Luxury independent watchmaker MB&F has once again blurred the line between haute horlogerie, science fiction and kinetic art with the unveiling of the HM12 The Guardian, a spectacular horological concept that pairs an advanced mechanical wristwatch with a towering robot companion.
More than just a timepiece, the HM12 The Guardian is a complete mechanical universe. Comprising nearly 1,500 components across both the watch and robot, the creation represents one of the most complex and imaginative projects ever undertaken by the Swiss maison as it enters its third decade of watchmaking.
Originally conceived to celebrate MB&F’s 20th anniversary, the project evolved over several years into something far more ambitious. The result is a futuristic duo that embodies the brand’s founding philosophy: combining cutting-edge engineering with the boundless imagination of childhood dreams.
A Watch Designed as a Robot’s Brain
At first glance, the HM12 wristwatch appears less like a traditional watch and more like the face of a futuristic robot.
Featuring a striking dual-eye design, the watch draws inspiration from generations of science-fiction imagery, from vintage robot toys and comic books to modern cinematic robots and Transformers-style characters.
The design immediately establishes a personality rather than simply presenting a timekeeping instrument.
Beneath its playful exterior lies serious horological engineering. The HM12 houses an entirely in-house movement featuring a flying tourbillon, jumping hours display, double-sided micro-rotor and an innovative “face shield” complication. Traditional haute horlogerie finishing techniques are applied throughout, ensuring the watch meets the standards expected by serious collectors.
The combination of futuristic aesthetics and sophisticated mechanics reflects MB&F’s ability to merge storytelling with technical mastery.
Meet The Guardian
What truly sets the HM12 apart is its inseparable companion: The Guardian.
Standing 38 centimetres tall, the robot is not merely a display stand but an integral part of the concept. The watch can be detached from its strap and mounted directly onto the robot’s head through a specially engineered clipping system, effectively transforming the wristwatch into the robot’s brain.
Developed in collaboration with renowned clockmaker L’Epée 1839, The Guardian comprises an astonishing 755 individual components and incorporates its own mechanical functions.
At the centre of its chest sits a mechanical thermometer that serves as the robot’s beating heart. One arm conceals a magnifying loupe that allows owners to inspect the intricate movement details of the watch, while the other houses a detachable UV torch designed to illuminate the Super-LumiNova elements on both the watch and robot.
Even the strap has its place within the concept, stored neatly inside a hidden drawer integrated into the robot’s base.
A New Creative Chapter for MB&F
The HM12, The Guardian also marks an important milestone for MB&F’s creative evolution.
For the first time, a Horological Machine has been designed entirely by the creative partnership of founder Maximilian Büsser and designer Maximilian Maertens. While long-time collaborator Eric Giroud remains involved in other MB&F projects, HM12 represents the debut of a new design direction within the brand.
The concept began with a simple question posed by Büsser: “What if a robot’s head were a watch?”
Over four years, Maertens transformed that idea into reality through countless sketches, 3D models and prototypes, carefully balancing functionality, aesthetics and mechanical feasibility.
Limited to Just 36 Pieces Worldwide
The HM12 The Guardian will be available in three colour variants — blue, purple and green — with only 12 pieces produced in each edition.
With just 36 examples planned globally, the creation is among MB&F’s rarest and most exclusive releases to date.
Priced at SGD 489,000 including tax, HM12 The Guardian is aimed at collectors seeking something far beyond conventional watchmaking.
