Horological Machine N°2
Overview
First launched in 2008, Horological Machine No.2 revolutionized the world of haute horlogerie with its distinctive rectangular shape, flying buttresses, dual portholes and modular construction. Its mechanical movement offers instantaneous jumping hours, concentric retrograde minutes, retrograde date, bi-hemisphere moon-phase and automatic winding.
The dynamic tension between apparently incongruous elements in Horological Machine No.2, such as that between innovative technology and sculptural art, matte finish and mirror polish, modern alloys and precious metals, and between traditional watchmaking and 21st century micro-engineering, endows this machine with vibrant vitality. The sapphire crystal cases of the HM2-SV editions offer visual access into the meticulously hand-finished engine.
What's so special about this machine?
A jump hour and retrograde mechanism, a bi-hemisphere moon-phase and a complex case will definitely turn a few heads whilst on your wrist…
Machine in action
The HM2's case, with its flying buttresses, bolted portholes, was so complex - over 100 components go into its construction alone - that it could only be developed with an innovative modular method inspired by the Meccano sets of Maximilian Büsser's childhood. And in line with best engineering principles, this modularity also simplifies future refurbishment of the case should it ever be necessary.
While Horological Machine No2 is a high-tech machine of the 21st century, the quality and hand execution of the fine finishing is a showcase of the very best in traditional craftsmanship. Light flashing off hand finished mirror-polished surfaces and immaculate bevelling brings vivacity to the rich combination of colours, materials, shapes and textures.
THE MACHINE
The HM2 engine, developed by award-winning master watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, features the world's first mechanical movement offering: Instantaneous Jump Hour, Concentric Retrograde Minutes, Retrograde Date, Bi-Hemisphere Moon Phase and Automatic Winding.
One highlight (of many) of the HM2 complication is the highly energy-efficient Jump Hour/Retrograde mechanism developed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, which uses his exclusive (and patented) asymmetrical-tooth gear wheels to ensure high precision and play-free functionality.
- Materials: 18k white gold/titanium and red gold/titanium editions, ceramic/red gold and ceramic/titanium editions, sapphire/black PVD titanium and sapphire/18k red gold editions.
- Dimensions: 59 x 38 x 13 mm
- Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/Agenhor.
- Powered by a Sowind base
- 22k gold ‘battle-axe’ automatic winding rotor
- 349 components / 44 jewels
- Left dial: retrograde date and bi-hemisphere moon phase.
- Right dial: jumping hours and concentric retrograde minutes.
Inspiration
Designed like the space platforms of 20th century science fiction novels, the HM2 case features flying buttresses, bolted portholes and a sliding crown guard. It was so complex - over 100 components go into the case alone - that it could only be developed with an innovative modular method, inspired by the meccano sets of Maximilian Büsser's childhood. In line with best engineering principles, this modularity also simplifies future refurbishment of the case should it ever be necessary.
In true MB&F style, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and Maximilien Di Blasi worked hand in hand with erstwhile competitor Patrick Lété in ensuring that the architecture of the movement fitted coherently and holistically with the iconoclastic case.
