Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New MB&F HM12 The Guardian, A Sci-Fi Horological Machine with a Robot Companion
A return to the bold spirit of MB&F's earliest Horological Machines, now with a flying tourbillon for the brain, a mechanical face shield, and a towering robot body.
Childhood imagination and science fiction to inspire high-end watchmaking? Why not, and MB&F is proof that it can be a successful combination. Since the launch of HM1 in 2007, Maximilian Büsser’s concept laboratory has consistently transformed memories of spaceships, supercars, aircraft and robots into complex mechanical creations for the wrist. Some of the brand’s memorable ones have drawn from vintage sci-fi imagery, and its collaboration with L’Epée has produced a series of remarkable robot-shaped clocks, including Melchior (2015), the imposing Balthazar (2016), and Grant (2018). In recent years, the spotlight turned towards the more “classic” Legacy Machine LM-series. Still, the innovative-creative spirit was very much alive, evidenced by pieces such as a collaborative Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti (2025). Now, MB&F presents the HM12 The Guardian, and it’s yet another Sci-Fi-inspired expression of the brand’s willingness to turn childhood memories into serious Haute Horologie.
Conceived as the head and brain of a robot, the Horological Machine 12 is part of a 38cm-tall mechanical companion developed by L’Epée. A presentation stand, yes, but the Guardian is an integral part of the concept. Comprising nearly 1,500 components between watch and robot, HM12 is a return to the expressive, futuristic designs of MB&F’s Horological Machines as the brand enters its third decade. The HM12 is also significant for another reason. It is the first Horological Machine conceived entirely by Maximilian Büsser and Maximilian Maertens, without the involvement of long-time collaborator Eric Giroud, whose influence remains present throughout much of MB&F’s history.
The initial idea was quite simple: what if a robot’s head were a watch? From there, the project evolved over more than four years, gradually becoming one of the most ambitious developments ever undertaken by the brand. Rather than creating a watch inspired by a robot, MB&F created a robot whose head genuinely functions as a wristwatch, with its display elements arranged to resemble a face. Two eyes stare forward. A mouth is below. Above them all, visible through sapphire crystal, is the exposed mechanical brain.
The Robot’s Head
Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the HM12 measures 49.3mm long, 43.6mm wide and 13.8mm thick. The case is relatively restrained (by MB&F standards). Much of the spectacle comes from the extensive sapphire construction, which forms the upper section of the watch and floods the movement with light from multiple directions. The flying tourbillon can be viewed not only from above but also laterally through a sapphire window at 12 o’clock. Despite its unconventional architecture, the watch wears surprisingly well on the wrist thanks to its curved profile and articulated upper lugs.
The Robot’s Face
The dial layout is something else. The left subdial displays the jumping hours, while the right subdial displays the trailing minutes. Together, they form the robot’s eyes, creating an animated, legible presentation. Below them, we see an open mouth, revealing one side of the micro-rotor, shaped like MB&F’s signature battle-axe. The oscillating weight constantly moves as the watch is worn, adding life to the mechanical face. Occupying the brain’s position is a flying tourbillon with a traditional appearance, a contrast between classical watchmaking and science-fiction design.
The very cool feature of HM12 is its face shield mechanism. Operated via the crown on the left side of the case, a pair of mechanical shields slides across the dial, progressively covering or revealing the robot’s face. This system is entirely independent of the movement and requires more than 200 dedicated components. The shield assembly alone is mechanically more complex than many complete watches. The wearer can stop the mechanism at any point to create different expressions. It is a playful complication, certainly, but executed with the same level of engineering and finishing expected from high-end horology.
The Power Source
The watch is powered by a completely new in-house movement developed specifically for this creation. The calibre consists of 646 components and 86 jewels and provides for a jumping hour display, trailing minutes, a flying tourbillon, a double-sided micro-rotor, and face shield integration, all in quite a compact package. Power reserve is 84 hours.
Turning the watch over reveals a different personality, and it could work as another robot’s face by the look of it. The front embraces MB&F’s futuristic Horological Machine language; the reverse has a far more traditional aesthetic (within the MB&F concept of traditional). Symmetrical bridges, softly curved forms and carefully executed hand-finishing bring the movement closer to the spirit of the Legacy Machines. Particularly impressive is the guilloché decoration applied to the domed rotor, executed in collaboration with Kari Voutilainen and his team.
The Guardian Robot Body
As fascinating as the watch may be on its own, HM12 truly comes alive and feels complete when paired with The Guardian. Developed by L’Epée 1839, the robot comprises 755 components. Featuring a dedicated quick-release system, HM12 can be detached from its Velcro strap and mounted directly onto the robot.
Standing 38.2cm tall and weighing approximately 15 kg with its base, the Guardian boasts a mechanical thermometer serving as the robot’s heart. One arm incorporates a magnifying loupe for examining the watch’s movement, and the other houses a detachable UV torch to activate the Super-LumiNova elements on both the robot and the watch. Even the strap receives special treatment, stored within a concealed drawer integrated into the robot’s base.
Availability and Price
The MB&F HM12 The Guardian will be produced in three colour editions, green, blue and purple, each limited to just 12 pieces, each proving that after two decades, MB&F remains one of the few brands willing to turn childhood dreams into serious horology. The price for all this goodness is CHF 280,000 excl. VAT.
For more information, please visit MBandF.com.
