Dive into the world of groundbreaking horology with MB&F’s latest release, the Horological Machine N°9 ‘Sapphire Vision’, a tribute to innovation and precision.
In the world of luxury timepieces, where craftsmanship meets innovation, MB&F has always been a name synonymous with pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Their latest creation, the Horological Machine N°9 ‘Sapphire Vision’ (HM9-SV), is no exception. Unveiled in 2018 as a tribute to the bygone era of the ‘40s and ‘50s, HM9 ‘Flow’ captured the essence of automotive and aeronautic designs of that time. Now, the HM9-SV takes this already impressive timepiece to new depths – both literally and figuratively.
One cannot help but marvel at the sheer beauty and complexity of the HM9-SV. Encased within a transparent shell of sapphire crystal and precious metals, this watch is a testament to MB&F’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological design. The sapphire crystal exterior, curved, bubbled and meticulously assembled in three parts, is a marvel of engineering, sealed with a proprietary combination of patented three-dimensional gaskets and a cutting-edge compound bonding process.
But what truly sets the HM9-SV apart is its beating heart – the movement inside. MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser describes it as “the most beautiful movement we’ve created to date”. Two fully independent cantilevered balances, operating in harmony, transform two heartbeats into one coherent time-pulse. Ultraprecise conical gears efficiently channel the engine’s energy and information to power the time display on a sapphire crystal dial, marked with Super-LumiNova, ensuring perfect legibility in any lighting conditions.
Unlike the initial HM9 Flow ‘Air’ and ‘Road’ editions, the HM9-SV is an ocean explorer, designed to conquer the mysterious depths of the Earth’s last uncharted realm. Its design reflects the fluid dynamics of its predecessors, while embracing the challenges posed by machining hard sapphire crystal. The smoother lines not only enhance its aesthetic but also minimise potential areas of mechanical vulnerability, ensuring durability and reliability in the harshest conditions.
At the heart of the HM9-SV lies the HM9 engine, a masterpiece of mechanical ingenuity. This engine defies convention, with a three-dimensional assemblage of wheels, gears, plates and bridges that inhabit the dynamic outer case. While it may seem anachronistic with a traditional balance frequency of 2.5Hz, the inclusion of two balances compensates for any sensitivity to shock, ensuring accurate timekeeping under various conditions.
To further enhance shock resistance, the HM9- SV introduces a new shock-absorbing system, featuring helicoidal springs crafted from polished stainless steel. This system reduces sensitivity to shocks and adds to the watch’s overall durability.
The HM9-SV’s planetary differential serves as the gearbox of the movement, averaging the time measurements from the twin balances to deliver a final reading on the perpendicularly oriented dial. Every aspect of the engine is open for exploration, allowing enthusiasts to witness the intricate interplay of components, from barrel to balance and differential to dial. To create a watertight seal for the sapphire crystal components, MB&F developed innovative solutions, including a patented three-dimensional rubber gasket and a high-tech bonding compound. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures that the HM9-SV remains resilient even in challenging underwater conditions.
Creating the sapphire crystal components for the HM9-SV is a monumental task. Each case requires approximately 350 hours of meticulous machining and polishing. MB&F’s journey with complex sapphire crystal components began in 2005 and has since evolved, with creations, such as the HM2 ‘Sapphire Vision’, the double-arched crystals of the HM4 ‘Thunderbolt’, the recent HM3 FrogX and more. The expertise accumulated over the years has culminated in the stunning design of the HM9-SV.
The HM9 Sapphire Vision comes in two new editions – a PVD-coated blue engine with a white gold frame and a PVD-coated green engine with a yellow gold frame – both in limited edition of five pieces.
Explore the depths of time with the HM9- SV, both in its design and the mysteries it holds within. With limited editions in various precious metals and colours, the HM9-SV offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history, a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike.