MB&F HMX Lotus Black 10th Anniversary, 2016

Dealer description — S.Song Watches

Famed for their unique take on watchmaking and all of its various intricacies, MB&F has gone from a fledgling watchmaker to independent superstar on the back of Max Busser's incredible creativity and MB&F's customer-focused ideals. Founded in 2005, MB&F celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2015, and instead of following the convention by releasing a rehashed version of an old design, MB&F released the HMX as a way to thank their clients and friends and continue where the legendary brand took off. Often drawing inspiration from some of the most unsuspecting of places, MB&F's timepieces are unique in their design, and the HMX is no different. Inspired by a supercar, the HMX is a driver's watch with the express purpose of emulating a racecar in just about every facet of its design. Starting with its rectangular case, the HMX uses a titanium and stainless steel construction that blends polished surfaces with brushed and smooth undulating curves and sharp corners and edges. With a sapphire crystal sitting atop its case like a sunroof, the HMX's movement's bridges are designed to look like a supercar's engine viewable through an engine bay, like most modern supercars. Featuring a proprietary system of gears and rotors, the HMX's movement drives an incredibly unique and interesting display. Offered in four colors with just 20 pieces each, the example I have here is the Lotus Black, named after the legendary F1 team and automaker. Inspired by a car's dashboard, the HMX's display is a digital jumping hours display with a trailing digital minutes display next to it. Powered by circular discs rotating flat on top of the movement, this display faces the wearer from the bottom portion of the watch so that its display is legible for the wearer while they are holding a car's steering wheel as they drive. With its crown mounted to the case at 12 o'clock like a car's exhaust and a 22ct gold winding rotor underneath the watch like a car's undercarriage, the HMX is a driver's watch through and through in every facet of its incredible design and mechanical prowess.