Manufacturer: MB&F Year: 2012 Case No: 40T0030 Model Name: Horological Machine 4 "Thunderbolt" Material: Titanium Calibre: Manual, 50 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Titanium MB&F deployant clasp Dimensions: 54 x 52 x 24mm Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by MB&F fitted box, CD, International Warranty, instruction manual and leather wallet.
Catalogue Essay
Impossible is obviously a word that Max Busser does not know or choses to unashamedly ignore. There is no other explanation for such an outlandish and incredibly awesome mechanical object that also gives time.
Rarely, if ever, have we seen a watch with a design so powerful. The design of the Horological Machine 4 is directly inspired by the fuselage of the P47-Thunderbolt fighter plane. The movement took three full years to develop and is ingeniously placed on a horizontal pane. Dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the dial indicating hours and minutes on the right and power reserve on the left.
Each fuselage, or pod, as MB&F refers to them is surrounded by a sapphire crystal enabling the owner to have a glimpse into the mechanics. This may seem like a small addition but creating these crystals requests over 185 hours of machining and polishing to achieve.
Made in only 50 pieces in titanium, the case is quite light for greater wearing comfort and regardless of its very original ergonomics the watch sits very well on the wrist and could even be considered as the perfect pilots watch.
The Horological Machine 4 was awarded the prize for the Best Concept & Design Watch at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie of Geneva in 2010 - the 311 component movement is also a mechanical feat that deserves praise in equal rights.
A timepiece, an engine and a sculpture all in one the HM4 is definitely a timepiece for the collector who is a free thinker with a pinch of anarchist.
Please note that MB&F generously offers a complimentary service of the watch to the successful bidder.