MB&F has reached a fascinating crossroads in its creative journey—when a brand already producing extraordinary timepieces requires a new category for designs deemed “special projects,” you know something remarkable is about to unfold.
The Swiss horological maverick has introduced its third family of watches alongside the established LM (Legacy Machines) and HM (Horological Machines) lines: the Special Project collection, abbreviated as SP.
Beyond Extraordinary
This new collection represents MB&F’s solution to a unique creative problem. Designs that were “really cool” but didn’t naturally fit into either existing category would traditionally be shelved indefinitely.
The SP One itself began life as a project called “Three Circles” before being abandoned for lack of an appropriate home. Now, with the SP collection providing a creative outlet, these orphaned concepts can finally reach their full potential.
The SP One represents a dramatic departure from MB&F’s typical dimensions, measuring a comparatively svelte 38mm diameter by 12mm thick—substantially smaller than the brand’s usual offerings that typically exceed 40mm.
Available in both platinum and rose gold, the watch features what MB&F describes as a “pebble case”—a smooth, rounded design that provides an elegant canvas for the mechanical artistry within.
The true spectacle lies in the fully skeletonized display that creates a mystery watch aesthetic reminiscent of Cartier’s legendary Masse Mystérieuse. While not quite as extreme as its inspiration, the SP One creates the compelling illusion of floating components. Three primary elements appear to defy gravity: the power barrel, an oversized balance wheel, and the timekeeping dial—the literal “three circles” that gave the project its original name.
Mechanical Poetry in Miniature
Despite its more restrained exterior dimensions, the SP One houses sophisticated horological architecture that maintains MB&F’s reputation for mechanical innovation. The manually-wound SP One caliber delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve while operating at a leisurely 18,000 vibrations per hour—a frequency that allows observers to appreciate the mesmerizing dance of the exposed balance wheel.
The movement showcases MB&F’s signature attention to finishing details, featuring polished bevels and hand engraving throughout the visible architecture. The exposed three-bridge construction creates a sculptural quality that, when viewed from different angles, evokes a temporal pyramid—though Arnold & Son previously explored similar territory with their own architectural displays.
The dial presentation combines a black DLC inclined surface with either sky-blue or anthracite beveled flanges, depending on the case material. This creates depth and visual interest while maintaining legibility—no small feat in a design where aesthetics and function must work in perfect harmony.
Priced at CHF 58,000 for the rose gold version and CHF 65,000 for platinum (excluding taxes), the SP One positions itself as a compelling fusion of MB&F’s established philosophies. It captures the mechanical audacity of the Horological Machines within the refined elegance of the Legacy Machines, all while introducing a more wearable scale that may appeal to collectors who found previous MB&F creations too bold for regular wear.
The SP collection’s inaugural offering suggests that MB&F’s creative well remains far from dry, promising future releases that will continue pushing horological boundaries while exploring new expressions of time’s eternal dance.
