MB&F HM 8 Can Am (Photo: R. Naas)
Just when you thought they simply could not top themselves, they did. We are talking about MB&F, of course. This brand has been a powerhouse of innovation and high-tech performance time and again. Over the past decade, its three-dimensional timepieces have broken all the conventional rules and won hearts around the world. With many timepieces offering space-like appeal, the concept of cars was not far behind. The HM8 Can-Am, just recently introduced to the world, embodies the essence of the brand’s angular forms, optical allure and signature watchmaking details — while embracing fully the design and influences of the automotive world. Last weekend at WatchTime New York, we got our hands on this beauty and let me tell you, it is worth a close-up look.
The roll bars of the MB&F HM8 Can Am watch seem to be protecting the sapphire case and battle axe rotor within a cradle.
The Horological Machine N°8 — HM8 Can Am — is a driver’s watch, meaning it sits on the wrist in such way that the dial is on the side and can be read while driving (and the cops can’t pull you over for this). The watch is inspired by the bold cars of the 1970’s that were part of the Canadian American Challenge Cup (Can Am) races and so have a sleek format front to back that is enhanced on the back with the rotor and roll bars. In the cars, the roll bars protect the drivers; in the HM8, the “roll bars” are essentially flanking the case (on the top side) and sweep from crown to base — protecting the stunning blue battle axe rotor on the top of the watch.
The watch features a roll-bar like protective support of the sapphire, titanium and gold case. (Photo: R. Naas)
The engine of the watch is just as three-dimensional as the stunning case. Conceived and developed by MB&F from a Girard Perregaux base calibre, the automatic watch features a battle-axe winding rotor in 22k gold . Beating at 4 Hz (28,800 vph), the watch has a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement consists of 247 components and 30 jewels. It offers bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes — each displayed on one of two optical prisms. The watch is offered in 18-karat white gold and titanium, and in 18-karat rose gold and titanium. The front, back, top and bottom are crafted of anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It is water resistant to 30 meters so that it will withstand the river to a certain depth when you are so busy staring at the mesmerizing watch that you drive right off the road. The watch retails for about $84,000.
The time is read off of the two windows that face the viewer, like the old driver’s watches. (photo: R. Naas)
The fast-paced, precision-driven world of automobile racing and watchmaking come together perfectly in this mechanical watch. For those who want a closer look at the Can Am world, take a look at this short video.
