In the heart of Geneva, Switzerland, lies a 20th-century stone house that appears almost fairy-tale-like, complete with wooden shutters and multiple spires. But this enchanting structure is no ordinary abode - it's the headquarters for Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F), a company renowned for creating some of the most unconventional timepieces in the industry.
For Büsser, watchmaking is not just about ticking clocks; it's an art form that requires precision and creativity. "What we create has to be reliable for decades, hundreds of years... there is a responsibility," he emphasizes. Yet, as a creator, he doesn't take himself too seriously. This paradoxical approach is reflected in his designs, which often defy conventional watchmaking norms.
One of MB&F's most striking creations is the HM10 Bulldog, featuring a bulbous glass case and four "legs." When wound, the watch's jaws open, revealing its intricate mechanical workings. Büsser's passion project, the M.A.D. House (Mechanical Art Device), serves as the heart of his creative endeavors.
Located within this former Swiss family home, the M.A.D. House is where some of the world's most skilled artisans and designers converge to bring Büsser's imaginative designs to life. Development projects like the HM11 Architect can take years to complete, with watchmakers working tirelessly over 3,000 hours to perfect every detail.
In this atypical workshop setting, watchmakers labor with precision, assembling nearly microscopic components that are so small they're almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Artisans don specialized tools, including high-magnification monocles, to navigate these tiny parts with ease.
The culmination of their efforts is a testament to Büsser's obsession with balance wheels - the "beating heart" of a watch. He features them prominently in many designs, even in traditional wristwatches. His fascination with this mechanical component stems from its beauty and complexity.
A recent project, the HM11 Architect, showcases post-modernist architecture inspired by 1960s design. The watch resembles a miniature house, complete with four "rooms" or watch faces that spin independently to display time, hours, minutes, and even a mechanical thermometer.
Büsser's dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of his creations, from the intricate mechanisms to the artistic presentation. His watches are not merely commodities but works of art that require an emotional connection with the wearer.
Ultimately, Büsser's approach to watchmaking is about more than just technical expertise; it's about sharing a personal passion with like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty and complexity of horology. As he puts it, "The worst reason to buy a beautiful piece of watchmaking is for resale value... It shouldn't be about making money; it should be about connecting with something extraordinary."
For Büsser, watchmaking is not just about ticking clocks; it's an art form that requires precision and creativity. "What we create has to be reliable for decades, hundreds of years... there is a responsibility," he emphasizes. Yet, as a creator, he doesn't take himself too seriously. This paradoxical approach is reflected in his designs, which often defy conventional watchmaking norms.
One of MB&F's most striking creations is the HM10 Bulldog, featuring a bulbous glass case and four "legs." When wound, the watch's jaws open, revealing its intricate mechanical workings. Büsser's passion project, the M.A.D. House (Mechanical Art Device), serves as the heart of his creative endeavors.
Located within this former Swiss family home, the M.A.D. House is where some of the world's most skilled artisans and designers converge to bring Büsser's imaginative designs to life. Development projects like the HM11 Architect can take years to complete, with watchmakers working tirelessly over 3,000 hours to perfect every detail.
In this atypical workshop setting, watchmakers labor with precision, assembling nearly microscopic components that are so small they're almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Artisans don specialized tools, including high-magnification monocles, to navigate these tiny parts with ease.
The culmination of their efforts is a testament to Büsser's obsession with balance wheels - the "beating heart" of a watch. He features them prominently in many designs, even in traditional wristwatches. His fascination with this mechanical component stems from its beauty and complexity.
A recent project, the HM11 Architect, showcases post-modernist architecture inspired by 1960s design. The watch resembles a miniature house, complete with four "rooms" or watch faces that spin independently to display time, hours, minutes, and even a mechanical thermometer.
Büsser's dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of his creations, from the intricate mechanisms to the artistic presentation. His watches are not merely commodities but works of art that require an emotional connection with the wearer.
Ultimately, Büsser's approach to watchmaking is about more than just technical expertise; it's about sharing a personal passion with like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty and complexity of horology. As he puts it, "The worst reason to buy a beautiful piece of watchmaking is for resale value... It shouldn't be about making money; it should be about connecting with something extraordinary."
MB&F is like the Tim Burton of timepieces - they're all about being weird and wonderful. I mean, who wouldn't want a watch that's essentially a miniature house? 
The M.A.D. House sounds like my dream workshop - where art meets science and everyone gets to geek out over tiny mechanical parts. Büsser's dedication to his craft is admirable, but also kinda sad... like, why can't more people just appreciate the beauty of watchmaking for what it is? 
A watch that's not about resale value, but about sharing a personal passion with others? That's truly beautiful. 
. I mean, can you imagine having a team of experts working tirelessly for years to bring one of these timepieces to life? 
. I'm sure it's an incredible experience to see a design come together from concept to completion.
And it's not just about the technical stuff, Büsser's designs are like he's speaking your language... or should I say, ticking away at your soul? 
Anyway, I think what I love most is that he's all about sharing this passion with people who get it, you know? It's not just about selling a timepiece, but about creating something that makes you feel connected to something bigger. 
. I mean, who needs that much detail and artistry when they're making timepieces? It's like he's creating masterpieces on a smaller scale... and that M.A.D. House is seriously the coziest workshop setting ever 
. Those watchmakers must be total rockstars, working with tiny parts for hours on end 
. And can we talk about how beautiful those balance wheels are? So intricate and elegant 
... I'd totally wear one of his watches just to see it all up close 
.
I mean, who needs a normal workshop when you can have a former Swiss family home?! 
. And that HM11 Architect? 
Post-modernist architecture meets timekeeping perfection! I need one in my life ASAP 
. He's not just creating watches, he's creating experiences 
. Anyone else as obsessed with MB&F as I am?! 
.
Büsser's passion for watchmaking is infectious, you can feel the love he puts into every piece 
.
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, but it's cool to see someone passionate about what they do and making something truly special 
. And you know what’s even cooler? The fact that watchmakers have to put in 3,000 hours of work just to perfect every detail 
. That HM11 Architect watch is giving me LIFE 
. In reality, probably costs an arm and a leg (or in this case, a watch) 
. Can't say I'm sold on the post-modernist design thing either, looks like a hot mess to me 
anyway i think its awesome how he prioritizes passion over profit