News: MB&F HM7 Aquapod
It might look like something from outer space, but the MB&F HM7 Aquapod is meant for a different kind of hostile environment entirely. This latest Horological Machine is MB&F’s first aquatic-themed timepiece, and so it follows that the watch takes its design inspiration from the streamline, biomorphic shape of the jellyfish.
The first Horological Machine was launched by the brand back in 2007, introducing MB&F’s penchant for futuristic designs and inventive watchmaking. The Aquapod is a fitting successor to ten years of innovation, with its interesting twist on that staple of underwater watches—the dive bezel. Crafted in ceramic, the unidirectional rotating bezel orbits the case like an inflatable rubber ring at the swimming pool.
Despite the credentials of the bezel, though, the Aquapod is water resistant to only 50 metres, so it’s not meant for serious diving. It’s also gargantuan in size—the watch is a whopping 53.8mm in diameter and sits 21.3mm high on the wrist. This height is due to the watch’s new automatic movement; spherical in shape and consisting of 303 parts, it is vertically mounted and draws power from the tentacle-shaped titanium winding rotor at its base. It offers 72 hours of power reserve, and is encased in the domed crystal of the watch.
At the centre of the dial is a flying tourbillon that regulates the energy from the rotor underneath; like the hour and minute numerals, the tourbillon is luminous, lighting it up in dramatic style when in the darkness. The time is displayed in typically unique MB&F style via two segmented discs, mounted on ceramic ball bearings. The watch will be a limited edition model, with 33 pieces being made in titanium with a blue bezel, and 66 pieces in rose gold with a black bezel.
