WATCH THIS SPACE

Having playfully traversed the realms of science f iction and supercars, the horological geniuses behind MB& F now turn to architecture for their latest watchmaking coup.

BREATHING SPACE

The curvilinear, almost organic form of the MB&F Horological Machine No.11 Architect draws from the avant-garde architectural designs of the mid- to late-1960s, an experimental phase that was itself a reaction to the spartan pragmatism of post-war building designs dominating the previous decade.

READ THE ROOM

Four symmetrical parabolas stretch out from the centre of the timepiece, forming the four rooms of the house that is the HM11 Architect. Though stylistically identical, each glossy white room tells a different story – time, and a corresponding time setting crown engraved with MB&F’S motif; power reserve; and a nostalgic, mechanically powered bimetallic thermometer.

POWERHOUSE

Owners rotating the Architect on its foundation to gain visual egress to the room of their desire are, simultaneously, supplying the timepiece with energy. With power and efficiency at the core of the HM11’S horological engine, a single 45° clockwise turn provides 72 minutes of autonomy. Only 10 complete rotations are needed to fill the watch’s 96-hour power reserve.

CRYSTAL CLEAR

The cornerstone of the timepiece’s construction are titanium and sapphire crystal – both materials were exceedingly difficult to machine until recent years, and only then at the hands of skilled artisans. As a reflection of the boundarypushing nature of architecture, the HM11 features six outward-facing sapphire crystal components, including the two concentricallystacked domes that make up the see-through atrium roof provided unfettered visual access to the movement below.