A Floating Work of Art
MB & F (Max Büsser & Friends) has once again redefined haute horlogerie with the SP One, a breathtaking transparent timepiece that blurs the line between watchmaking and kinetic sculpture. Encased between two domed sapphire crystals, the watch features a “Floating Stadium” design, where key mechanical elements—the barrel, balance wheel, and dial—appear suspended in mid-air. This avant-garde creation not only showcases MB & F’s mastery of micro-engineering but also introduces the brand’s new “Special Projects” (SP) collection.
In this in-depth exploration, we’ll dissect the SP One’s revolutionary design, its intricate mechanics, and why it stands as MB & F’s thinnest and most refined creation to date.
The “Floating Stadium” Concept: Where Mechanics Meet Art
A Trio of Levitating Components
At the heart of the SP One lies what MB & F calls the “Three Circles”—three essential horological elements:
- The Barrel – Stores energy to power the movement.
- The Balance Wheel – Regulates timekeeping precision.
- The Dial – Displays the time in a minimalist fashion.
Thanks to the fully transparent sapphire crystal case, these components appear to float effortlessly, detached from both the wearer’s wrist and the watch’s structure itself. Unlike traditional watches, where mechanics are hidden beneath layers of metal, the SP One proudly displays its inner workings as a kinetic art installation.
A Nod to Ancient Amphitheaters
The “Stadium” name is no coincidence. MB & F founder Max Büsser drew inspiration from Greco-Roman amphitheaters, where spectators sit in tiered rows to witness events. Similarly, the SP One’s mechanics are arranged in a circular, layered formation, inviting the wearer to observe the intricate dance of gears and springs from every angle.
Design & Craftsmanship: A Masterclass in Transparency
Ultra-Thin & Lightweight Construction
The SP One is MB & F’s thinnest and most compact watch yet, a remarkable feat given its complex mechanics. The absence of a traditional metal case allows the sapphire crystal to dominate, creating an illusion of weightlessness.
Hand-Angled Gears & Chatons
To ensure flawless aesthetics, MB & F’s artisans hand-bevel each gear, polishing them to perfection. The watch also incorporates chatons—decorative metal settings traditionally used in jewelry—as a tribute to classical watchmaking.
A Pebble-Shaped Case with No Lugs
The case’s smooth, pebble-like silhouette enhances its futuristic appeal. Unlike conventional watches, the lugs (strap attachments) do not connect directly to the case. Instead, they emerge subtly from beneath, creating a “hovering” effect that complements the watch’s ethereal design.
Timekeeping in a New Dimension
A Minimalist Yet Functional Dial
Rather than a traditional dial, the SP One tells time via a small circular disc at the base of the three levitating elements. Triangular hands glide smoothly, pointing to the hours and minutes in an understated yet highly legible manner.
Exhibition of Movement: A Showcase of Precision
Flipping the watch reveals an unobstructed view of the movement, where gears and springs come alive. The balance wheel oscillates rhythmically, while the barrel unwinds with mechanical grace. This skeletonized display is not just functional—it’s a mesmerizing performance.
The Birth of MB & F’s “Special Projects” Line
The SP One marks the debut of MB & F’s “Special Projects” (SP) collection, a new venture dedicated to experimental, boundary-pushing designs. Unlike the brand’s Horological Machines, which follow a distinct aesthetic, SP watches will explore unconventional materials, forms, and complications.
This line will serve as a creative playground for MB & F’s watchmakers, allowing them to innovate without constraints.
Final Thoughts: A Watch That Defies Convention
The MB & F SP One is more than a timepiece—it’s a wearable sculpture, a mechanical ballet, and a testament to avant-garde watchmaking. With its transparent architecture, floating mechanics, and ultra-thin profile, it challenges traditional perceptions of what a luxury watch should be.
For collectors and horology enthusiasts, the SP One represents a rare fusion of art and engineering, making it one of the most exciting releases in high-end watchmaking today.
Catch up on the latest projects, trends, and bold ideas in the world of “architectural” content on ArchUp.
