By Jovan Krstevski
MB&F, an independent watchmaker has just surprised us with its new creation, the Horological Machine N°9 ‘Flow’ or quite simply the HM9. The brand certainly keeps up with its dizzying series of impressive timekeeping machines that are well known for its amazing sculpted cases and handsomely finished movements.
One look at the HM9 and I know that there is a key take away from automotive designs and a bit of aviation. While the automotive profile is evident, it is definitely expressive and of course there is that jet engine like look too.
Some of you might be familiar with the brand’s other timepieces such as the HM4 released in 2010 (I thought the HM9 looked much like it). However, the HM9 goes even further by pushing the limits of a case design for a wristwatch. Of course this is only made possible by recent advances in manufacturing techniques, allowing the brand to complete a spectacular milled and finished case.
Moreover, the case is made of titanium with alternating polished and satin finishes. Inside is of course a mechanical engine, a hand-wound movement with two independent twin balance wheels slowly oscillating at 2.5 Hz or 18,000 vibrations per hour. They are located on each flank of the case and clearly visible under the elongated sapphire crystal domes.
The output of the two balance wheels is then averaged by a planetary differential that is also visible through a third sapphire crystal dome at the center. According to the engineers, this techniques results to a more stable display of the time.
The Horological Machine N°9 ‘Flow’ features 301 components and 44 jewels inside. The movement also delivers 45 hours of power reserve using a single barrel.
Time is presented in a perpendicular manner against the rest of the HM9 mechanism, basically a 90° planar translation. The dial indicates hours and minutes thanks to the conical gears that drive them. Unlike a traditional movement, the 90° planar translation to the time display is definitely one of a kind and pretty satisfying to look at.
Meanwhile, the fluted design of the winding and setting crown culminates the aviation inspiration by being located at the rear of the central body. Functionally, it is easier to reach and considering the case design, it provides a comfortable grip at this location.
At “only” 57 mm at its widest point, the HM9 is not that large as you might think. Additionally, the grade 5 titanium case is also water resistant to 30 meters or 100 feet thanks to its patented three-dimensional gasket.
Finally, the Horological Machine N°9 ‘Flow’ comes in two editions that are limited each to 33 pieces only: the ‘Air’ edition features a dark movement with aviator-style dial, while the ‘Road’ edition with a rose gold plated movement has a classic speedometer-style dial.
The HM9 wears on a hand-stitched brown calf-leather strap with custom-designed titanium folding buckle and it retails for 168,000 Swiss Francs without taxes. Visit MB&F here.
