The New Art Deco Editions of the MB&F HM11

The latest watch in the Horological Machine series by MB&F, the HM11 is a true architectural experiment, but for the wrist: a quatrefoil case composed of four functional rooms surrounding a central atrium that hosts a flying tourbillon. Introduced in 2023 as the HM11 Architect, the concept combined an immediately tactile user ritual with an unusually readable distribution of indications: hours and minutes, power reserve, mechanical thermometer and a time-setting module. The new HM11 Art Deco editions are a stylistic evolution, with the same movement and mechanical logic, re-expressed through the geometric vocabulary of the 1930s. Where the Architect celebrated organic, humanist forms, the Art Deco emphasises verticality, stepped profiles and sunburst graphics.

The case retains earlier specifications and is made of Grade 5 titanium, measuring 42mm in diameter with a 23mm profile, dictated by the domed double-sapphire roof and the lateral pods. Construction, materials and core engineering are unchanged: a multi-component titanium shell, two stacked sapphire domes over the central atrium and individual sapphire windows over each pod. The case still rotates on its bearings for orientation and winding; each 45° clockwise turn adds precisely 72 minutes to the barrel. Sealing and ergonomics are engineered for daily use: the curved feet double as strap attachments, spreading the load and stabilising the case during rotation. Water-resistance is 20m… It’s still a house, not a yacht.

The MB&F HM11 Art Deco replaces the Architect’s conical rods and soft markers with laser-cut sunbeam elements, two-tone rings and period typography. The four pods retain their functions: time (hours/minutes), power reserve, mechanical thermometer (in Celsius or Fahrenheit), and the time-setting module. The central atrium exposes the flying tourbillon; the tourbillon bridge and upper movement architecture have been reshaped into more vertical, arch-like forms to create a coherent axial composition. Hands hold transparent red enamel inserts to create a stained-glass effect. The HM11 Art Deco is available in two editions: one with a blue dial plate and 3N yellow-gold-toned bridges, while the other has a green dial plate and 5N rose-gold-toned bridges.

Mechanically, the Art Deco edition is identical to the HM11 Architect: an in-house, three-dimensional manual movement built around bevel gears, with a flying tourbillon beating at 18,000 vibrations/hour and a 96-hour power reserve. The movement is mounted on a suspension system formed by four laser-cut high-tension springs, decoupling the engine from shocks. Winding remains user-centric, performed by rotating the case rather than using a conventional crown, and the movement architecture is executed and finished to MB&F standards: multi-layer bridges, hand chamfering and mirror polishing across visible surfaces.

The MB&F HM11 Art Deco is produced in 20 pieces in total, with 10 pieces per colour. The blue dial version is offered on a white lizard strap, and the one with a dial plate comes with a beige lizard strap. The straps are closed with a grade 5 titanium folding buckle. Price is CHF 198,000 (excl. taxes) or EUR 215,000 (excl. taxes).

For more details, visit www.mbandf.com.