MB&F

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Overview

MB&F is a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer founded in 2005, specializing in small series of radical concept watches and futuristic clocks. It positions itself as the world's first horological concept laboratory, deconstructing traditional watchmaking into three-dimensional kinetic art through collaborations with independent horologists. The brand produces around 350-400 pieces annually, with 22 different calibres developed over its history, and expanded into M.A.D. Editions in 2021 for broader accessibility.¹²³

History

MB&F was founded in July 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Maximilian Büsser, formerly Managing Director of Harry Winston. The first watch, Horological Machine No.1 (HM1), launched in 2007, establishing the brand's sculptural, three-dimensional case design. Over 20 years, it has produced around 4,000 watches, developed 22 calibres, and inaugurated M.A.D. House as its Geneva base in 2022. M.A.D. Editions launched in 2021 to reach new customers with higher production volumes.²³⁵

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Horological Machines (futuristic concept watches)	avant-garde kinetic sculptures	$100,000 - $500,000
Legacy Machines (classical reinterpretations)	historical movement homages	$50,000 - $200,000
M.A.D. Editions (accessible collaborations)	entry-level niche watches	$10,000 - $50,000
Clocks (desktop timepieces)	futuristic artistic objects	$50,000 - $150,000

Manufacturing

Products are crafted in Geneva, Switzerland, with in-house development of 22 calibres and small-series production of around 350-400 pieces per year. The brand is transparent about collaborators, listing makers for each component, and operates from M.A.D. House inaugurated in 2022.²³⁵

Notable Products

Horological Machine No.1 (HM1) - First watch unveiled in 2007 with sculptured three-dimensional case and exposed movement.
Horological Machine No.2 (HM2) - 2008 model known for innovative display and modular construction.
Legacy Machine No.1 (LM1) - Debut Legacy Machine reinterpreting 19th-century aesthetics with modern finishing.
M.A.D.1 Red - First M.A.D. Editions collaboration offering accessible entry into MB&F style.
Horological Machine No.4 (HM4) - Thunderbolt model with fighter jet-inspired case and vertical movement display.

Reputation

MB&F is highly regarded among enthusiasts and professionals as a leader among independent watchmakers for its innovative, sculptural designs and transparency in crediting collaborators. It earns praise for breaking traditional rules while maintaining high finishing and readability. Criticisms are minimal but may include high prices limiting accessibility beyond niche collectors, though M.A.D. Editions addresses this.³⁴⁵⁸

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