The HM11 Architect by MB&F redefines the concept of a timepiece, merging the precision of horology with the bold creativity of architectural design. Unlike a conventional watch, the HM11 is meant to be experienced rather than simply worn—inviting the wearer into an imaginative world where time and space converge. This latest creation blurs the boundaries between art, mechanics, and architecture, turning every glance at the wrist into a journey through a different time or place. This unique piece comes in two exclusive editions, each limited to just 25 pieces. One features a sleek grade 5 titanium case with a striking blue dial plate, while the other pairs titanium with an elegant red gold dial plate. The watch’s dimensions—42mm in diameter and 23mm in height—are carefully designed to be both visually commanding and comfortably wearable. Its proportions highlight the balance between the technical complexity inside and the artistic vision behind it.
At the heart of the HM11 lies a three-dimensional horological engine, a testament to MB&F’s technical prowess. This intricate mechanism includes a flying tourbillon, power reserve indicator, and a temperature gauge that reads from -20 to 60° Celsius (0 to 140° Fahrenheit). The engine is manually wound by turning the entire case clockwise, providing a direct, tactile connection between the wearer and the movement. Fully wound, the HM11 delivers a power reserve of 96 hours, ensuring that its internal rhythm remains uninterrupted. The HM11’s functionality extends beyond mere timekeeping, embracing a holistic approach to design. The watch displays hours and minutes alongside the power reserve and temperature readings, all through sapphire crystals that cover the top, back, and chambers. These crystals, treated with anti-reflective coating, ensure a clear view of the intricate details from any angle. This transparency invites exploration, allowing the wearer to appreciate the watch’s inner workings as if peering into the mechanical heart of a miniature world.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the HM11 is its architectural influence, reflected in its rotating structure. Like a building that offers different perspectives depending on where you stand, the HM11 allows the wearer to rotate its foundation. Each of its four chambers is offset by a 90° angle, enabling the user to position one directly in view or align the corridors for a new visual experience. This flexibility is more than just a design feature—it enhances the user’s interaction with the watch, making it feel like a living, evolving structure. Energy efficiency is seamlessly integrated into the design of the HM11. Each 45° clockwise rotation is accompanied by a tactile click, a signal that the watch has gained 72 minutes of power. After ten rotations, the watch reaches its full power reserve of 96 hours. This mechanical interaction adds a layer of engagement, transforming the process of winding the watch into a ritual that connects the user with the machine’s inner life, making timekeeping a dynamic, hands-on experience.
Central to the design is the flying tourbillon, which forms the visual and functional heart of the HM11. Positioned under a double-domed sapphire roof, this tourbillon rises like a central tower within a futuristic cityscape. Its quatrefoil-shaped upper bridge evokes the form of ancient cathedral windows or even the delicate symmetry of a dividing cell. This design element symbolizes the watch’s connection to time as both a cosmic and biological force, grounding its technical complexity in a sense of poetic wonder. One of the HM11’s most groundbreaking features is its transparent crown, which is almost 10mm in diameter and crafted from sapphire crystal. This large, see-through crown provides an unobstructed view into the watch’s mechanical heart, a design that required overcoming significant technical challenges. The crown serves as the primary point of access to the movement, necessitating specialized gaskets to ensure that water and dust do not enter and compromise the watch’s performance. This achievement in engineering, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes the HM11 a true marvel of modern watchmaking. The HM11 stands as a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, offering a deeply personal connection to the passage of time.