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In a bid to constantly one-up themselves, MB&F has unveiled a new Horological Machine that looks like it walked straight out of Michael Bay’s Transformers.

Maximilian Büsser’s MB&F stands as one of my favourite watch brands of all time. On top of that, they also stand as one of the most infuriating watch brands to write about. Not in a bad way, mind you, but in the sense that I proclaim their latest creation to be the pinnacle of independent watchmaking, only for the brand to surpass itself almost instantaneously. Imagine my elation, and the slightest bit of dismay, every time I make that claim.

But behind every rocketship release are years upon years of dedication to the arts and sciences of watchmaking. MB&F, both metaphorically and in its company structure, is comprised of the proverbial Avengers of horology. With their powers combined, they present an all-new creation that marries Büsser’s science-fiction inspirations with the skills of some of the finest minds in the business. This is the MB&F HM12 Guardian.

Maximum Ride

Personally, this watch marks the rare occasion where I begin a new watch release without talking about the watch itself first. Well, not exactly. The watch was created as part of The Guardian, a colossal robot designed in collaboration with Maximilian Maertens and the clockmakers of L’Epée 1839. Standing 22cm in diameter and 38.2cm tall, The Guardian may, at first glance, seem like little more than a glorified presentation stand. However, it plays a fundamental role in the concept conceived by the two Maximilians.

The Guardian itself is constructed from 755 components and features a mechanical thermometer at its centre. It’s not without equipment, either, having been outfitted with both a shield and a laser cannon. Neither is quite what it seems. The shield is actually an integrated loupe for appreciating the watch, while the laser cannon is a UV torch used to activate the watch’s lume.

The colour of The Guardian depends on the watch it accompanies, coming in blue, green, or purple. Sized at 43.6mm in diameter, 49.3mm lug-to-lug, and 13.8mm thick, the MB&F HM12 possesses a more subtle frame that wraps comfortably around the wrist. This is certainly helped by its grade 5 titanium construction, making it considerably lighter than a watch resembling a robot’s head might suggest.

Additionally, the articulated lugs move independently from the case to contour around the wrist, allowing for a more fitted wearing experience. Paired with a colour-matched Velcro strap and buckle combination, the HM12 can be comfortably worn in almost any scenario. Should you no longer wish to wear it, the watch can simply be returned to the robot. Remove the interchangeable straps and clip the watch head back onto The Guardian’s body.

Dynamic Duo

I think all of us, regardless of the era we were born in, can point to a time when we were captivated by robots, more specifically giant mecha. Whether you were introduced to them by Hideaki Anno, Haim Saban, Guillermo del Toro, Yoshiyuki Tomino, or Michael Bay, we can all agree on how they captured our imaginations as children.

That’s exactly what the new HM12 is. Created as the head of the colossal Guardian, the watch is a love letter to Büsser’s childhood memories and his affection for all things science fiction. As such, the open-worked dial uses several distinct elements to recreate The Guardian’s robotic face.

Starting at six o’clock is the mouth, represented by the micro-rotor, complete with the double battle-axe finish that has become emblematic of MB&F’s catalogue. The eyes follow, comprised of the jump-hour display at nine o’clock and the minutes disc at three o’clock, with stationary lumed hands indicating the time. Finally, 12 o’clock is occupied by the flying tourbillon, serving as the moving gears and brain of The Guardian.

But if you thought that was it, then you must be new to MB&F watches. The final feature, entirely separate from the rest of the mechanics, is the HM12’s face-shield mechanism. Controlled by the crown on the left-hand side of the case, solid accent-coloured shields progressively cover the face.

It’s not a simple toggle system either, as the mechanism can be stopped at any point to add expression to the robot head. Combining a remarkable level of craftsmanship with MB&F’s signature playful touch, it’s perhaps the most distinctive feature of the entire timepiece.

The Head Of The Table

Turning the watch around, however, makes it apparent just how extensive the horological dedication truly is. Visible through the open caseback is the brand’s HM12 movement, bolstered by a substantial 84-hour power reserve. An automatic movement, it powers all associated complications save for the face-shield mechanism. With a flying tourbillon, micro-rotor, and jump-hour display, it’s a serious piece of timekeeping that hardly takes itself too seriously.

Yet it’s also been worked on by the likes of Kari Voutilainen and an assortment of master watchmakers, ensuring every component has been finished to the absolute nines. Symmetrical bridges, softly curved forms, and carefully executed hand-finishing are all immediately apparent, as is the guilloché decoration visible on the reverse side of the micro-rotor.

Initial Thoughts

I always take pleasure in writing about another unique MB&F creation. While it may make me look somewhat like a fanboy, given how often I sing their praises, it’s a badge I’d proudly wear on my chest if possible. The HM12 is exemplary of why I love them: the absolute upper echelon of haute horlogerie, executed with both reverence and a joyous sense of imagination.

It always makes me wonder how much further MB&F can take things. Every single time I think they’ve reached their peak, they’ve built an entirely new mountain to climb. The HM12 is simply the latest demonstration of that philosophy, marrying the brand’s deep-seated respect for the art of watchmaking with that all-important sense of fun. It can’t get any better than this… right?

References & Specifications

International Retail Price: CHF 280,000

Availability: Limited to 12 pieces per reference. Inquire at MBandF.com for more information.