Maximilian Bsser has made a habit of redefining standards in fine watchmaking and the Horological Machine N4 is no exception. Combining a unique aviation-inspired case with an all new horizontally configured dual mainspring movement and vertical time displays, one can count on this timepiece doing much more than telling time...
There are no gadgets here. The HM4 doesn't have a James Bond style laser cutter, nor does it unlock doors, but it most certainly has the ability to spark passionate conversations around its unconventional form and the beauty of its mechanics. The appreciation of which is no longer limited to experts in fine watchmaking, thanks to the Thunderbolt's titanium and sapphire envelope that make its movement's details highly visible.
The HM4 Thunderbolt's Movement
HM4s engine was entirely designed and developed in-house by MB&F in collaboration with Laurent Besse and Beranger Reynard of Les Artisans Horlogers. Each of the 311 components were developed specifically for the Thunderbolt, which means that there are no off-the-shelf mechanisms or parts in this unique new timepiece.
The HM4 Thunderbolt gets its 72 hours of power from two mainspring barrels connected in parallel, that drive the dual jet-turbine-like indication pods (one displaying the hours and minutes, the other the power reserve) via vertical gear trains.
The HM4 Thunderbolt's Case & Inspiration
Inspired by aviation the case of HM4 imparts speed, power, technology and refinement in equal measures. Visually, the case is composed of three parts: two streamlined jet-turbine-styled pods supported by a horizontal section housing the engine, which is clearly visible through transparent sapphire display panels and the central section of the case itself.
Technically there are also three main sections, but these comprise a fore section in titanium, which includes the dials and articulated front lugs; a central section in sapphire offering unprecedented 360 access to the superbly finished engine; and an aft section tapering down to the dual crowns and framing the animated balance, which is supported by an aerodynamic cock.
The pilot's perfect watch
For a timepiece not specifically developed to tell time, the HM4 performs that role superbly. In fact, with its highly legible dials perpendicular to the wearer's wrist, Horological Machine No4 might be described as the perfect pilot or driver's watch.
On the left pod, the amount of fuel in the tanks - or power reserve - is clearly indicated by a skeletonised hand echoing MB&F's battle-axe motif. On the right, hours and minutes are displayed by bold, arrow-tipped Super-LumiNova filled hands. Each of the two aviation instrument-styled dials is directly controlled by its own crown, one to wind and re-fuel the tanks, the other to set the time, which provides direct and instantaneous feedback of the action performed.
Technical specifications
Model Horological Machine N4 Thunderbolt
Movement Three-dimensional horological engine developed 100% by MB&F
Manual winding with two mainspring barrels in parallel
Power reserve: 72 hours
Balance frequency: 21,600bph/3HzNumber of components: 311
Number of jewels: 50
Functions Hours, minutes and power reserve indicator
Hours and minutes on right dial, power reserve indicator on left dial
Separate crowns for time setting and winding
Case Grade 5 titanium and sapphire
Dimensions: 54mm wide x 52mm long x 24mm high
Number of components: 65Articulation of lugs: 3
Sapphire crystals Five sapphire crystals: 2 x dials, 1 x central case section, 2 x display panels (top and bottom)
Dials Rotating aluminium domes, stationary hands
Strap & Buckle Black hand-stitched calfskin strap with titanium/white gold custom designed deployment buckle attached to articulated lugs
