MB&F

Leading the charge was a handful of modern independent brands, key among which was MB&F. Founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2005, MB&F made waves with its Horological Machines, which reinterpreted time-telling through exuberant, unconventional designs. Creations such as Horological Machine N°3 catapulted MB&F to heights of recognition that were unprecedented among the watch cognoscenti, especially for such a small young brand.

In 2011, MB&F took yet another sharp turn in the eyes of its audience by launching the Legacy Machine collection, which had round cases, white dials, blued hands and classically finished movements. Despite these surprisingly traditional elements, Legacy Machine creations retained a disruptive heart — both metaphorically and literally. The hovering balance forms a consistent element throughout the Legacy Machine collection, with the exception of the award-winning Legacy Machine FlyingT (their first overt appeal to a feminine audience).

Doing things differently is a core value at MB&F, as exemplified by the company name — Maximilian Büsser and Friends. In contrast with the majority of traditional watch brands, MB&F openly communicates about its external partners. Long-time design collaborator and industry icon Eric Giroud is a prime example, as are renowned watchmakers such as Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, Jean-François Mojon, Kari Voutilainen and Eric Coudray, who have all lent their considerable expertise to MB&F creations.

This open approach can also be seen in the MB&F co-creations, joint endeavours involving other creative studios such as Reuge and L’Épée. Over the years, MB&F has received multiple industry awards, most notably at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, which has recognised MB&F for Horological Machine N°4 (Prix de la Montre Design, 2010), Legacy Machine N°1 (Prix du Public and Prix de la Montre Homme, 2012), Legacy Machine Perpetual (Prix de la Montre Calendrier, 2016) and Legacy Machine FlyingT (Prix de la Complication pour Dame, 2019).