Spaceship with a flying tourbillon on your wrist: the MB&F HM6 Space Pirate

Every time MB&F releases a new model, we conclude that it's novel enough to stand in a league of its own. The new MB&F HM6 Space Pirate is no exception. It's a truly unparalleled fusion of mechanical ingenuity and science fiction. Like most Haute Horlogerie models inspired by external themes, the HM6 Space Pirate is designed in the spirit of space navigation—space on your wrist.

The MB&F HM6 Space Pirate draws on the design DNA of several previous models. It features striking domed dials reminiscent of the curved domes of the HM3 Frog and HM3 Moonmachine. Its centralized flying tourbillon drives an outward-moving balance wheel, similar to MB&F's Legacy Machines. Its twin-engine form, in particular, directly recalls the aviation motif of the HM4 Final Edition.

The biomorphic case is crafted from two solid bars of Grade 5 titanium alloy, suitable for the aerospace industry and offering high corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. Keep in mind that the aesthetic design of such a robust material requires over 100 hours of polishing and satin finishing.

At each corner of the HM6 is a sapphire crystal dome. The two domes facing the wearer house hemispherical displays that rotate vertically and indicate the hours and minutes. At the opposite end, the other two domes house two spherical turbines that rotate automatically to regulate the winding system against excessive speeds (to reduce stress and wear).

Each turbine has 15 curved blades crafted from solid aluminum. A gear system drives the turbines via the automatic winding rotor. It's noteworthy that aerodynamic principles govern certain functions of this watch. Vigorous wrist movements increase the turbine rotation and thus the air friction, depending on the speed of the blades. With increased winding pressure, the increased resistance of the turbines counteracts the excessive speed, thus reducing wear.

The flying tourbillon dome at the center of the HM6 adds a final aesthetic touch. The crown at 9 o'clock activates a protective shield around the tourbillon, similar to a titanium eyelid. This protects the engine oils from oxidation caused by excessive UV radiation.

The HM6 impresses with its metal construction and exudes the attention to detail and high quality one expects from Büsser. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the classic platinum winding rotor and offers a glimpse of the 475 other components of the movement, which boasts a 72-hour power reserve.

Although its dimensions (49.5 mm x 52.3 mm x 20.4 mm) are by no means small, like all other MB&F watches, it probably wears smaller (and, thanks to the titanium construction, lighter) than it looks. Thanks to the rotating lugs, the bracelet fits snugly around the wrist and probably doesn't struggle much more with the cuff than an average modern-sized dive watch.

When it comes to the cosmic theme, MB&F has clearly nailed it. The curves of the HM6 evoke everything from space helmets to intergalactic travel, as seen on the big screen, of course. (Side note: It was a bizarre coincidence to write this article just moments after watching a trailer for the movie Interstellar—also hitting theaters this week.)

The MB&F HM6 Space Pirate, made of Grade 5 titanium, will be released in a limited edition of 50 pieces at a price of $230,000.

The MB&F Horological Machine No. 6 (HM6 "Space Pirate") is one of the craziest, boldest, and at the same time most technically impressive watches in modern watchmaking. It resembles a miniature spaceship landing on the wrist—with its five domes, two rotating turbines, a central flying tourbillon, and an artistically exploratory aura.

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👾 MB&F HM6 "Space Pirate" – Technical + creative details

Movement and complications

• Caliber: HM6 Engine, developed with David Candaux (Sainte-Croix)

• Complications:

  • Flying central tourbillon

  • Rotating ball displays for hours and minutes

  • Two rotating turbines (coupled at the factory, act as air resistance regulators)

  • Protective shield above the tourbillon, controlled by crown

• Power reserve: 72 hours

• Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 A/h)

• Components: 475 individual parts

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Design: An organic spaceship for the wrist

• Form: Inspired by Japanese sci-fi anime from the 1970s (Captain Future, Space Battleship Yamato)

• Case: Complex domed, made of titanium, red gold or platinum, with 5 sapphire domes

• Dimensions: 49.5 mm × 52.3 mm × 20.4 mm – large but ergonomic

• Bracelet: Flexibly integrated; emphasizes the “space creature” design

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Dial – or rather: dome display

• Front left & right:

  • Rotating balls show hours (left) and minutes (right)

• Top center:

  • Flying tourbillon under extendable titanium armor (controlled by crown)

• Rear left & right:

  • Turbines, rotate synchronously with the flywheel – theoretically to stabilize the gear

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Variants and editions

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Price & Market

• Original prices:

  • HM6 Titanium: approx. €215,000

  • HM6 RT/Platinum: approx. €240,000-270,000

  • HM6 SV (Sapphire): €390,000+

  • HM6 Alien Nation: over €500,000

• Collector's market:

  • Almost all sold out – rarely at auctions

  • Extremely sought after due to iconic design + low production numbers

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Philosophy behind the HM6

“The HM6 was our attempt to create something biologically futuristic—a spacecraft with the character of an organism.”
– Maximilian Büsser, founder of MB&F

Source: hodinkee.com, AI