The transfer of inspiration between the automotive and horological worlds is well noted, but few watchmakers succeed at making those inspirations so apparent. However, the links between MB&F’s latest HM8 Mark 2 watch and the automotive are plain to see.
While the HM8 Mark2’s unusual face is, perhaps, its most attention-grabbing element, the design is fundamental to the automotive inspiration. As the company points out, that’s no mistake, because its founder spent his childhood dreaming of designing cars.
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“The HM8 Mark 2 finds inspiration in sources, such as the iconic Porsche 918 Spyder for the shape of the body, and the Zagato double bubble for the sapphire crystal,” the company explains. “Not only did the design codes of this timepiece finds its inspiration in the automobile world, but the construction does too.”
The unique design incorporates two roll-hoop-like segments at the front of the watch, seamlessly integrated into its overall body. Notably, the timepiece features a transparent glass top that offers a glimpse of the mechanism beneath, similar to the glass engine bay found in a supercar, showcasing its impressive powertrain.
The watch is equipped with a Girard-Perregaux-based movement, complemented by in-house designed hour and minute modules by MB&F. This design choice aligns with the automotive theme of the timepiece. An interesting aspect is the visibility of the time from the side of the watch, allowing drivers to conveniently check the time without needing to take their hands off the wheel.
To ensure that the numbers are always visible and clearly legible, MB&F uses a sapphire prism that makes them look like they’re jumping off the watch’s surface. A further nod to the world of motorsports, the body is offered in British racing green CarbonMacrolon or in white titanium.
The white version comes with a bluish-green CVD rotor and a light green minute market. The green version comes with a red gold rotor and a turquoise minute marker, and is limited to just 33 examples. For those interested in this unusual timepiece, the watch is available for 73,000 CHF ($81,365 USD at current exchange rates), which just a shade more than a Porsche Cayenne, which starts at $79,200 in the U.S.
