This new watch from MB&F is unique among watches. It is the first ever piece that is meant to be an improvement on an existing model. The HM3 MegaWind is the new generation of HM3 that improves on and replaces the first generation Horological Machine No. 3 collection. The HM3 MegaWind is meant to be easier to read, more aesthetically pleasing, and in a watch, even more “HM3” than the original model.
The “MegaWind” name comes from the larger battle axe-style automatic rotor visible through the front-facing sapphire crystal. This visually expands the movement compartment, though it is actually the same size as the original. The HM3 has been their top-selling model collection of all time. The original HM3 spawned a number of limited edition pieces including several versions of the HM3 Frog and very special pieces such as the HM3 JwlryMachine. Originally, the HM3 arrived in two forms, the HM3 Starcruiser and the HM3 Sidewinde.
Probably the most important element of the HM3 MegaWind is how you tell the time this is where the most obvious “improvement” comes into play. There is an arrow marker on the top of the cone that is used to read the time. One is for the hours and one is for the minutes. The original HM3 had just part of the cone wrapped in sapphire crystal, and reading the time from the top was rather difficult. The numerals are also applied with luminant for night viewing. An overall experience that involves more viewing area for the numerals and the wider viewing area allows the MegaWind to be a superior time-telling device.
Inside the HM3 MegaWind is the same Girard-Perregaux based automatic movement with the obvious modifications for the new hour and minute cones and lack of date indicator. The case is the same size and still seems to fit well and comfortably despite the unique cones that always seem to be looking at you. At launch, MB&F will offer the HM3 MegaWind in either 18k white gold or 18k red gold. The back plate of the case is once again in titanium.
The Maximilian Büsser & Friends HM3 MegaWind will be priced exactly the same as the outgoing HM3, the $92,000. For the first year in 2013 they will produce just 40 pieces, and while the HM3 MegaWind is not limited, it will experience a limited production of pieces being made each year.
