# MB&F HM8 Mark 2 – A Super‑Car‑Inspired Horological Machine Re‑Engineered for the Modern Wrist The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 arrives as the latest evolution of the brand’s “Machine” series, a line that has always blended avant‑garde engineering with a visual language borrowed from high‑performance automobiles. Unveiled in 2023, the Mark 2 refines the original HM8’s core concept—a jumping‑hour display paired with trailing‑minutes—while introducing a radically lightweight chassis and a fresh palette of finishes. At 41.5 mm, built from grade‑5 titanium and CarbonMacrolon panels, the watch is as much a statement of material innovation as it is a showcase of MB&F’s in‑house horology. Priced at US $78 000, it sits firmly in the upper‑echelon of boutique sports watches, promising a blend of kinetic visual drama and everyday wearability that few competitors can match. --- ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Since its debut in 2012, the original HM8 established a new visual grammar for MB&F: a sleek, low‑profile case that houses a jumping‑hour module viewed through sapphire prisms, reminiscent of a dashboard gauge. The machine was celebrated for its daring departure from traditional watch architecture, positioning MB&F as a serious contender in the “horological machines” niche—a segment where the brand’s founder, Maximilian Büsser, deliberately blurs the line between watchmaking and kinetic sculpture. The HM8 Mark 2, launched in 2023 under reference 82.TL.W, is the brand’s first major revision of the model. According to the brand’s official catalogue, the Mark 2 “takes the best features of its predecessors and fuses them into a very different Machine.” This phrasing underscores MB&F’s intent: retain the iconic jumping‑hour display while re‑thinking the case architecture, materials, and finishing touches. The watch is offered in two colourways—an all‑white version and a limited‑edition British Racing Green limited to 33 pieces—reinforcing the brand’s tradition of exclusive, collectible releases. Within MB&F’s broader lineup, the HM8 Mark 2 occupies the “sports” tier, as defined in the brand’s internal hierarchy. It sits alongside other kinetic machines such as the LM 4 and the LM 5, but its focus on a single, streamlined visual display makes it a more immediate wearer‑friendly option compared with the more complex multi‑module pieces. --- ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial The HM8 Mark 2’s case measures 41.5 mm in diameter, a size that balances presence on the wrist with a degree of subtlety uncommon in the brand’s larger‑than‑life machines. The chassis is constructed from grade‑5 titanium, a material prized for its high strength‑to‑weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Complementing the titanium are body panels fashioned from CarbonMacrolon—a proprietary composite that combines carbon fibre’s rigidity with the durability of a high‑performance polymer. This hybrid construction yields a case that feels “incredibly light, and fantastically sporty,” a sentiment echoed by early reviewers. The dial is a study in functional minimalism. Two sapphire prisms sit side‑by‑side, each acting as a window to the underlying mechanical display. The left prism showcases the jumping‑hour module; the hour hand “jumps” from one numeral to the next in a single, decisive motion, a visual cue that instantly conveys the passage of time. The right prism displays the trailing‑minutes mechanism, where a series of minute markers glide smoothly beneath the hour display, creating a subtle sense of motion even when the wearer is stationary. Both prisms are protected by sapphire crystal, ensuring scratch resistance while preserving optical clarity. The case back is also sapphire, allowing a glimpse of the automatic movement that powers the machine. Water resistance is modest at 30 m, sufficient for everyday splashes but not intended for diving or prolonged exposure to water. The watch is offered in two finishes: a crisp, white version that emphasizes the futuristic aesthetic, and a British Racing Green variant limited to 33 pieces. The limited colour underscores MB&F’s strategy of creating scarcity-driven desirability; however, it also means that collectors seeking the green finish may face availability constraints. --- ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy At the heart of the HM8 Mark 2 lies an automatic caliber derived from a Girard‑Perregaux base, to which MB&F has added its proprietary jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes modules. The movement is fully in‑house in the sense that the complications—particularly the jumping‑hour mechanism—are designed, engineered, and assembled by MB&F’s own team. The base automatic provides a reliable power source, while the added modules translate that energy into the distinctive visual display. While the exact power reserve is not disclosed in the official specifications, the use of a proven automatic platform suggests a reserve comparable to other Girard‑Perregaux‑derived movements, typically ranging between 40 and 48 hours. In terms of accuracy, the underlying automatic movement benefits from Girard‑Perregaux’s reputation for chronometric stability, and MB&F’s meticulous hand‑finishing of the jumping‑hour mechanism adds a layer of mechanical robustness. Early hands‑on reports note that the watch keeps time consistently within the expected tolerances for a high‑grade automatic, though the added complexity of the jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes modules may require periodic regulation by a specialist familiar with MB&F’s unique architecture. --- ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes The HM8 Mark 2’s most lauded attribute is its wearability. Reviewers consistently point to the watch’s “incredibly light” feel, a direct result of the titanium‑CarbonMacrolon construction. At 41.5 mm, the case sits comfortably on a range of wrist sizes, and the absence of an overly bulky profile means the watch does not dominate the wrist in the way some other MB&F machines can. The lugs are integrated into the titanium chassis, flowing seamlessly into the strap attachment points. While the exact lug‑to‑lug measurement is not publicly disclosed, the overall case dimension and the streamlined design suggest a proportion that sits well between the wrist bones, avoiding excessive overhang. The watch ships with a stainless‑steel bracelet that complements the titanium case; no alternative titanium link bracelet is offered, keeping the focus on the core case materials. Comfort is further enhanced by the watch’s modest 30 m water resistance, which eliminates the need for a thick, bulky case back. The sapphire crystal on both the front and back adds rigidity without adding weight, contributing to a balanced feel that many owners describe as “fantastically sporty” on the wrist. --- ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The HM8 Mark 2 straddles the line between avant‑garde sports watch and dress‑appropriate statement piece. Its automotive‑esque silhouette and dynamic display make it a natural companion for high‑energy environments: a weekend track day, a yacht outing, or a modern art gallery opening where conversation‑starter pieces are welcomed. Because the watch’s case is relatively compact and its colour palette restrained (white or British Racing Green), it can also transition into more formal settings. Paired with a tailored suit, the jumping‑hour display becomes a subtle conversation point rather than an overtly sporty statement. However, the 30 m water resistance and the visible mechanical modules signal a casual‑to‑smart‑casual vibe, meaning the HM8 Mark 2 may feel out of place at ultra‑formal events such as black‑tie galas or traditional boardroom meetings where a classic dress watch is expected. In practice, the HM8 Mark 2 shines in environments that value innovation and design flair—think tech‑forward conferences, design studios, or upscale social gatherings where the wearer wishes to convey both technical appreciation and a taste for kinetic aesthetics. --- ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take At US $78 000, the HM8 Mark 2 is positioned firmly in the upper tier of boutique horology, competing with limited‑edition pieces from brands like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and Greubel Forsey. Its price reflects not only the use of premium materials—grade‑5 titanium and CarbonMacrolon—but also the extensive development of the in‑house jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes modules, which are unique to MB&F’s “Machine” philosophy. From a value perspective, the watch offers several compelling arguments: * **Technical Innovation** – The integration of a Girard‑Perregaux‑based automatic with MB&F’s proprietary display modules is a rare combination, delivering a visual experience unavailable elsewhere. * **Material Excellence** – The titanium‑CarbonMacrolon chassis achieves a lightweight feel without compromising durability, a balance that many high‑price watches struggle to achieve. * **Collectibility** – The limited British Racing Green edition (33 pieces) adds a layer of scarcity that can enhance long‑term resale potential for collectors. Conversely, the price tag may be a barrier for many enthusiasts, especially when compared to other high‑complication watches that offer higher water resistance, longer power reserves, or more traditional complications such as chronographs or tourbillons. The limited colour availability also means that those who prefer the green finish must act quickly, and the lack of a titanium link bracelet option reduces personalization avenues. **Verdict:** The MB&F HM8 Mark 2 is a masterclass in marrying kinetic visual drama with wearable ergonomics. It excels as a conversation‑driven sports machine that can, with the right styling, slip into smarter contexts. For collectors who value avant‑garde engineering and are comfortable with a six‑figure investment, the HM8 Mark 2 delivers a distinctive blend of performance and design that is hard to find elsewhere. For the broader market, the price and niche aesthetic may limit its appeal, but within its segment, the watch stands as a benchmark of what modern boutique watchmaking can achieve.