MB&F Horological Machine No6 ‘SV’
Horological Machine No6 SV (SV for “Sapphire Vision”) adds an extra three-dimensional layer to the biomorphic beauty of the HM6 ‘Space Pirate’ by revealing the mechanical marvels of the unique Engine within. The complex curves of two transparent sapphire crystal plates sandwich a precious metal “streamliner” case band, creating two horological amphitheatres dedicated to the appreciation of exquisite, hand-finished micro engineering.
The metal case band is distinguished by horizontal lines reminiscent of the American Greyhound “Streamliner” buses of the 1950s and ’60s, which grew out of a late Art Deco style known as Streamline Moderne. The sandwich construction is punctuated and highlighted by the vividly coloured stripes of the water-resistance seals.
At the front, two spherical domes rotate vertically, respectively displaying hours and minutes in large, highly legible numerals. Aft, twin spherical turbines spin horizontally, driven by the rotor and multiplying gearing that automatically regulates the winding system to minimize stress and wear.
A central dome houses a 60-second flying tourbillon, the precision regulator of the HM6 Engine. However, high-precision regulators are especially sensitive to changes in oil viscosity, and ultra violet radiation gradually breaks down lubricating oils. This is why HM6 features a retractable, semi-spherical, titanium protective shield; when closed, it blocks harmful radiation from prematurely oxidising the lubrication oils in the regulator. A crown at 9 o’clock opens and closes the cover in – and like–the blink of an eye.
The nine sapphire crystal domes – five on top and four underneath – are carefully fastened to the transparent plates thanks to a special gluing process, achieved under vacuum in a high temperature oven. This offers maximal strength and water resistance.
As entrancing as its organically curved exterior case is, the real star of HM6 SV is its Engine, which doesn’t simply take centre stage but the whole auditorium. The 475 finely-finished components make up the highly complex movement, the result of more than three years’ worth of development.
Horological Machine No.6 ‘SV’ is a limited edition of 10 pieces in platinum/sapphire crystal and 10 pieces in red gold/sapphire crystal.
Technical details
Movement
Three-dimensional horological engine developed exclusively for HM6 by MB&F with David Candaux Horlogerie Créative
Flying tourbillon with retractable semi-spherical titanium shield
Iridescent blue platinum 950 battle-axe automatic winding rotor
Twin aluminium turbines driven by winding rotor
Power reserve: 72 hours
Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph
Number of components: 475
Number of jewels: 68
Functions/indications
Hours and minutes on separate semi-spherical aluminium indications
Left crown opens/closes tourbillon shield; right crown for time setting and winding
Dual turbines regulate the automatic winding rotor
Case
Sandwich construction of two transparent sapphire crystal plates on either side of a central precious metal case band
Materials: 5N+ red gold/sapphire crystal or 950 platinum/sapphire crystal
Dimensions: 51mm x 50mm x 22.7mm
Number of components: 78
Water resistance: 30m / 3atm
Strap & Buckle
Hand-stitched alligator strap with custom designed folding buckle matching the case band.
