If you're a fan of avant-garde watchmaking, then chances are you've heard of MB&F an abbreviation for "Maximilian Büsser and friends."

Founded in 2005 by Maximilian Büsser, the brand is known for creating some of the most imaginative and unconventional watches on the market. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the short history of MB&F and explore some of their most innovative timepieces.

Maximilian Büsser began his career in watchmaking at Jaeger-LeCoultre, where he was responsible for creating some of the brand's most iconic timepieces. But he soon grew tired of the corporate structure and decided to strike out on his own. In 2005, he founded MB&F, which stands for Maximilian Büsser & Friends. The brand was founded on the principle of bringing together some of the most talented and creative minds in the industry to create truly unique watches.

The first MB&F timepiece, the Horological Machine No. 1 (HM1), was released in 2007. This watch was unlike anything the industry had seen before, with its three-dimensional design and intricate movement. It was an instant hit with collectors and cemented MB&F's reputation as a brand that wasn't afraid to take risks.

Over the years, MB&F has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking with its Horological Machines and Legacy Machines. Some of the brand's most notable timepieces include:

• HM2: Released in 2008, the HM2 featured a central flying tourbillon and a case that resembled a futuristic spaceship.
• HM3: The HM3, released in 2009, had a distinctive "alien" design with two large cones on the top of the watch that housed the time display.
• HM4: The HM4, released in 2010, was designed to look like a fighter jet with its angular case and exposed movement.
• Legacy Machine No.1 (LM1): The LM1, released in 2011, was a departure from MB&F's usual avant-garde designs. It had a more traditional look with its round case and Roman numeral hour markers, but still featured MB&F's signature attention to detail and innovative movement.
• Legacy Machine No.2 (LM2): The LM2, released in 2013, featured dual flying balances that were suspended above the dial. It was a technical marvel and a true work of art.
  Legacy Machine Perpetual (LM3): The LM3, released in 2015, featured a unique "vertical power reserve" display that showed the remaining power in the watch's mainspring.
• Horological Machine No.6 (HM6): The HM6, released in 2014, was nicknamed the "Space Pirate" due to its sci-fi-inspired design. It featured a spherical case with retractable claws that protected the movement.
• Horological Machine No.9 (HM9): The HM9, released in 2018, was designed to look like a vintage aircraft engine. It had a bulbous shape and a dual "propeller" tourbillon that rotated on two axes.
• Horological Machine No.10 (HM10): Bulldog was introduced in 2020 as a tribute to the British bulldog, featuring a unique, three-dimensional case and limited production of 33 pieces.

MB&F's watches are for those who appreciate innovative design and mechanical complexity, there is no other brand quite like MB&F. Each timepiece is a true work of art, and the brand continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking.

In addition to their Horological and Legacy Machines, MB&F also offers a collection of unique and playful watches under the "Performance Art" category. These watches are designed to be fun and whimsical, and include collaborations with artists and designers.

One of the most notable Performance Art watches is the HM8 "Can-Am," which was created in collaboration with designer Eric Giroud. The watch is inspired by the Can-Am race cars of the 1970s and features a curved case with a "roll bar" that protects the movement. The dial is designed to look like a speedometer, and the watch comes with a miniature "driver's helmet" that doubles as a watch winder.

Another Performance Art watch is the HM7 "Aquapod," which was designed to resemble a jellyfish. The watch features a spherical case and a flying tourbillon that appears to float in the center of the dial. The movement is housed in a central "bubble" that is surrounded by tentacle-like hour markers.

Despite their unique designs and complex movements, MB&F watches are not just meant to be admired from afar. The brand encourages wearers to interact with their watches and explore their intricate workings. The brand's motto, "A creative adult is a child who survived," reflects this philosophy of playful curiosity and exploration.

In conclusion, MB&F has made a significant impact on the watch industry since its founding in 2005. With their innovative designs and attention to detail, MB&F has proven that watchmaking can be a true form of art. Each of their watches is a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in horology, and it will be exciting to see what they come up with next.