MB&F presents HM8 MARK 2, a brand-new addition to its automotive-inspired Horological Machines.
MB&F began producing automobile inspired timepieces in 2012 with the HM5. This tradition was followed by the HMX in 2015 and the HM8 in 2016. These models stand out with a signature speedometer-style display on the side of the case that recalls the retro-futuristic automobile designs of the 1970s.
The MB&F HM5 was inspired by the design of the Amida Digitrend watch launched in 1976. This Horological Machine features opening and closing slats inspired by Marcello Gandini’s design for the Bertone Lamborghini Miura with its louvers on the rear window that gave the car its futuristic aesthetic.
Launched in 2015, the HMX took inspiration from another Italian coach builder – Touring Superleggera. The HM8 took its design cues from Can-Am cars from the famous Canadian American Racing Championship. The cars’ unusual design and distinctive roll bars became the inspiration for the watch’s two titanium roll bars.
The HM8 Mark 2, on the other hand, finds inspiration in different sources, such as the iconic Porsche 918 Spyder for the shape of the body, and the Zagato double bubble for the sapphire crystal.
Not only did the design codes of these timepieces find their inspiration in the automobile world, but the construction did too. The HM5 and HM8 Mark 2 are built from an independent water-resistant chassis to which the body panels of the watch are added, while the HMX and HM8 favoured a monobloc construction.
For the new HM8 Mark 2, the case comes in a choice of white or British racing green CarbonMacrolon® that has a matt finish on the top and a high polish on the sides. The white version has 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.
Developed specifically for MB&F, CarbonMacrolon® is a composite material composed of a polymer matrix injected with carbon nanotubes, which add strength and rigidity.
Equipped with a 22-carat gold rotor, the mechanical automatic movement of this watch is based on a Girard-Perregaux calibre.
The MB&F HM8 MARK 2 watch introduces 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.
MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is available:
– in titanium and green CarbonMacrolon® body panel limited to 33 pieces;
– in titanium and white CarbonMacrolon® body panel.
Technical details
Model: MB&F HM8 MARK 2
Engine
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.
Mechanical movement, automatic winding
22K gold automatic winding rotor
Power reserve: 42 hours
Balance frequency: 28,800bph/4Hz.
Number of components: 247 components
Number of jewels: 30 jewels
Functions
Bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes, displayed by dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lens
Case
Grade 5 titanium with green or white CarbonMacrolon®
Dimensions: 47 x 41.5 x 19 mm
Number of components: 42
Water resistance: 30m / 90’ / 3atm
Sapphire crystals
Sapphire crystals on top, front and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces
Dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms with integrated magnifying lens
Strap
Calfskin strap – white for the British green model and green for the white model
Titanium tang buckle
