MB&F Watch Machinery’s archives are full of iconic designs and distinctive personalities, and HM3 is one of them. Its two hemispherical “eyes” are called “frogs”, which can display the hours and minutes, and also have a wide grin “mouth”, which can provide enough space for the rotor, and it is easy to see their similarities .
The original HM3 debuted in 2009, when Max Büsser and his friends had just embarked on a four-year journey. The key “friend” involved in the development of this masterpiece is nothing more than the famous watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, who played a challenging (but ultimately rewarding role) role that changed the creative vision of Büsser and designer Eric Giroud For reality. HM3 adopted a transformation of animal form in 2010 and introduced the HM3 “frog” for the first time.
Ten years have passed, and after countless interpretations, HM3 Frog is both cute and classic. This marks MB&F once again foraying into the amphibian world, bringing the limited edition Frog X to us. A total of 30 Frog Xs will enter the field in three colors (blue, purple and turquoise), each with 10 pieces.
The original HM3 was launched in 2009 in two versions: Starcruiser (cone shaped in line with the arm) and Sidewinder (cone shaped perpendicular to the arm); both versions are made of 18k white gold/titanium or 18k rose gold/titanium
HM3 Frog was launched in 2010 and produced three versions: HM5 Frog Ti (grade 5 titanium case and screws), HM3 Poison Dart Frog (black PVD zirconium case), 18k yellow gold screws; HM3 Frog Ti 18k rose gold And titanium case, 18k rose gold screws.
The Frog X case is made of sapphire, one of the most challenging materials in the MB&F portfolio. The entire case, including the tall dome that displays the thin paper aluminum time display dome, is made of sapphire. Given that the material not only has excellent hardness, it must be cut and polished to ensure optimal readability, which is a difficult task.
Not only on the exquisite alligator leather strap (in addition to turquoise, white leather also has other colors), but also on the iconic Tomahawk-shaped rotor and the weighted tip of the gasket.
Speaking of the Tomahawk, this watch has another interesting feel. At first glance, the winding crown positioned at the 12 position (or the crown of a normal discount watches) does not appear to have the iconic rotor contour shape of MB&F. However, in appropriate circumstances, badges will appear.
MB&F cooperated with a light engraving company called RayForm to micro-shape the metal surface of the crown so that accidental light refraction can reveal hidden features. Is this science or magic? With MB&F, there may be both.
With its clever design, dazzling architecture and friendly faces, it is easy to see why HM3 Frog has become such a popular work for MB&F, and Frog X is a practical way to celebrate the 10th birthday of a little boy.
Movement
Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht / Agenhor, powered by a Girard-Perregaux base. Frequency of 4Hz, hours and minutes displayed on aluminum domes.
Case
Sapphire crystal, 59 components, dimensions of 48.3 mm x 52.7 mm x 17.5mm
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator strap with titanium custom-designed folding buckle