Two years after the release of the MB&F HM4, Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) launches their new, fifth, Horological Machine, called HM5 On the Road Again. Each year, the renowned Swiss watch manufacturer introduces new Horological Machines, whereas last year made an exception presenting an entirely new collection, featuring the Legacy Machine 1, so we can expect LM2 next year. Untill then, we’ll be satisfied with new HM5, nicknamed “On The Road Again.”
MB&F HM5 On the Road Again
Inspired by LED watches from the 1970’s, the unmistakable wedge-shaped case of HM5 is direct homage to the daring and rebellious Amida Digitrend, which refused to accept the quartz revolution. Its nickname “On The Road Again” is associated with sleek low-slung supercars of that period, like the iconic Lamborghini Miura, with louvres on their near horizontal rear windows blocking sunlight and heat, which is evident on the design of the case. The functional louvres on HM5 do the opposite in that they open to allow light down onto the Super-LumiNova numbers on the hours and minutes indication disks to charge them.
“Another distinguishing feature of supercars are throaty exhaust pipes. HM5 has dual exhausts to drain water, in case – like James Bond’s Lotus in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ – HM5 gets wet. An inner water-resistant case keeps HM5’s Engine nice and dry.”
From a technical point of view, HM5 innovates by combining an automatic movement with an optical-grade sapphire prism, which reflects light 90 degrees and magnifies it by 20% – allowing to display bi-directional jumping hours and minutes vertically.
Inside the HM5 is a movement designed by Jean-François Mojon as well as Vincent Boucard of Chronode. The automatic movement is built on a gear train from a Sowind (Girard-Perregaux) movement (as is the case with many other MB&F watches) and then developed specially for the HM5’s design.
Limited to only 66 pieces, MB&F HM5 “On The Road Again” watch is actually brand’s most affordable watch ever with the price of CHF54,000 ($58,000).
MB&F HM5 On the Road Again – 70’s Inspired Watch
MB&F has unveiled a brand new timepieces with a 1970s twist, the HM5 On the Road, which takes inspiration from the details and bodywork of cars from the era
