuing this tradition of automotive-themed designs, MB&F has now unveiled its third iteration of the HM8 Mark 2, this time in a striking sapphire blue.
The journey began in 2012 with the release of the HM5, a 1970s-inspired timepiece featuring functional louvres and a sapphire prism that displayed the time vertically, mimicking an old-style speedometer. This was followed by the tenth anniversary HMX model, and then the 2016 HM8 "Can-Am," which drew inspiration from the high-octane, minimally regulated Canadian-American Challenge Cup racing series that ran from 1966 to 1987. The HM8 Can-Am showcased roll bars on the case, reminiscent of the wild race cars from the series, and featured a sapphire crystal that displayed the movement, driven by a Girard-Perregaux calibre—this same movement powers the latest HM8 Mark 2, available in white or British racing green CarbonMacrolon cases.
The HM8 Mark 2 Blue Edition draws its aesthetic inspiration from the sleek lines of the Porsche 918 Spyder and the Abarth 750 Zagato Double Bubble. The watch's structure mimics that of a car with its engine mounted on a robust, water-resistant titanium frame. The panels, crafted from CarbonMacrolon—a polymer matrix developed by Bayer and enhanced with carbon nanotubes—offer the durability of steel but at a fraction of the weight. This innovative material can be finished in various ways including colouring, polishing, and lacquering, making it both versatile and tactile.
The case of the HM8 Mark 2 Blue Edition, constructed from grade 5 titanium and adorned with blue CarbonMacrolon panels, measures 47mm in length, 41.5mm in width, and 19mm in height at the display end. The crown, discreetly placed near the rear of the watch, requires a push and a twist to engage, safeguarding the movement. This model features a dazzling sapphire blue finish, achieved by applying mineral pigments similar to those used in metallic automotive paints to the translucent CarbonMacrolon.
The watch's display is protected by double-curved, anti-reflective sapphire crystal that showcases the 22k gold battle axe-shaped rotor and intricately designed bridges. The lateral time display is housed beneath a structure that mirrors the upper section of Darth Vader's helmet, enhancing the watch's futuristic appeal. The time display utilizes dual-reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lenses, which correct the inverted numerals on the discs to ensure they appear correctly oriented when viewed through the prisms. The time is displayed via jumping hours on the left and a light-blue pointer for the minutes on the right.
The mechanical heart of the HM8 Mark 2, a 3D engine consisting of 247 components, relies on a Girard-Perregaux automatic base calibre which provides a 42-hour power reserve. The titanium and blue CarbonMacrolon HM8 Mark 2 is paired with a sporty white calfskin strap, blending high-performance automotive design with sophisticated horological craftsmanship.
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