MB&F raises the bar with the new Horological Machine N°8 Can-Am

Your boyhood dream of being a racecar driver takes on a haute horlogerie twist as MB&F zooms onto the scene with the new Horological Machine N°8 Can-Am — also known as the HM8 — that combines the best of both fields. Replete with an out-of-this-world silhouette that takes after the chassis of the supercars that dominated the prominent Canada-American (Can-Am) Challenge Cup from the '60s to the late '80s, this powerhouse of a watch embodies the cutting-edge and innovative spirit of the competition.

Built upon two of MB&F's most distinctive machines, the HM5 and HMX, the avant-garde HM8 is a visual extravagance with its rounded yet angular form and the maison's iconic 'battle axe' winding rotor fronting the piece. Encased entirely in practically transparent sapphire crystal reinforced with Can-Am inspired titanium 'roll bars' along the sides and down its back for a reflective gleam, the imposing design speaks volumes beyond its immediate eye catching aesthetics. Wielding a three-dimensional engine conceived and developed by MB&F from a Girard Perregaux base calibre, the HM8's open centre lends a view into the movement and its detailed circular wave finish, with the hour and minutes indication discs visible in the corners.

An utterly unique configuration, the timepiece also features dual optical prisms that sit vertically to display the bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes in mimicry of a car's dashboard, shielded by sapphire crystal prisms that magnify the numerals for maximum legibility. An added benefit to this irreverently rebellious design is a read-off capability that doesn't require your wrist leaving the steering wheel — a key element in a first-class driver's watch.

Sculpted from start to end as part watch and part supercar, the HM8 is a solid amplification of form and function backed by a 42-hour power reserve. High-octane machine perfection, MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser couldn't have said it better: "I feel that this is one of the coolest pieces I've ever created."

The MB&F Horological Machine N°8 Can-Am is available at authorised retailer L'Atelier by The Hour Glass at Ion Orchard.