Skay Fasano
It is safe to say that the HM8 Mark 2 has me in a chokehold. Inspired by the looks of the Porsche 918 Spyder and the Abarth 750 Zagato Double, this is a real car-lover watch. Max Büsser, CEO of MB&F, was able to incorporate some of his car designer childhood dreams into this limited-edition creation.
The timepiece has a lateral time display, allowing you to check the time without taking your hand off the steering wheel. The metallic glossy blue bodywork resembles the paint used on high-end cars and the watch mechanism is built on a titanium chassis. What is not to love here?
Suzanne Wong
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the HM8 engine and its hallucinatory display of the hours and minutes. Its use of refractive optical prisms creates the illusion that the rotating discs are oriented vertically (instead of horizontally, as they really are), a physical impossibility given the dimensions of the case. We think that Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 is some kind of mechanical Tardis — the fictional dimension-hopping, physics-defying vehicle in the British sci-fi series Dr Who, that is much larger on the inside than it appears on the outside. And it kind of is, if you think about it. I don’t think I’m stretching a point too far to say that HM8 is a similar sort of vehicle, channelling vintage automotive vibes with MB&F’s signature futuristic touch, blending fantasy and function in the brand’s inimitable way. Like the Tardis, HM8 may appear compact, but is a receptacle for countless stories and concepts, which transcend the limitations of three-dimensional space. I’m usually someone who focuses purely on the technical aspect of a watch, but occasionally I like to venture into the metaphysical, and the MB&F Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 is exactly the kind of watch for that.
Allissa Pataki
For those of you exploring MB&F and not fully understanding what the hype is all about, the HM8 Mark 2 may seem imposing and a bit (too) quirky. Or at least that’s what I thought when I saw it for the first time (actually, to be completely honest, it made me think of Wall-E, the Disney Pixar robot). But let me tell you, once you strap it on your wrist, a completely different set of emotions takes over. It’s edgy, it’s cool and you will feel your fun, extroverted side pop out as soon as you slip it on. (Which is funny, because despite its seemingly grand nature, you will hardly notice it’s there, thanks to CarbonMacrolon® - a composite material of polymer matrix infused with nanotubes which weighs eight times less than steel while retaining strength and rigidity). The HM8 Mark 2 is not just a watch; it’s a nudge out of your comfort zone. And a highly innovative one at that!
Steven Rogers
The lightweight CarbonMacrolon® that is used for the HM8 Mark 2’s case isn’t the only element that helps this watch to wear like a dream. The 47mm by 41.5mm dimensions mean it covers a pretty compact surface area, while the track-ready Velcro-secured white calfskin strap ensures the watch doesn’t shift around on the wrist either. What’s more, the crown is tucked away, freeing up space for wrist movement. To release the crown, you just have to push it in and turn it three-quarters – a very clever “double de-clutch” system!
Over a decade ago, I was involved in creating the content to promote MB&F’s first automotive-inspired Machine, the HM5, and it has been fascinating to see how the brand has developed its driver's watch concept with the HMX, HM8 and now HM8 Mark 2. I’ve got to say, this latest iteration with metallic blue bodywork and white strap is probably my favourite, if only because these are the colours of my favourite football team. Hey, this is a sports watch after all!
Mathieu Rotzer
Very few watches highlight the comparison between the mechanical movement of a timepiece and the engine of an automobile as much as the HM8 Mark 2. Under the hood of its remarkable case is a titanium chassis that truly pushes the limits of watchmaking. As a big enthusiast of all things mechanical, I am naturally most captivated by this part of the watch. It features a modified Girard-Perregaux movement, customized by MB&F for jumping hours and trailing minutes, with a 42-hour power reserve. Visible through sapphire crystals on the front, top, and back, the engine reveals a battle axe rotor, while the lateral display offers a unique time-reading experience. All in all, this watch is a masterpiece for a petrol head like me and solidifies MB&F as true leaders in the innovative watchmaking space.
