C3H5N3O9 is a horological experimental platform founded by a group of talented professionals from the Swiss fine watchmaking industry.

C3H5N3O9 is both the molecular formula for nitroglycerine and a horological experiment. C3H5N3O9 is an experimental platform, not a luxury brand. Urwerk founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei had a concept featuring Wankel engine inspired indications that they had not yet developed, and they suggested their constructor Cyrano Devanthey could develop and produce a movement based on that.

MB&F partners Maximilian Büsser and Serge Kriknoff teamed up with independent watch designer Eric Giroud to design and produce the case.

In 2012, the team unveiled the C3H5N3O9 Experiment ZR012 watch in a limited edition of 12 pieces in zirconium. In 2013, they have created a black edition of ZR012 exclusively for The Hour Glass, limited to 12 pieces in black zirconium.

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