In the last ten years, we have seen so many luxury wristwatches featuring futuristic theme or uncommon functionality that we are inclined to consider the classic watches as the traditional timepieces. What watches can be called “traditional watches”? Well, all they need is a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and perhaps a power reserve indicator to keep track of running time, serving as the original role – to tell the time. MB&F Horological Machine No.4 Thunderbolt has a hand for the hours, another for the minutes and a power reserve indicator. HM4 Thunderbolt tells the time … MB&F Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt is not a traditional wristwatch.

The new HM4 is an exception. I think I should say all the watches released by MB&F are the exceptions in the industry. The sleek aerodynamic form of the Thunderbolt’s titanium and sapphire envelope has its roots in Maximilian Büsser’s childhood passion for assembling model plane kits, though none looked remotely as futuristic as this. The striking transparent sapphire section of the case requires over 100 hours of machining and polishing to transform an opaque solid block of crystal into a complex, exquisitely curved panel allowing the light to come in and the beauty of Thunderbolt’s engine to stand out.

The Thunderbolt’s engine is the culmination of three long years of development. Each of the 311 components – including the regulator and even the screws – was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating hours/minutes and power reserve.

The aviation-inspired case and engine of the Thunderbolt are one. Neither would, nor could, exist without the other, yet each is so transcendental as to be able to stand alone as a work of art in its own right. Every component and form has a technical purpose; nothing is superfluous and every line and curve is in poetic harmony. Articulated lugs ensure supreme comfort. Highly legible time is a fringe benefit.

Click here to watch a video of the MB&F Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt.

Or you can also see what Max Büsser (the MB of MB&F) talks about his new creation:

MB&F Horological Machine No4 is here! For the last three years I could not talk about this amazing piece of machinery, and it is truly a great day that I can finally share with all!

After the 311 part Engine which was unveiled in March during Basel, here is probably the most complex case in the history of horology to protect and magnify it.

Titanium and Sapphire – 150 hours of machining and polishing just for the central Sapphire case (that is close to four weeks of machining for one piece !), over 60 hours of machining and finishing for the titanium case back, etc, etc… In our twenty years of horology, this is the greatest challenge Serge Kriknoff and I have been up to.

So what is the Thunderbolt ? A tribute to Aviation… Why ? Because from the age of 8 to 12-13 I spent every free minute crafting model airplanes… They were everywhere in my room. Hanging from the ceilings, accumulating on the shelves, in the cupboards. I would spend hours assembling, modifying, painting anything which had two wings. HM4 is a very personal interpretation of what would happen if you crossed a piece of ultra high end horology with the world of aeronautics.

The new MB&F Horlogical Machine No. 4 aka Thunderbolt is totally out of this world. Made of a sapphire and titanium case that measures 54mm wide x 52mm long x 24mm high. I absolutely love the profile view of the machine and how it mounts to the strap. Price is $158,000 and total production will be 25-35 pieces per year. I’ll let Maximillian Busser (he’s the “MB” in “MB&F”) himself describe the rest of the watch and its inspiration for you – read on for details and pics.