Introducing MB&F Introduces 2 New Editions of the HM9 'Sapphire Vision'

The line between timekeeping and art has never been so blurred as it is in MB&F's newly released watch, the Horological Machine N°9 'Sapphire Vision,' or HM9-SV. Since its debut in 2018, the HM9 series has served as an ode to the aeronautic and automotive designs of the mid-20th century. Now, it reaches new depths—literally—with a focus on the exploration.

Aesthetics Meets Engineering

The first thing you'll notice about the HM9-SV is its captivating outer hull made from sapphire crystal and precious metals, seamlessly fused into a tripartite structure. Maximilian Büsser, the founder of MB&F, took the extraordinary internal engine of the original HM9 and encased it in a crystal shell, giving enthusiasts a visual experience akin to an exploratory vessel from Atlantis.

An Internal Symphony

Internally, HM9-SV is a triumph of mechanical engineering. Two independent cantilevered balances channel data into a differential to create a coherent time-pulse. The highly efficient conical gears turn at a 90-degree angle to feed the sapphire crystal time display, marked with Super-LumiNova for easy legibility. Twin turbines co-axially placed under each balance provide a mesmerizing visual effect, drawing eyes into the inner workings of the watch.

Surviving the Depths

It's worth noting that the HM9-SV is designed not just for beauty but for function. In recognizing the delicate properties of sapphire crystal—which, though hard, can shatter under pressure—the design has been slightly modified from its predecessors. Smoother lines minimize areas of mechanical vulnerability, making it robust for everyday wear.

Chronometry Perfected

One of the most compelling aspects of the HM9 engine is its double-balance system with a planetary differential. This is a sophisticated solution to an age-old problem: how to average the measurements of two balance wheels to produce a single, more accurate time reading. The feature is a testament to MB&F's mastery over chronometric regulation techniques, accumulated over years of specialized expertise.

Sealed to Perfection

Sealing the intricate components of HM9-SV required cutting-edge solutions. A patented 3-D rubber gasket ensures water resistance, while sapphire crystals are fused with metallic frames through a high-tech bonding process. The end result is a timepiece that resists up to 3ATM (30m) of water pressure, offering a stunningly clear view of the movement within.

Limited Editions

HM9 Sapphire Vision is offered in six editions, each limited to five pieces. The newly introduced 2023 editions offer two further exotic variants—a PVD-coated green engine with a yellow gold frame and a PVD-coated blue engine with a white gold frame.

The Future is Clear

Crafting the sapphire crystals for a single HM9-SV case takes a staggering 350 hours of machining and polishing, a feat made possible by MB&F’s 18 years of experience in sapphire crystal design. Whether you see the HM9 'Sapphire Vision' as a timepiece, a work of art, or an exploratory vessel, one thing is clear: it takes us into a future where the boundaries of what a watch can be are endlessly expanding.