About MB&F
Founded in 2005, MB&F - Maximilian Büsser & Friends - was the world’s first-ever horological concept laboratory. Born out of Maximilian Büsser’s vision to deconstruct traditional watchmaking into 3-dimensional kinetic art, MB&F is dedicated to designing and crafting small series of radical concept watches by bringing together talented horological professionals who share the same values.
Genesis of a concept laboratory
In 2007, MB&F unveiled its first Horological Machine, HM1. HM1’s sculptured, three-dimensional case and beautifully finished engine (movement) set the standard for the idiosyncratic Horological Machines that have followed – all Machines that tell the time, rather than Machines to tell the time.
The fiercely unconventional Horological Machines have explored themes as diverse as space and science fiction, aviation, supercars, the animal kingdom and architecture.
Reinterpreting complications from the great horological innovators
In 2011, MB&F launched its round-cased Legacy Machine collection. These more classical pieces – classical for MB&F, that is – pay tribute to nineteenth-century watchmaking excellence by reinterpreting complications from the great horological innovators of yesteryear to create contemporary objets d'art.
Certain Legacy Machines have also given birth to EVO editions, featuring increased water and shock resistance compatible with collectors’ active lifestyles. MB&F generally alternates between launching contemporary, resolutely unconventional Horological Machines and historically inspired Legacy Machines.
Maximilian Büsser
Looking at Maximilian Büsser's life and career to date, it becomes evident that MB&F is a natural progression for his innate entrepreneurial spirit.
Graduating in Lausanne with a Master’s degree in Micro-Technology Engineering, Max's love for high-end horology was strongly imprinted by his first employer, Jaeger-LeCoultre. He spent seven years in their senior management team during an exciting period of change and growth.
Max was appointed managing director of Harry Winston Rare Timepieces in 1998 - he was just 31. During his seven years there he transformed the company into a well-respected haute horlogerie brand. Working with talented independent watchmakers on the innovative and revolutionary Opus series of timepieces gave him greatest satisfaction and planted the seed for developing that concept further still.
In 2005 the desire to allow his creativity and energy full reign saw Max resign from Harry Winston to form his creative ideal: MB&F. With his new company, Maximilian Büsser has full creative liberty to indulge in his passion for working with the most talented independent horological professionals – pushing the limits of horology into a new dimension.
F stands for Friends
As the F stands for Friends, it was only natural for MB&F to develop collaborations with artists, watchmakers, designers and manufacturers they admire.
This brought about two new categories: Performance Art and Co-creations. While Performance Art pieces are MB&F machines revisited by external creative talent, Co-creations are not wristwatches but other types of machines, engineered and crafted by unique Swiss Manufactures from MB&F ideas and designs. Many of these Co-creations, such as the clocks created with L’Epée 1839, tell the time while collaborations with Reuge and Caran d’Ache generated other forms of mechanical art.
MB&F Milestones
Discover some of the most important milestones in our journey since 2005.
Collaborative Spirit
At MB&F, we consider our partners and contributors as Friends. It has been a crucial part of our approach to work and our product development.
Continue to
Horological Machines
PERPETUAL CALENDAR
Hours, minutes, day, date, month, and leap year can be set independently by manually pressing the correctors. No need for special tools or complicated date setting!
Legacy Machines
BEATING HEART
The feathered breast is sculpted and engraved from a single block of amethyst or rose quartz. Beneath the translucent stone, its heart appears to be beating: a visual illusion created by the swings of the rotor underneath.