by Ian Skellern

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the MB&F HM6 (see Heartbeat: Horological Machine No. 6 By MB&F).

Movement of the MB&F HM6

I particularly like the organic nature of the sensuously curved case and how comfortably it sits on the wrist. And for such a wild-looking watch, the time is surprisingly legible with those large bulbous domes, one each for displaying hours and minutes.

HM6 SV by MB&F

And that “winking” cover over the central flying tourbillon adds a touch of fun and interactivity to what is essentially quite a seriously complicated movement.

But as much as I liked HM6, it does have a serious design issue: except for that flying tourbillon, the incredible movement is hidden under a protective titanium case. And what a pity, it’s as if only half of the watch was available to be appreciated.

HM6 SV by MB&F

HM6 SV by MB&F

The case shape reflects the movement architecture, but − and admittedly like the vast majority of watches − the movement architecture is concealed by the case . . . or it was until HM6 SV came along.

HM6 SV by MB&F

“I always thought that the most beautiful part of HM6 was its movement, and that it was a shame not to show it. But it was only recently that the technology of machining sapphire crystal allowed us to create such a complex case,” explained MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser.

HM6 SV by MB&F

Working with large sapphire crystal cases is difficult − extremely difficult because only diamond cuts and polishes sapphire crystal − and MB&F has been a pioneer in pushing that technology to where it is today. It should also be noted that the complex sapphire crystal cases of other brands have profited from the experience MB&F has brought to sapphire crystal case producers.

Buckle of the MB&F HM6 SV

But with HM6 SV, MB&F has really highlighted its mastery of the sapphire crystal case. I can’t remember ever seeing a movement that scintillates so brightly from every angle. To say that it pops is an understatement.

MB&F HM6 SV

HM6 SV by MB&F

The case is a sandwich construction with two sapphire crystal plates on the top and bottom with a distinctly lined, precious metal case band between. That lined central case band is inspired by a late Art Deco style known as Streamline Moderne, one example of which was the distinctive horizontal lines running along those iconic Greyhound “Streamliner” buses of the 1950s and ’60s.

There are nearly 500 components (475 to be exact) making up the HM6 movement, and it looks like each and every one is visible though the sapphire case. It nearly seems a shame that the movement is automatic because it is a real pleasure to watch the gears turning as the crown is wound.

With HM6 SV, MB&F has just made my favorite Horological Machine even better!

MB&F HM6 SV

For more information, please visit www.mbandf.com/hm6.

Quick Facts
Case: 51 x 50 mm, sapphire crystal plate sandwich construction, 5N red gold/sapphire crystal or 950 platinum/sapphire crystal
Movement: automatic caliber with one-minute flying tourbillon, 2.5 Hz frequency, 72-hour power reserve
Functions: hour and minutes on separate semi-spherical aluminum indications, retractable tourbillon cover, dual turbines to regulate automatic winding speed
Limitation: 10 pieces in platinum/sapphire crystal and 10 pieces in red gold/sapphire crystal
Price: 350,000 Swiss francs (excluding taxes) in red gold and 380,000 Swiss francs (excluding taxes) in platinum