MB&F opens a new chapter in its Horological Machines collection with HM12 The Guardian, a project that combines a highly complex wristwatch with a large mechanical robot developed in collaboration with L’Epée 1839.
This ambitious release marks a bold evolution in their creative partnership, building upon other co-creations such as the Arachnophobia kinetic sculpture and the transformable Orb table clock.
Presented in three launch editions distinguished by blue, green or purple accents, each limited to 12 pieces, HM12 The Guardian is conceived as a complete horological concept rather than a standalone watch, revisiting some of the themes that have shaped MB&F over the past two decades in a new mechanical sculpture.
Originally envisioned as a project to mark the brand’s 20th anniversary, HM12 The Guardian ultimately required several additional years of development.
The result is a mechanical duo comprising a wristwatch designed as the “head” of a robot and a 38.2 cm-tall companion figure that serves as its body.
Together, the two objects incorporate nearly 1,500 components.
Although these are presented as launch editions, they will also be the only editions produced, with total production limited to just 36 examples.
The project also marks a new creative direction for MB&F. While many of the brand’s Horological Machines were developed in collaboration with designer Eric Giroud, HM12 was conceived by Maximilian Büsser and Maximilian Maertens, who oversaw the design and development process over a period of more than four years.
The watch itself is immediately recognisable as a robotic face. The time display occupies the position of the eyes, with instantaneous jumping hours shown on the left and trailing minutes on the right via rotating discs.
Beneath them sits one side of the automatic winding system’s double-sided micro-rotor, shaped like MB&F’s signature battle-axe motif and positioned where a mouth would normally be.
Above, a flying tourbillon occupies the centre of the “forehead”, fully exposed beneath a sapphire structure that allows light to reach the regulating organ from multiple directions.
One of the most distinctive features of HM12 is its so-called face-shield system.
Operated via the crown on the left side of the case, a pair of movable shields can progressively cover or reveal the watch’s face. The mechanism functions independently from the movement and comprises more than 200 components on its own.
The shields move continuously rather than through fixed positions, allowing the wearer to stop them at any point between fully open and fully closed.
Once the mechanism reaches its limit, the crown automatically disengages thanks to a declutching system.
Developed entirely in-house, the automatic calibre comprises 646 components and 86 jewels.
In contrast to the futuristic appearance of the dial side, the movement visible through the sapphire caseback adopts a more traditional approach.
Its architecture follows the contours of the case, while curved bridges, hand-finishing and a grained mainplate reflect classical haute horlogerie principles.
The rear winding rotor is decorated with a guilloché dome created with the involvement of independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen and his team, a particularly demanding process given the curved surface on which the pattern is applied.
The movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and delivers a power reserve of 84 hours.
Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the case measures 49.3 mm in length, 43.6 mm in width and 13.8 mm in height.
Three sapphire crystals positioned on the front, back and upper section of the case provide extensive views of the movement, while Super-LumiNova accents enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
Mobile lugs at 12 o’clock and fixed lugs at 6 o’clock contribute to the unconventional architecture.
HM12 is supplied with The Guardian, a robot developed and manufactured by L’Epée 1839. Far more than a display stand, it functions as a mechanical extension of the watch.
The timepiece can be detached from its strap using a quick-release system and mounted directly onto the robot’s head. The strap itself is stored in a concealed drawer integrated into the robot’s base.
Comprising 755 components, The Guardian incorporates several functional elements.
A mechanical thermometer occupies the centre of its chest, while one arm carries a shield containing a magnifying glass for examining the watch’s movement.
The opposite arm houses a detachable UV torch designed to activate the Super-LumiNova applied to both the watch and the robot. Including its base, The Guardian measures 22 cm in diameter and 38.2 cm in height and weighs approximately 15 kg.
Combining a flying tourbillon, jumping-hour display, an elaborate face-shield mechanism and a fully integrated robotic companion, the MB&F HM12 The Guardian represents one of the most ambitious and unconventional projects the Geneva-based independent manufacture has produced to date.
Retail price is set at CHF 280,000 plus VAT. mbandf.com
