Horological Machine N°1

Overview

Launched in 2007, Horological Machine No.1 was an innovative and totally original timepiece: it was the world’s first movement with four barrels connected in both parallel and series, as well as the first wristwatch movement to have energy transmitted to the regulating system from two sources simultaneously.

The movement features no less than 376 components, 81 functional jewels, 4 mainspring barrels, a 7-day power reserve and an elevated central tourbillon. With its 48 discrete elements, HM1's three-dimensional case has a complexity and sophistication matching its movement. The multi-strata of the dial both captivate the eye and challenge the mind.

What's so special about this machine?

Four mainspring barrels, a central tourbillon and a 3D case and dial marked the beginning of a rebellious journey!

Horological Machine N°1

Machine in action

Horological Machine N^o1 is an extremely sophisticated timepiece on many levels: visually, technically and emotionally. It is as much, if not more, art and sculpture as micro-engineering. By designing and constructing its first three-dimensional machine MB&F broke free of the constraints imposed by traditional horology.

HM1 is a totally original timepiece, featuring hours and minutes on separate dials, raised central one-minute tourbillon, seven-day power reserve, four mainspring barrels and both automatic and manual winding. It has a radical new design and construction plus a brand new movement with 376 parts and 81 functional jewels.

Horological Machine N°1

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Horological Machine N°1

THE MACHINE

There is no mistaking the three-dimensionality of Horological Machine N^o1, both in the sheer volume of the case and in the multiple strata of the dial. HM1's unusual form dominates the senses and dictated the architecture of the movement. With its 48 discrete elements, HM1's case has a complexity and sophistication matching its movement.

The HM1 case features a modular construction enabling every part to be independently refurbished.

This is a design looking completely at home in the fantasy worlds of both 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Materials: 18k white gold, 18k red gold or black PVD 18k white gold
Dimensions: 41 x 64 x 14 mm

Raised central one-minute tourbillon, separate hours and minutes, 7-day power reserve
22k gold ‘battle-axe’ automatic winding rotor
Four mainspring barrels in parallel
376 components / 81 jewels / 7 days power reserve

Hours and minutes on separate dials, power reserve indicator, tourbillon.

Horological Machine N°1

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Horological Machine N°1

Inspiration

HM1 symbolises the genesis of MB&F: the encounter of two worlds, those of Maximilian Büsser (MB) and his friends (&F). When it was launched, it smashed so many conventions that it made clear to the watchmaking world what MB&F was about.

The key figures behind Horological Machine No.1 were designer Eric Giroud, who spent hundreds of hours turning Max’s sketches into the final 3D designs, along with movement engineer Laurent Besse and independent watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin, who together turned the radical conceptual drawings into micro-mechanical reality. The synthesis of Besse's engineering background with Speake-Marin's roots in classical horology ensured that, although the movement looks as though it comes from the future, its quality and finish were solidly founded on the very finest aspects of traditional haute horlogerie.