This isn’t for the faint of heart, or those with thin wallets.
In order to view the mechanical fireworks from every angle, MB&F’s Horological Machine N°9 is enclosed in a sapphire crystal case.
Despite the unique form of the Swiss HM9, Maximilian Büsser insisted that the real attraction was its internal movement rather than its unique shape. The HM9-SV features a sapphire crystal case that is almost entirely crafted into the case, a risky design approach that the design team took to make it possible.
Featuring a metal framework made of either red or white gold that ensures its safety, as well as a technical compound bonding process that fuses the two materials together, the hull is expertly fitted together. Rubber gaskets designed specifically for the original HM9 help reinforce the waterproofing capabilities of the timepiece, which can withstand depths of up to 30 meters. You can dip a piece of this magnitude in water, but we doubt you’d want to.
In addition to providing exceptional hardness, sapphire crystal makes the piece scratch- and shatter-resistant. Just to form the carefully contoured elements of each component, 350 hours of precision machining and polishing are required. This engine should not only be displayed, but it should also be protected with the strongest armor possible. Especially when you consider its price tag of $440,000 plus VAT.
With two balances beating simultaneously, this version is more robust than the LM2 from MB&F. Its engine is more robust than the LM2. In this way, chronometric data sets can be translated into an averaged reading by using a differential. This is a delicate balance that was honed over years of iterations. There are free-spinning propellers beneath each balance on the reverse side, which is equally interesting.
In addition to an 18K red gold frame and a NAC-coated black or PVD-coated blue engine, the watch is available in two variations with an 18K white gold frame paired with a PVD-coated purple or red gold engine. An in-house, manually wound movement with a 45-hour power reserve and 52 jewels powers the watch. Each edition will be limited to five copies. No doubt, the 20 lucky people who will wear one of these timepieces will own something unique and, certainly, not built for those with slight wrists.
Select MB&F retail partners and the brand’s online store carry the limited edition HM9 Sapphire Vision watches.
