When the hottest-burning stars come to the end of their existence, they take one last stand in the form of a massive supernova. The Horological Machine N°6 has only been around since 2014, but its audacious construction and design make it one of the brightest stars in the MB&F constellation, and it has entered supernova phase just four years after its debut. The Horological Machine N°6 Final Edition comes in steel, and is available in a limited edition of 8 pieces.
Marked by Adventure
Following the case-material precedent set by the Legacy Machine N°1 Final Edition, the HM6 Final Edition is presented in stainless steel, a fittingly robust and durable material to memorialise the last outing of this series. Any machine that has experienced four years of intergalactic exploration – transitioning from cosmic pirate ship to futuristic alien vessel – is bound to bear the marks of adventure (or misadventure); the body of the HM6 Final Edition is deeply grooved with polished lines that stretch from the turbine pods to the hour and minute spheres, contrasting sharply with the satin-drawn main surfaces.
The temperature of a star determines its colour, with the hottest stars appearing bright blue due to their higher radiation frequency. Appropriately, this shade features prominently in the HM6 Final Edition. The platinum oscillating weight, visible through a sapphire crystal pane on the underside of the case, has been given a blue PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating. The hour and minute spheres are also in this arresting hue, with numerals and markings standing out in thickly applied Super-LumiNova that luminesces light blue.
The hour and minute spheres are oriented perpendicular to the rest of the engine to facilitate readability, and are driven by conical gears to ensure that this unusual configuration still provides the necessary precision in displaying the time. At the opposite end of the HM6 engine, twin turbines create air resistance that protects the automatic winding system. Such commitment to the mechanical integrity doesn’t come easily. The engine of the Horological Machine N°6, comprising 475 components, took three years of research and development to realise – almost as long as the entire lifespan of the the HM6 series itself.
The Universe on Your Wrist
Central to the design and construction of the HM6 is the flying tourbillon, protected by a retractable shield and evocative of the sharply controlled chaos at the heart of our universe. Now that things are coming to a close for the HM6, the sapphire crystal dome above the flying tourbillon takes a page from the show-all playbook of the HM6 Alien Nation and expands its dimensions in order to more fully expose the beating regulator in its revolving cage.
The Horological Machine N°6 Final Edition completes the cosmic circle begun by the HM6 Space Pirate, a supernova finish to a series that belongs in the stars.
The MB&F Final Editions
The Horological Machine N°6 is the fourth Horological Machine by MB&F to receive an edition to formally mark the end of series production. Previously, the HM2 (2008-2011), HM3 (2008-2015) and HM4 (2010-2013) also received Final Editions.
With the Final Edition of Legacy Machine N°1 (2011-2017), steel was established as the material that would distinguish future such editions, a choice that has been perpetuated in the HM6 Final Edition.
The Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer of MB&F in Singapore.
