MB&F Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 – A Car‑Inspired Wrist‑Rocket
The Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 arrives as the latest chapter in MB&F’s kinetic, automotive‑obsessed saga.
By Vivir··Updated
# MB&F Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 – A Car‑Inspired Wrist‑Rocket
The Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 arrives as the latest chapter in MB&F’s kinetic, automotive‑obsessed saga. At 47 mm it is unmistakably a statement piece, yet the brand has deliberately stripped away some of the raw aggression of its predecessor to make the watch feel more like a true wrist companion. A titanium case wrapped in CarbonMacrolon® panels, a jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes display that looks as if it were lifted straight from a Porsche 918 Spyder dashboard, and a Girard‑Perregaux‑derived automatic movement with an MB&F module all combine to create a watch that is as much a conversation starter as it is a technical achievement. Below we break down how the HM8 Mark 2 fits into MB&F’s lineage, how it looks and works, and whether it justifies its US $78 000 price tag.
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## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context
MB&F (Maximilian Büsser & Friends) has built its reputation on “machines” that blur the line between haute horology and avant‑garde engineering. Since the debut of the original Horological Machine N°8 in 2019, the line has been a playground for the brand’s fascination with high‑performance automobiles. The first HM8 was praised for its speedometer‑style display, but critics noted a certain rigidity on the wrist.
The **Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2**, launched in **2023**, is MB&F’s answer to that feedback. As the brand’s own press releases state, “The HM8 Mark 2 takes the best features of its predecessors and fuses them into a very different Machine.” It arrives alongside the equally daring HM11 (a manual‑wind piece) and sits comfortably in the middle tier of MB&F’s catalogue – not the ultra‑complicated flagship like the HM1, but certainly above the entry‑level “Legacy” watches.
The automotive inspiration remains front‑and‑center. Max Büsser has repeatedly likened the watch’s silhouette to the Porsche 918 Spyder, a sentiment echoed by reviewers who say the piece “looks fast even when it's not moving, just like any good car‑inspired watch should.” By positioning the HM8 Mark 2 as a more wearable evolution, MB&F signals that its machines can be both kinetic art and daily‑wear accessories.
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## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial
### Size and Materials
The HM8 Mark 2 measures **47 mm in diameter**, a size that commands attention without feeling grotesque thanks to the use of **titanium** for the main case. The titanium is paired with **CarbonMacrolon® body panels**, a high‑tech composite that adds visual depth and a tactile contrast to the metal. The combination yields a watch that is “incredibly light, and fantastically sporty,” according to hands‑on impressions from both Hodinkee and Monochrome Watches.
The case is finished in a polished titanium that catches the light without the mirror‑like glare of stainless steel. The CarbonMacrolon® panels are available in a clean **white** for the standard model, while limited‑edition hues—**British Racing Green, blue, and purple**—offer a more flamboyant palette. The green variant is especially exclusive, limited to **33 pieces**, a point flagged by reviewers as a “killer” for anyone whose heart beats for that particular shade.
### Dial and Display
The dial is where the automotive language becomes literal. Two **sapphire prisms** act as windows for the jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes modules, creating a split‑second “speedometer” effect. As the watch ticks, the hour jumps forward like a tachometer needle, while the minutes glide in a smooth, trailing fashion reminiscent of a classic analog speed gauge. The overall look is clean yet futuristic, with the carbon panels framing the prism‑based display.
The watch’s water resistance is modest at **30 m**, reflecting its primary role as a dress‑to‑impress piece rather than a dive companion. The crown and case back are sealed but not designed for deep immersion, a trade‑off that keeps the overall weight down.
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## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy
At the heart of the HM8 Mark 2 lies an **automatic movement based on a Girard‑Perregaux caliber**, to which MB&F has added its signature jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes module. The collaboration with Girard‑Perregaux ensures a robust, proven base movement, while MB&F’s module provides the kinetic display that defines the watch’s character.
Key performance figures include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|-----------|----------------|
| **Power reserve** | **42 hours** |
| **Frequency** | Not disclosed (standard automatic) |
| **Accuracy** | Not disclosed (no official COSC data) |
| **Water resistance** | **30 m** |
The 42‑hour reserve is generous for a watch of this complexity, allowing the wearer to go a full day and a half without winding. While MB&F has not published formal accuracy metrics, the Girard‑Perregaux foundation is historically known for sub‑±5 seconds per day performance, giving us a reasonable baseline for reliability.
The movement’s most visible feature is the **jumping‑hour module**, which uses a spring‑loaded wheel to “hop” the hour numeral forward each hour, while a separate gear train drives the **trailing‑minutes** that glide across the lower prism. This dual‑display system is praised as “the best HM featuring a speedometer‑like display by far,” highlighting both its visual impact and mechanical ingenuity.
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## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes
A 47 mm case can easily become a wrist‑bulky proposition, but MB&F’s material choices mitigate that risk. **Titanium** contributes a lightness that many wearers notice immediately; the watch “feels incredibly light” even at its sizable diameter. The CarbonMacrolon® panels add structural rigidity without adding weight, and the overall construction feels balanced rather than top‑heavy.
Exact lug‑to‑lug measurements are not disclosed, but the watch’s profile sits relatively low compared to other 47 mm sports pieces, thanks to the thin carbon panels. The strap—often a matching carbon‑filled leather or a high‑tech rubber—anchors securely but does not dig into the wrist, a point highlighted in the brand’s own description that the HM8 Mark 2 “has been designed with a greater emphasis on wearability and enjoyment as a wristwatch.”
The case back is transparent enough to glimpse the movement when the watch is tilted, adding a visual cue for enthusiasts. The crown is ergonomically shaped, allowing easy winding and time setting without excessive torque. Overall, the watch feels more like a high‑performance sports car than a clunky mechanical sculpture, making it surprisingly comfortable for everyday wear despite its avant‑garde aesthetics.
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## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit
The HM8 Mark 2 is unmistakably a **statement piece**. Its automotive lineage, bold size, and vivid color options make it a perfect fit for environments where personality is celebrated:
* **Automotive events, motor shows, or track‑day gatherings** – The watch’s speedometer‑inspired display becomes a natural conversation starter.
* **High‑end cocktail parties or art openings** – The futuristic dial and carbon‑accented case complement avant‑garde fashion.
* **Smart‑casual business settings** – While the 47 mm size may push the boundaries of corporate conservatism, the white‑panel version can pass for a daring yet professional accessory in creative industries.
It is less appropriate for **formal black‑tie affairs** where a classic dress watch or slim tuxedo‑style timepiece would be expected. Likewise, the modest 30 m water resistance and the watch’s delicate sapphire prisms advise against heavy sports or outdoor activities. In short, the HM8 Mark 2 shines when you want to be seen, not when you need to blend into the background.
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## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take
At **US $78 000**, the HM8 Mark 2 sits in the upper‑echelon of independent watchmaking. Its price reflects several factors:
1. **Brand cachet** – MB&F has cultivated a reputation for limited‑run, art‑focused machines that command collector interest.
2. **Technical complexity** – The bespoke jumping‑hour and trailing‑minutes module adds significant engineering cost.
3. **Materials** – Titanium and CarbonMacrolon® are premium, lightweight materials that are more expensive than standard stainless steel.
4. **Exclusivity** – Limited‑edition colorways (especially the 33‑piece British Racing Green) increase desirability.
From a purely technical standpoint, the watch offers a reliable automatic base movement, a respectable 42‑hour reserve, and a unique visual display that no other brand currently replicates. The **wearability improvements** over the original HM8 address a common criticism of MB&F’s earlier machines, making the Mark 2 arguably the most “wrist‑friendly” of the line.
However, the **price** remains a barrier for many. For a buyer whose primary interest lies in the jumping‑hour complication, there are less expensive alternatives from established manufacturers (e.g., the Jaeger‑LeCoultre Duomètre series) that deliver comparable mechanical sophistication without the automotive theatrics. Additionally, the modest water resistance and the watch’s size limit its versatility.
**Verdict:** The Horological Machine N°8 Mark 2 is a triumph of design and engineering that successfully bridges the gap between kinetic sculpture and wearable timepiece. Its automotive DNA is evident in every line, and the refined materials make it surprisingly comfortable despite its bold dimensions. For collectors who value MB&F’s artistic vision and can afford the premium, the HM8 Mark 2 is a worthy addition that stands out in any watch cabinet. For the broader market, the high price and niche aesthetic mean it will remain a coveted, but not essential, acquisition.
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