MB&F Unveils The HM12 The Guardian, A Transformable Horological Machine Limited To 36 Pieces
Swiss independent watchmaker MB&F has unveiled the HM12 The Guardian, a highly unconventional creation that blurs the boundaries between haute horlogerie and mechanical sculpture. Conceived as a robot-inspired figure with detachable components, the limited-edition piece combines a tourbillon wristwatch, a mechanical thermometer, a loupe, and a UV flashlight within a single interactive object.
At the heart of the concept is a fully functional wristwatch that forms the robot’s head. Designed around the appearance of a mechanical guardian, the HM12 introduces a unique display architecture, an elaborate movable face shield system, and a newly developed movement offering an 84-hour power reserve. Produced in just 36 examples across three color variants, it stands among the most ambitious creations ever released by the brand.
A Watch Hidden Inside a Mechanical Guardian
The HM12 The Guardian is presented as a robot-shaped sculpture composed of multiple elements. At its center is the wristwatch itself, forming the robot’s head, while the accompanying accessories are integrated into the figure’s arms and display stand.
The right arm houses a detachable loupe, allowing owners to examine the intricate movement details up close, while the left arm conceals a UV flashlight designed to activate the luminescent elements found throughout both the watch and sculpture. The figure stands on a dedicated plinth that doubles as a storage solution for the watch strap when the timepiece is displayed in its sculptural form.
Adding another mechanical feature, the robot’s chest incorporates a functional thermometer that continuously monitors ambient temperature.
A New Interpretation of the Horological Machine
Developed by MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser together with designer Maximilian Maertens, the HM12 introduces a fresh creative direction within the Horological Machine family.
The watch’s design was conceived around the idea of creating a robotic face. This concept directly influenced the display architecture, resulting in a distinctive layout where the time indications become integral elements of the character’s expression.
Jumping hour and trailing minute displays serve as the robot’s eyes, while MB&F’s signature double battle-axe rotor appears as a moving mouth. Positioned prominently at 12 o’clock, the flying tourbillon represents the mechanical “brain” of the Guardian, continuously rotating beneath a sapphire crystal opening.
Innovative Face Shield System
One of the HM12’s most distinctive features is the newly developed Face Shield System.
Comprising approximately 200 individual components, the mechanism allows the wearer to reveal or conceal sections of the dial through a dedicated crown-operated system. Colored panels located across the forehead, eyebrows, and cheeks can gradually slide open, transforming the appearance of the watch from a fully masked robotic face to a completely exposed display.
The mechanism can also be positioned at intermediate stages, creating multiple visual configurations. To protect the intricate assembly, MB&F equipped the system with a decoupling function that prevents damage once the shields reach their fully extended or retracted positions.
Titanium Construction and Haute Horlogerie Finishing
The HM12 is housed in a Grade 5 titanium case measuring 43.60 mm wide, 49.30 mm long, and 13.60 mm thick.
Its architecture features large skeletonized lugs and a quick-release strap system that allows seamless transition between wrist-worn and display configurations. Multiple sapphire crystal windows provide views of the movement from different angles, with particular emphasis on the tourbillon positioned at the top of the dial.
Powering the watch is an in-house movement offering an 84-hour power reserve.
Turning the watch over reveals a more traditional interpretation of haute horlogerie. The movement showcases finely finished bridges, hand-executed anglage, and textured surfaces that contrast with the futuristic aesthetic visible on the dial side.
The micro-rotor features guilloché decoration produced in collaboration with the workshop of renowned independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, further highlighting the artisanal craftsmanship behind the project.
Three Limited Editions
The HM12 The Guardian is available in three colorways—blue, green, and purple—each reflecting shades frequently used throughout MB&F’s collections.
Production is strictly limited to 12 pieces per color, resulting in a total of only 36 watches worldwide. MB&F has confirmed that these launch editions will also be the final editions, ensuring the HM12 remains one of the rarest creations in the Horological Machine series.
Price
The MB&F HM12 The Guardian is priced at CHF 280,000 before taxes.
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General Specifications:
Brand: MB&F
Model: HM12 The Guardian
Dial: Openworked with blue, green, or purple ‘face-shield’
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Case Dimensions: 43.60 mm Width, 13.80 mm thickness, 49.30 mm lenght
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Velcro with quick-release system
Caliber: MB&F in-house calibre
Functions: Jumping hours, trailing minutes, flying tourbillon
Winding: Automatic
Componentes: 755
Power Reserve: 84 Hours
Price: CHF 280,000 plus VAT
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 12 pieces each
