Max Büsser & Friends Horological Machine N°10 “Bulldog”
The most daring and outrageous Horological Machine to date. MB&F has outdone itself by basing its new HM10 on our beloved furry friend.
MB&F resides in the highest tiers of independent Haute Horlogerie. The “Friends” part of the name has given Max Büsser free rein to allow his wildest fantasies to materialize. Fighter jets, spaceships — objects of pure childish glee. So what does he choose to pluck from his deep imagination for the latest technical marvel? The stub-nosed, short-legged, and stocky British Bulldog. Possibly, the last thing anyone could have predicted. But then again, that’s the kind of prank befitting a man of Max’s mentality.
New Horological Machine N°10
Since 2007, the Horological Machines have been typically outlandish, but importantly, steeped in watchmaking prowess. The new Bulldog is no different. The articulated lugs resembling the forelegs and hind legs are spring actuated to add comfort and maintain the theme. An absolute first that I’ve seen is how the hind lugs (wink) connect to the winding and setting crowns on each side of the case. Viewed from above, the brushed case slinks to an alpha shape with a polished groove running the circumference. And it must be said; the back end of the case has a much more appealing view than the animal. Inscribed in a roadside diner-style font is the nickname of the HM10.
You may be wondering at this point, “Ok, Ben, you like the lugs and the case, but how do you tell the time on this dog watch?” I’m glad you asked. Looking like the volume and tone knobs on a Gibson Les Paul, the aluminum discs rotate, and the static triangles indicate the hours and minutes. Well, approximately to the nearest 5 minutes. The triangles obscure the minute markers, so I wouldn’t recommend tracking your travel schedule with the HM10. Hovering above the bug-eyed-indicators is the suspended bridge holding the balance wheel. This technical tour-de-force was first unveiled within MB&F’s Legacy Machine N°1 and remains as eye-catching as ever.
Bulldog locking its jaw
Overall, the “dial” is meant to mimic the eyes of the slobbery pooch. Meanwhile, the sapphire canopy provides a good enough likeness to deserve a pat on the head. Then, just when you think all the secrets of the Bulldog are revealed, the HM10 bites back. Turning the crown on the left side powers the manually wound movement, but the traditional power reserve indicator is nowhere to be found. Instead, the jaws on the underside of the case gradually widen to show the watch is powered up. And over 45 hours, the jaws will slowly close, indicating that this pooch is ready to wind down and rest by the fire. That’s one energetic Bulldog. 45 minutes would be more realistic but not entirely practical.
Final thoughts
The HM10 Bulldog is another entry in MB&F’s fascinating catalog. It may over-engineered and not particularly legible. But it’s a beautifully sculptured, mechanical work of art. Lifting the HM10 to your eye-line only to have an expectant Bulldog staring back at you would surely conjur a smile from even the most curmudgeonly of wearers. I guess in this instance, the M, B, and F stand for “Man’s Best Friend”.
The HM10 is available in two variations; grade five titanium with blue domes, for €92,000, and two-tone 18-carat red gold and titanium with black domes, for €105,000. Both versions come with calf-leather collars — I mean straps. Read more from MB&F on Fratello right here.
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