A Guide to MB&F Watches: Price, Legacy & Horological Machines, Authorized Retailers and More

Explore this Haute Horology Brand of Swiss Luxury Watches

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If you’re like many men’s luxury watch aficionados or observers, you’ve almost certainly heard of MB&F before.

But, with multiple lines, 13 different models and numerous versions of each model available in varying finishes or as limited editions, you wouldn’t be the only one who’s heard about MB&F without actually knowing about MB&F.

That’s why we’ve compiled this simple guide to the MB&F brand. Enjoy!

5 Very Important Things to Know about MB&F

  1. MB&F is short for Maximilian Busser & Friends.
  2. Each timepiece is the result of a collaboration by Max’s “Friends,” who span legends of horology to artisan specialists.
  3. MB&F produces two distinct watch lines: Legacy Machines and Horological Machines.
  4. Each model utilizes a completely unique, custom calibre.
  5. MB&F produces numerous variations and limited editions using very special materials – making them an attractive purchase for collectors and those who desire the finest in rare timepieces.

Differences Explained: Legacy Machines and Horological Machines

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The simplest way to understand the difference between MB&F Legacy Machines and Horological Machines is found on the Brand’s website: Legacy Machines are what MB&F “would have created 100 years ago.” Horological Machines are “contemporary machines inspired by our childhood dreams.”

In other words, a Legacy Machine – denoted “LM” – is designed from a viewpoint of traditional watchmaking. They look like a fine timepiece you could have purchased in Switzerland in the 19th century. A Horological Machine (denoted “HM”) is unrestrained, radical, and often transcendental in design. They look like timepieces you would purchase on another planet, one that is more advanced than Earth.

With that key difference explained, let’s explore some MB&F models in more detail.

LM1 and LM1 Platinum Limited Edition

Timeless, elegant and sophisticated in function, MB&F made its mark on the world of horology with its very first release – to the extent that the inaugural LM1 received a follow-up limited edition in the LM1 Platinum.

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  • Cases: 18kt red gold, 18kt white gold or platinum 950
  • 44mm wide x 16mm high
  • Manual winding with single mainspring barrel
  • Completely independent dual time zones displayed on two dials
  • Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four floating screws
  • Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with platinum tang buckle
  • LM1 Platinum limited to 33 pieces

LM101 and LM101 Frost Yellow Gold Limited Edition

Containing the very first movement MB&F developed internally, the form and function of the LM101 was the brand’s first start-to-finish view on the “essence” of watchmaking.

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  • Cases: 18kt red gold, 18kt white gold or 18kt yellow gold
  • 40mm wide x 16mm tall
  • Manual winding with single mainspring barrel
  • Hours, minutes and power reserve indicator
  • Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four floating screws
  • Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with gold tang buckle
  • Frost Yellow Gold Machine limited to 18 pieces

HM3 Frog

With its goal “to bring a child’s sense of awe and playfulness into high-end watchmaking,” the HM3 Frog shatters the perception that haute horology should be constrained to established viewpoints.

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  • Grade 5 titanium case
  • 47mm wide x 50mm long x 18mm tall
  • Automatic winding via Battle axe-shaped “mystery” rotor (PVD 22kt gold)
  • Hours and minutes on separate aluminum domes, date kept around movement
  • Black hand-stitched alligator strap with 18kt gold and titanium custom deployment buckle

HM3 MegaWind Final Edition

Strong, powerful and revealing a vivid glow-in-the-dark appearance, the HM3 MegaWind Final Edition embodies every attribute and attitude you would expect from a limited edition that caps an entire MB&F model line.

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  • Black PVD-treated 18kt gold and titanium case
  • C3 Super-LumiNova numerals
  • 47mm wide x 50mm long x 17mm tall
  • Three-part automatic winding Battle Axe rotor
  • Hours and minutes on separate indicator cones
  • Black hand-stitched alligator strap with 18kt gold and titanium custom folding buckle
  • Limited to 25 pieces

HM6 Space Pirate

Other-wordly. Titanium. Tourbillion. Twin turbines. And, the Space Pirate comes with its very own performance art accessory (surprise) that is equally unmistakable.

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  • Grade 5 titanium case
  • Flying Tourbillion with retractable shield, opened by crown
  • Iridescent platinum battle axe automatic winding rotor
  • Water resistant 90′ / 30m
  • Hours and minutes on separate semi-spherical domes aluminum indications
  • Hand-stitched calfskin strap with white gold and titanium or red gold custom folding buckle
  • Limited to 50 pieces

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HMX: The Newest Horological Machine

Coming soon, the HMX is MB&F’s tenth anniversary Horological Machine. It draws inspiration from all previous Machines, making it a momentous work of MB&F design, engineering and personality.

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  • Grade 5 titanium and stainless steel case with black, green, blue or red detailing
  • 46.8mm wide x 44.3mm long x 20.7mm tall
  • Water resistant 90′ / 30m
  • Three dimensional engine with a jumping hour and trailing minutes module developed in-house by MB&F
  • Automatic winding mechanical movement with 22kt gold rotor
  • Partially perforated calfskin strap with titanium lang buckle
  • Limited to 80 total pieces, 4 sets of 20 per color

Limited Editions: From LM1 Platinum to HMX

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MB&F produces numerous limited edition variations of certain models, the most notable of which include:

  • LM1 Platinum: 33 pieces
  • LM101 Frost: 18 pieces
  • HM3 MegaWind Final Edition: 25 pieces
  • HM6 Space Pirate: 50 pieces
  • HM6 RT Red Gold: 18 pieces
  • HMX: 80 pieces (4 sets of 20 per color)

If you thought “regular production” MB&F watches were unique in appearance, you will likely re-consider that opinion once you view the craftsmanship and style displayed in the limited edition MB&F models.

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MB&F Prices

With their uniquely remarkable design and function, it won’t surprise you to learn that MB&F prices start at more than $60,000. This changes later this year, though, with the launch of the HMX. The forthcoming Machine carries a price of $30,000 – if you can get your hands on one.
The high-end of MB&F prices – such as those for their limited edition pieces, like the HM6 Space Pirate – is $230,000.

Authorized MB&F Retailers

As is true for most other watch brands, choosing an authorized MB&F retailer means you’ll receive complete peace of mind with your MB&F purchase and service.
For timepieces that are among the most exclusive and limited you’ll come across, it may be expected to learn there are very few authorized MB&F retailers in the United States. We at Provident Jewelry are one of those fortunate few, and in fact, the only authorized MB&F retailer East of California.

In Conclusion

By now, you’ve learned what most astute people in the world of fine Swiss horology know: MB&F watches are not for everyone.
From their design to their rare materials, pricing and unmistakable personality, MB&F timepieces are truly meant for the few who value form, function, creativity and exclusivity in equal measure.
If you find this guide useful and are interested in purchasing or learning more about MB&F, we invite you to contact us here, or speak with one of our authorized MB&F experts at 561-747-4449.

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