A product of MB&F’s artistic concept laboratory, their philosophy is simple - the reinterpretation of traditional, high-quality craftsmanship into three-dimensional kinetic sculptures. Exhibiting a truly authentic example of modern hand-craftsmanship and ingenuity, the Horological Machine No.3 is the third execution of a collaboration between MB&F and some of the finest modern independent watchmakers.
Founded by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht in 1996, AGENHOR (Atelier Genevois d'Horlogerie) are the creators of complex watch mechanisms that are technically and aesthetically exceptional. Much like the thinking of Max Büsser and friends, the AGENHOR mentality is to be progressive in their approach to contemporary watchmaking for the 21st century, but with great respect for tradition. In 2007, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht won the ‘Best Watchmaker’ award at the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) - the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry.
In the design, the Horological Machine No.3 was developed to fully-display the machine’s superbly finished movement in operation. Its impressively crafted bridges, rapidly oscillating balance-wheel, gearing and distinctive battle-axe shaped automatic winding-rotor are all exposed through the front-side of the watch. To the right, two time-indicating cones sit perpendicular to the arm, displaying the hours and day/night indicators above the minutes below. To the right, the date is indicated by a rotating-disc progressing alongside the movement, with a machined “arrow” marking on the case. The 18-carat white-gold and titanium “spaceship”case measures 47 mm in width and 50 mm in length (excluding the concealed lugs), and has a thickness of 16 mm.
One of the main challenges in the HM3’s design was to enable sufficient transmission energy from the mainspring, to the time and date display. The reverse of the watch reveals the technical secret behind the inverted movement – two large ceramic bearings, efficiently transmitting power up to the cones and date wheel. The Sowind-based movement, designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and Agenhor, is comprised of 304 components, with 36 jewels.
Collaboration is very much in Max Büsser and friends’ (MB&F’s) DNA. The company’s harmonious relationship with many of haute-horology’s finest independent movement makers, coupled with careful choosing of its suppliers has led to the development of visionary modern timepieces, celebrated equally for their exceptional design and mechanical brilliance. The Horological Machine No.3 creatively reimagines time-keeping in MB&F’s typically avant-garde, whimsical style.
The Horological Machine No.3 comes on a black stitched alligator strap with a hidden, magnetic deployant clasp of white gold and titanium.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | MB&F |
| Model: | Sidewinder |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic-winding - Sowind base |
| Functions: | date, day/night indicator, hours and minutes |
| Features: | display back, 22-carat gold rotor |
| Case: | 47 mm 18-carat white gold and titanium |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | black stitched alligator strap with white-gold deployant clasp |
| Box & papers: | full set - original box and papers |
