MB&F Launches the SP One: An Innovative “Special Projects” Collection

With the introduction of the SP One, MB&F launches a “Special Projects” series that reinterprets the traditional dress watch via the brand’s distinctive perspective of kinetic artistry.

Maximillian Büsser, the founder of MB&F, initially considered naming his renowned Horological Machines "time machines." Although this narrative is apocryphal, it is readily apparent how it could be perceived as factual — it reflects the aspiration underlying the brand. Twenty years ago, Büsser unveiled a vision of kinetic sculptures that indicated the moment with the launch of his brand, MB&F. It may be more precise to assert that the machines narrated tales of time, and they continue to do so, even now through MB&F’s latest creation, the SP One. The SP segment constitutes the third distinct family within the MB&F collection, following the Horological Machines and the Legacy Machines.

The SP in SP One signifies the watch's designation as it represents Special Projects. Let us take a moment to reflect on MB&F's own description of the SP One. Büsser stated, "We contemplated: what if we created an elegant, classical watch that defied expectations?" The concept materialized during the epidemic, when MB&F concluded that life is too brief to be lived with caution. In subsequent years, Special Projects will evolve into a significant pillar for the Genevan corporation.

A brand with distinct aesthetics linked to particular collections would naturally seek some latitude. Neither the Horological Machine (HM) nor the Legacy Machine (LM) could accommodate any type of watch, let alone those characterized as "elegant" or "classical." In principle, there are no definitive barriers preventing MB&F from designing any type of horological equipment it desires. The extensive range of HM models developed during the past two decades should be evident. Each HM watch, as well as each LM watch, constitutes a unique endeavor within this conceptual framework. The essence of the SP One reflects its distinct identity; if MB&F attempted to reinterpret the LM as an HM, this could be one possible interpretation. Another reflects on Büsser’s statement: what might a modern dress watch resemble if infused with the MB&F aesthetic?

The watch resembles no traditional timepiece, while being a manual-winding, time-only model with a 38mm case crafted from precious metals. Upon examining the watch, the description appears inadequate. The unique Y-shaped movement architecture prominently displays the barrel, balance wheel, and dial; the brand's announcement even refers to the case as a "amphitheatre" for the kinetic ballet. The three-dimensional motion, using conical gearing to highlight the inclined dial, draws attention through its materiality. Remarkably, this piece features several hand-finishing details, including engraving, which is precisely what one would anticipate from a traditional dress watch.

Another subject that invites conjecture is the future trajectory of the SP. SP Two is undoubtedly underway, and its alignment with an astonishingly prolific production (such as the Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti, several M.A.D. timepieces, and the Legacy Machine Longhorn editions) will pique the curiosity of Tribe members. We believe the SP watches represent another initiative by MB&F to broaden its Tribe membership, though not driven by a pursuit of growth. Numerous collectors appreciate MB&F; yet, most require some fortune to get one when a certain type of watch evokes the appropriate sentiment. If SP watches maintain a consistent design, this line may be what we have long sought.