MB&F Horological Machine No. 3: Classical Watchmaking Enters The Twilight Zone

In the realm of “watches as objects of modern art” none do it better than Maximilian Büsser’s daring  MB&F company.  The only company who pursues far-out-luxury watchmaking on an equally outstanding level, in my opinion, is Urwerk, whose work I have ruminated upon in the past.  With MB&F’s Horological machine No. 3 finally revealed, the young brand has a remarkable body of work that is sure to captivate those who can step beyond the Matrix, so to speak.

Despite being a true acolyte of the classical work of Philippe Dufour, I find the Horological Machine No. 3 to be no less desirable.   While on a completely different plane than any conventional timepiece, the MB&F Horological Machines are true masterpieces of fine watchmaking in every sense conceived with a complete approach to the integration of watchmaking technique with aesthetics—you simply have to keep in mind that every concept you have held as standard is turned on its nose!  Instead of hands, here you have rotating cones.  Instead of a little date disc, you have a massive date wheel whose diameter is larger than the base movement itself.  Polished slotted screws a la the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak?  No way–how about cloverleaf screws instead!  Where Philippe Dufour’s exquisite Simplicity pays homage to classical watchmaking aesthetics with fastidious perfection, this oddly beautiful “time machine” looks to spaceships and other fantasy objects to create a vision of mechanical art.  

Different?  As much so as grapefruit and guacamole–but, make no mistake–the MB&F Horological Machine No. 3 is one phenomenal example of haute horlogerie!