At sixteen, Maximilian Maertens visited the Rex cinema in Paris and noticed how the building stood apart; the memory shaped MB&F’s newest Horological Machine.
MB&F introduces HM11 Art Deco, two editions of 10 pieces each for the brand’s 20th anniversary. Designer Maximilian Maertens reworks 2023’s HM11 Architect, replacing its 1970s curves with the geometry of 1930s Art Deco.
Radiating sunbeam motifs, partially skeletonised, replace the original conical rods, and the roof’s grooved profile echoes stepped skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building. The hands carry a red stained-glass effect in translucent enamel; rubies were tried first, but the shape could not be made to work.
The case itself winds the watch: each 45° turn gives 72 minutes, and ten full turns fill the four-day reserve. Inside the 42mm titanium case, a three-dimensional engine carries a flying tourbillon on bevel gears. The Blue edition’s bridges are toned in yellow gold, the Green edition’s in rose gold.
“A house is a machine to live in,” Le Corbusier wrote — the line MB&F used to justify HM11 in the first place. Maertens’ Art Deco take keeps that idea standing upright.
The Basics
Brand: MB&F
Model: HM11 Art Deco (Blue and Green editions)
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 23mm
Case material: Grade 5 titanium; sapphire crystals on top, back and each chamber display, anti-reflective
Dial: Blue: blue dial plate, 3N yellow-gold-toned bridges. Green: green dial plate, 5N rose-gold-toned bridges. Sunbeam motifs; white gold skeleton hands with red enamel insert
Water resistance: 20m (2 ATM)
Strap: Lizard, white (Blue) or beige (Green); titanium folding buckle
Limited edition: 10 pieces per edition, 20 in total
The Movement
Calibre: In-house three-dimensional engine, flying tourbillon on bevel gears
Functions: Hours and minutes, power reserve, temperature (–20°C to 60°C / 0°F to 140°F)
Winding: Manual, by rotating the case; each 45° turn gives 72 minutes
Power reserve: 4 days (96 hours)
Frequency: 2.5Hz (18,000 bph)
Jewels: 29
Images courtesy of MB&F.