MB&F
Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 2005
Founded by Maximilian Büsser
MB&F (Maximilian Büsser and Friends) was founded in Geneva in 2005 by former Harry Winston CEO Max Büsser, dedicated to creating what he calls Mechanical Art Devices — three-dimensional, sculptural watches that function as kinetic art. Each limited-edition HM (Horological Machine) is created in collaboration with a community of specialist craftspeople.
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Horological Machine (HM Series) — MB&F's groundbreaking flagship line: three-dimensional kinetic sculptures masquerading as watches. Each HM (Horological Machine) is a radical reimagining of what a watch can be, co-created with specialist craftsmen — 'Friends' — from across the horological world.
- Legacy Machine (LM Series) — A tribute to 19th-century watchmaking — featuring large balance wheels above the dial, flying tourbillons and other classical complications — reinterpreted through MB&F's contemporary artistic lens.
- Performance Machine (M.A.D. Series) — MB&F's more accessible line produced under the M.A.D.1 sub-brand, offering the brand's experimental spirit at a lower entry price through a mechanical wristwatch with unconventional time display.
Timeline
- 2005 — Maximilian Büsser founds MB&F (Maximilian Büsser and Friends) in Geneva after leaving his role as CEO of Harry Winston Timepieces, with a vision to create horological machines as artistic collaborations.
- 2007 — The first Horological Machine — HM1 — is unveiled, a radical three-dimensional watch unlike anything previously seen, establishing MB&F's unique creative identity.
- 2011 — MB&F introduces the Legacy Machine series, proving the brand can also apply its artistic ambitions to classical complications and historical watchmaking references.
- 2018 — MB&F opens M.A.D. Gallery in Geneva, a concept space for 'Mechanical Art Devices' — kinetic sculptures, automata and watches — cementing the brand's position at the intersection of art and horology.
- 2022 — MB&F celebrates its 15th anniversary with a series of limited-edition pieces, and Max Büsser is widely recognised as one of independent watchmaking's most influential entrepreneurs.
- 2025 — Celebrates 20th anniversary with a year of special releases including the LM Longhorn in steel, HM11, collaboration with Bulgari, and two M.A.D.2 editions with Eric Giroud. Chanel acquires a 25% stake in MB&F.
- 2026 — Presents the LM Perpetual Evo 2 and an HM9 'Road Edition' at Watches & Wonders 2026, continuing to push boundaries in haute horlogerie creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about MB&F
- What does MB&F stand for?
- MB&F stands for Maximilian Büsser and Friends — reflecting founder Max Büsser's philosophy that the best creative work is done collaboratively, bringing together 'Friends' who are expert craftsmen from across the horological and artistic world.
- Are MB&F watches investments?
- Many MB&F pieces — particularly the Horological Machine series — have appreciated significantly on the secondary market. Their ultra-limited production, artistic credibility and cult following among collectors make them highly sought-after, though MB&F itself does not market them as investments.