Swiss luxury watch brand MB & F unveils HM3 Poison Dart Frog, a limited edition of 10 pieces inspired by the spectacular yellow-banded poison dart frog.
The deadly potential of the poison dart frog is camouflaged in the tropical rainforest by this amphibian’s exotically-patterned black and yellow skin. Similarly, the high-tech zirconium case of Poison Dart Frog is disguised by a sleek, black layer of PVD. The black case contrasts spectacularly with the animated rotor – framed by an over-sized date wheel – on top of the Jean-Marc Wiederrecht- designed complication.
The protruding eyes of real-life, amphibious frogs enable them to see in many directions without having to turn their head. The bulbous hour and minute domes of Poison Dart Frog create a similar effect, though in this case it means the wearer can easily read the time from a variety of angles without having to turn his or her wrist.
The hour and minute domes had to be meticulously machined from solid aluminium, chosen for its optimal strength to weight ratio – the domes weigh just over 0.5g. First, they are milled from the outside and then the inside to arrive at a paper-thin wall thickness of just 0.28mm, ensuring their energy requirements are kept to an absolute minimum.
Protecting the hour and minute domes are two semi-spherical sapphire crystal domes that had to be shaped and polished with utmost precision as the slightest imperfection in the sapphire could produce a disconcerting magnification effect.
HM3 Poison Dart Frog may portray the time and date playfully, but there is nothing but serious attention to detail regarding the fine hand-finishing of the highly-tuned engine that purrs away inside. This limited edition is available exclusively at The Hour Glass. The HM3 Poison Dart Frog features black PVD-coated zirconium case, 22k gold rotor and 18k yellow gold screws.
Technical details
Movement
Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/Agenhor; Powered by a Sowind base
Balance oscillating at 28,800 bph
Battle-axe shaped ‘mystery’ automatic winding rotor
HM3 Poison Dart Frog: Rotor in 22k gold
Hour and minutes information transmitted via ceramic ball bearings to rotating domes
Number of jewels: 36 (all functional)
Number of components: 304
Functions
Hour on one dome (aluminium dome rotating in 12 hours)
Minutes on second dome (aluminium dome rotating in 60 minutes)
Date around the movement
Case
HM3 Poison Dart Frog: Black PVD zirconium case, 18k yellow gold screws, limited edition of 10 pieces
Screwed-down crown
Dimensions (exclusive of crown and lugs): 47mm x 50mm x 18mm
Number of case components: 53
Sapphire crystals: Domes and both display backs with anti-reflective treatment on both faces
Dials
Rotating aluminium domes – 0.58g
Strap
Black hand-stitched alligator with 18K gold & titanium custom designed deployment buckle
