Heading 1: MB&F’s HM8 Mark 2 Watch: A Fusion of Automotive and Horological Inspiration
The world of horology and the automotive industry have always been intertwined, with watchmakers often taking inspiration from the sleek lines and intricate mechanisms of cars. However, few watchmakers have managed to capture the essence of the automotive world as well as MB&F with their latest release, the HM8 Mark 2 watch.
Heading 2: Automotive Inspiration in Design and Construction
The design of the HM8 Mark 2 watch is heavily influenced by the automotive world, with its founder drawing inspiration from his childhood dreams of designing cars. The watch takes cues from iconic cars such as the Porsche 918 Spyder and the Zagato double bubble, with the shape of the body and sapphire crystal respectively.
The watch features two roll-hoop-like segments at the front, seamlessly integrated into the overall body. The transparent glass top offers a glimpse of the mechanism beneath, similar to a glass engine bay found in a supercar, showcasing its impressive powertrain.
Heading 2: Automotive-Themed Movement
The watch is equipped with a Girard-Perregaux-based movement, complemented by in-house designed hour and minute modules by MB&F. This design choice aligns with the automotive theme of the timepiece. An interesting aspect is the visibility of the time from the side of the watch, allowing drivers to conveniently check the time without needing to take their hands off the wheel.
To ensure that the numbers are always visible and clearly legible, MB&F uses a sapphire prism that makes them look like they’re jumping off the watch’s surface. The body is offered in British racing green CarbonMacrolon or in white titanium, with the white version featuring a bluish-green CVD rotor and a light green minute market, while the green version comes with a red gold rotor and a turquoise minute marker.
Heading 2: Limited Availability and Pricing
The green version of the HM8 Mark 2 watch is limited to just 33 examples, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. For those interested in this unusual timepiece, the watch is available for 73,000 CHF ($81,365 USD at current exchange rates), just a shade more than a Porsche Cayenne, which starts at $79,200 in the U.S.
Heading 1: Conclusion
The HM8 Mark 2 watch is a testament to MB&F’s ability to fuse the worlds of horology and automotive design seamlessly. The watch’s unique design and construction pay homage to iconic cars while incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative design elements. With limited availability and a price tag to match its exclusivity, the HM8 Mark 2 is sure to be a highly coveted timepiece among collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.