On some occasions you feel really privileged to view a piece of true artistry. The Moonmachine is a true example of this in every respect. Maxmillian Büsser is very well respected in this industry & is revered by his contemporaries. He has served his right of passage at Jaeger-LeCoultre & was appointed Managing Director of Harry Winston at the youthful age of 31. It was during this period he was instrumental in the design of the amazing Opus series of timepieces.
For this sublime creation he has employed the extraordinary talents of Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva. Stepan produces a range of beautiful watches (under his own brand of the same name) normally limited to very small numbers. When I communicated with Stepan recently he stated the design of the Moonmachine was an achievement he was personally proud of. He definitely should be. It’s a marvelous looking creation.
To everyone familiar with the MB & F brand it is obvious that the HD3 Frog has been used as a design platform. The layout has then been reconfigured by 90° which in my opinion gives the watch it’s own identity. Stepan has paid homage to his own Korona Mooonshine watch in the design of the moon phase indicator. Aesthetically the design elements are pretty mind blowing especially the mesmerizing Northern Sky Rotor with laser pierced stars. The watch is available in three different models each limited to mere 18 pieces. I tried on the 34.TL.B Moonmachine with Titanium case and white gold moon face on a light blue sky. Personally this is my favorite model but I can appreciate the black titanium & red gold cases are appealing as well.
The watch feels very lightweight & comfortable to wear especially considering the size of the piece (47mm x 50mm x 19mm excluding the lugs & crown). I feel that is down to clever ergonomic design & the choice of materials used. As the company states it is “Performance Art” & in my opinion is definitely a watch that should be worn on special occasions. Like all MB & F creations this machine has a pretty powerful engine hiding underneath the beautiful veneer. The movement is a 36 Jewel automatic comprising 319 components that oscillates at a rate of 28,800 bph. Hours & minutes are viewed through raised domes that rotate aided by ceramic ball bearings.
As you would expect, a luxurious watch like the Moonmachine comes with a hand stitched Alligator strap & titanium deployment buckle.
The price for this Objet D’art is: $102,670.
http://www.mbandf.com/
