MB&F launches a new “performance art” watch – HM6 which is a version of Max Busser’s popular Horological Machine series but features a few futuristic touches. The aptly-named Alien Nation is a limited edition of just four unique pieces (each is slightly different – more on that in a bit) that takes the already space-themed watch and opens it up while adding some minute, hand-crafted extra terrestrials to the mix.
The watch case is made entirely of sapphire crystal and features six tiny aliens – including a driver – that clamor all over the inside of the piece. Each of the six aliens is individually modelled and hand-sculpted in white gold by engraver Olivier Kuhn. The arms and necks of the aliens are finer than grains of sand, each alien requiring up to 34 hours to complete. Count more than a month of full-time work for the crew of six.
HM6 Alien Nation is completely transparent, being formed entirely of sapphire crystal with reinforcing elements in Grade-5 titanium.
To be precise, 12 separate blocks of sapphire crystal requiring up to 510 hours of machining and polishing. During the process, breakage is unfortunately frequent, often reducing hundreds of hours of work to zero… And then comes the assembly: the 12 crystals must come together perfectly to present a seamless whole.
Unfortunately, all four pieces of the limited edition have sold out. Retail price for the MB&F Horological Machine No. 6 Alien Nation is $500,000.
