MB&F has built its reputation on creating mechanical watches that challenge traditional design and engineering. Its Horological Machines explore futuristic forms, while Legacy Machines reinterpret historical watchmaking through contemporary movement architecture. The Special Projects collection introduces another dimension to this creative philosophy: bringing previously unexplored ideas and dormant designs into reality.
Known as SP, Special Projects represents an experimental area of MB&F's watchmaking universe. These creations do not necessarily follow the design language of HM or LM. Instead, they provide an opportunity to develop concepts that may have remained as sketches or early ideas before the brand found the right moment to realise them.
The collection is particularly interesting for enthusiasts who enjoy independent watchmaking, unusual mechanical construction and the creative process behind high-end horological design.
The Origins of MB&F Special Projects
Since its establishment, MB&F has approached watchmaking as a collaborative creative process. Its founder, Maximilian Büsser, has worked with designers, engineers, watchmakers and specialist manufacturers to transform unconventional ideas into functional mechanical objects.
During this process, many concepts are explored but not immediately developed into finished watches. Some ideas may be too unusual for an existing collection, while others may require a different technical approach or a more suitable opportunity.
Special Projects provides a space for these ideas to be reconsidered. Rather than forcing every creation into the established HM or LM categories, MB&F can develop independent designs with their own identity.
The collection was inaugurated by Special Project One, known as SP One. Positioned between the radical appearance of Horological Machines and the more classical character of Legacy Machines, SP One demonstrates the creative freedom behind this category.
SP One: The First Special Project
SP One is an important milestone for the collection because it introduces a different interpretation of the MB&F Machine.
Its design combines a more restrained external appearance with an unconventional mechanical construction. Rather than using the highly futuristic silhouette often associated with HM models, SP One adopts a more balanced and refined form.
This does not mean that the watch follows conventional watchmaking rules. Its internal architecture remains distinctive, with the movement and supporting structures arranged to create depth and a sense of mechanical separation.
The design allows the watch to occupy an interesting position within the MB&F universe. It is less visually aggressive than some Horological Machines, yet it retains the experimental character that makes the brand recognisable.
A Different Approach to Mechanical Architecture
One of the most interesting aspects of Special Projects is the freedom to explore mechanical arrangements that do not necessarily belong to an established collection.
In traditional watchmaking, the movement is generally designed around a familiar case shape and dial layout. The case, dial and calibre are developed to work together within a relatively standard structure.
MB&F takes a more exploratory approach. The mechanical architecture may influence the external design from the beginning, allowing the shape of the watch to emerge from the movement concept.
For a project such as SP One, this approach creates opportunities to explore the relationship between visible components, supporting structures and the surrounding case.
The challenge is to ensure that the final creation remains a functional timepiece. Every component must have a mechanical purpose, and the movement must be capable of operating reliably despite its unconventional construction.
The Relationship Between Art and Engineering
Special Projects reflects the idea that mechanical watchmaking can exist between technical engineering and artistic expression.
A watch may be designed to display hours and minutes, but its construction can also communicate a particular visual idea. The shape of the bridges, the arrangement of the movement and the use of transparent materials can all contribute to the personality of the finished object.
This is especially relevant to independent watchmaking, where creative identity is often just as important as traditional brand heritage.
MB&F's collaborative approach allows specialists from different backgrounds to contribute to each project. Designers may develop the initial visual concept, while engineers and watchmakers determine how the idea can be transformed into a reliable mechanical object.
The final result is not simply a watch with an unusual appearance. It is a product of cooperation between artistic vision and technical expertise.
How Special Projects Differs from HM and LM
Although Special Projects belongs to the wider MB&F Machines universe, it has a different purpose from the two principal watch collections.
Horological Machines generally explore futuristic and unconventional forms. Their designs may reference vehicles, aircraft, architecture or science fiction, with three-dimensional cases and unusual time displays.
Legacy Machines, on the other hand, draw inspiration from historical watchmaking. They reinterpret traditional complications and classical mechanical ideas through MB&F's distinctive movement architecture.
Special Projects is less restricted by either direction. It allows the brand to develop concepts that do not fit neatly into the HM or LM philosophy.
This flexibility is what makes the category particularly interesting. Each project can begin with a different idea, resulting in a creation that may be difficult to classify using conventional watchmaking terminology.
Materials and Visual Presentation
Material selection plays an important role in the identity of an experimental watch. Depending on the concept, precious metals, specialised alloys, sapphire crystal and other materials may be used to achieve the desired appearance and mechanical performance.
SP One has been presented in platinum, giving the watch a refined metallic character. The choice of material complements its more restrained exterior while maintaining the exclusivity associated with independent haute horlogerie.
The finishing of the visible components is equally important. Surfaces, edges and mechanical structures need to be carefully executed because the movement is an essential part of the watch's visual identity.
For collectors, these details offer another reason to appreciate Special Projects. The value of the watch is not based solely on its complication or material, but also on the creative thinking behind its construction.
Why Special Projects Appeals to Collectors
Special Projects is particularly appealing to collectors who are interested in the development of independent watchmaking.
Unlike a conventional collection with a predictable design language, SP allows MB&F to explore concepts that may only be produced in a limited number of creations. Each project can therefore have a distinct personality and technical direction.
Collectors who already appreciate Horological Machines and Legacy Machines may find Special Projects especially interesting because it reveals another side of the brand's creative process.
It also demonstrates that innovation does not always require a completely futuristic exterior. Sometimes, the most interesting ideas emerge from changing the relationship between familiar mechanical components and the way they are presented.
Maintaining an Experimental Mechanical Watch
An experimental mechanical watch should receive the same careful attention as any other high-end timepiece, although its unusual construction may require specialised knowledge during maintenance.
Owners should avoid strong impacts, extreme temperatures and exposure to magnetic sources that could affect mechanical performance. If the watch contains specially shaped sapphire components or exposed mechanical structures, additional care should be taken during daily wear.
The crown and any operating controls should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Unusual resistance, irregular timekeeping or unexpected power-reserve changes should be treated as reasons for professional inspection.
Servicing should be entrusted to technicians familiar with the specific movement and case construction. The design of an experimental watch may involve components and assembly methods that differ significantly from those used in conventional mechanical watches.
Regular professional inspection can help preserve the movement's performance, identify wear and maintain the overall condition of the timepiece.
Conclusion
MB&F Special Projects represents the experimental side of the brand's creative philosophy. By revisiting dormant ideas and developing concepts outside the established HM and LM collections, MB&F creates room for a different kind of mechanical innovation.
With SP One introducing this category, Special Projects demonstrates how traditional watchmaking can be reinterpreted through fresh design ideas and unconventional movement architecture.
For collectors who appreciate originality, collaborative craftsmanship and the creative possibilities of independent watchmaking, Special Projects offers a fascinating look into the imagination behind MB&F.
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