MB&F HM6 Space Pirate (Horological Machine No.6 ). A biomorphic case with four sphere at each corner and a central dome housing a 60-second flying tourbillon with a retractable, semi-spherical protective shield. Somehow inspired to a spaceship, the latest Horological Machine from MB&F is once again successful in surprising us with a definitely unconventional machine that tells the time.
The Horological Machine No.6, also referred to as HM6 'Space Pirate', is the most complex machine created by Maximilian Büsser & friends to date. The MB&F Horological Machine N°6 'Space Pirate' is a limited edition of 50 pieces in Ti-6Al-4V titanium with a price of Swiss Francs 215,000.
A biomorphic case with a sphere at each corner and a central dome housing a 60-second flying tourbillon with a retractable, semi-spherical protective shield. Somehow inspired to a spaceship, the latest Horological Machine from MB&F is once again successful in surprising us with a definitely unconventional machine that tells the time.
The Horological Machine No.6, also referred to as HM6 'Space Pirate', is the most complex machine created by Maximilian Büsser & friends to date.
Machined from two solid ingots of aerospace grade Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) titanium, a titanium alloy with 6% aluminium, 4% vanadium, 0.25% (maximum) iron, and 0.2% (maximum) oxygen with a very high resistance to corrosion and low thermal conductivity, the case of the HM6 - with its ten perfectly polished sapphire crystals - smoothly wraps the engine of the machine.
The visionary three-dimensional automatic movement, beating at 18,000 vibrations per hours and offering 72 hours of power reserve, is composed of no less than 475 components and 68 jewels and required more than three years of development.
The aluminium indication domes displaying hours and minutes are machined from solid blocks of metal to an ultra-light paper thickness and revolve on ruby bearings. The domes rotate vertically, i.e. 90° to the plane of the movement, which is extremely rare in a wristwatch due to the complexity of the drive train and gearing required.
While it is for sure an eye catching solution, the reason behind the adoption of the central flying tourbillon high above the movement is mainly a technical one. In fact, the restricted space under the top of the sapphire crystal dome could not accommodate the upper supporting bridge of a standard balance wheel so a tourbillon regulator was a necessity.
Operated by a crown on the left side of the case, a retractable spherical shield that envelopes the tourbillon with six overlapping, curved blades has the function to protect the tourbillon from UV radiation, which speeds up oxidation of lubricating oils in the escapement and movement.
The two spherical turbines, each composed of no fewer than 15 curved vanes and machined in two hemispheres from solid blocks of aluminium, help reducing stress and wear by creating internal resistance (through increased air friction) to slow down the winding rotor when this starts rotating too quickly due to highly active movement of the wrist.
Visible through the display back is part of the winding mechanism and the high-grade platinum 950 winding battle-axe rotor.
The case (49.5 mm x 52.3 mm x 20.4 mm) of the HM6 alternates polished and satin-finished surfaces with a polished a titanium brace running around the central circumference of the hull to reinforce the structure and support the lugs. The pivoted lugs enable the hand-stitched calfskin strap to comfortably fit around the wrist.
The MB&F Horological Machine N°6 'Space Pirate' is a limited edition of 50 pieces in Ti-6Al-4V titanium with a price of Swiss Francs 215,000. There will only be 100 HM6 movements made in total. mbandf.com
The Horological Machine No.6, also referred to as HM6 'Space Pirate', is the most complex machine created by Maximilian Büsser & friends to date.
The visionary three-dimensional automatic movement, beating at 18,000 vibrations per hours and offering 72 hours of power reserve, is composed of no less than 475 components and 68 jewels and required more than three years of development.
The aluminium indication domes displaying hours and minutes are machined from solid blocks of metal to an ultra-light paper thickness and revolve on ruby bearings. The domes rotate vertically, i.e. 90° to the plane of the movement, which is extremely rare in a wristwatch due to the complexity of the drive train and gearing required.
While it is for sure an eye catching solution, the reason behind the adoption of the central flying tourbillon high above the movement is mainly a technical one. In fact, the restricted space under the top of the sapphire crystal dome could not accommodate the upper supporting bridge of a standard balance wheel so a tourbillon regulator was a necessity.
Operated by a crown on the left side of the case, a retractable spherical shield that envelopes the tourbillon with six overlapping, curved blades has the function to protect the tourbillon from UV radiation, which speeds up oxidation of lubricating oils in the escapement and movement.
The two spherical turbines, each composed of no fewer than 15 curved vanes and machined in two hemispheres from solid blocks of aluminium, help reducing stress and wear by creating internal resistance (through increased air friction) to slow down the winding rotor when this starts rotating too quickly due to highly active movement of the wrist.
Visible through the display back is part of the winding mechanism and the high-grade platinum 950 winding battle-axe rotor.
The case (49.5 mm x 52.3 mm x 20.4 mm) of the HM6 alternates polished and satin-finished surfaces with a polished a titanium brace running around the central circumference of the hull to reinforce the structure and support the lugs. The pivoted lugs enable the hand-stitched calfskin strap to comfortably fit around the wrist.
The MB&F Horological Machine N°6 'Space Pirate' is a limited edition of 50 pieces in Ti-6Al-4V titanium with a price of Swiss Francs 215,000. There will only be 100 HM6 movements made in total. mbandf.com
Love it! Just too expensive for me :(
ReplyDeleteFrankly speaking, I am impressed with the movement but not so fond of the aesthetic.
Delete@rafandy remember that this is an art piece not a watch
Delete