Latest news with #MB&F
Tatler Asia
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Tatler Asia
Sébastian Vivas of Audemars Piguet: 'We may be 150 years old, but we're still young at heart'
Above Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus, Switzerland Does the quest for mechanical perfection resonate with the younger generation? We live in the digital age, but we also believe it can be enriched by traditional analog. Mechanical watches are not anachronistic—they are part of our culture and identity. You are responsible for curating the incredible display of objects in the museum. What are the key considerations when it comes to creating a holistic narrative of Audemars Piguet's legacy? When we look through our archives, it's like searching in a gold mine—a treasure hunt, if you will. We don't differentiate the past, present, and future—they are naturally connected. We don't want to be too academic and boring; we want people to enjoy and get the same pleasure that we do when we discover something exciting. With every exhibit, we start with a story. What do we want to tell? What do people want to know? We build our stories in chapters. For instance, if we talk about the origin of the brand, we start with the families—we build a family tree and create a model of the place (Vallée de Joux). And then we talk about the challenges they face and how they overcome them. As historians, we enjoy studying how people responded to the challenges of the period and the solutions they devised to overcome them. I believe there's still a lot to discover—we're only at the beginning. Above Audemars Piguet held a 150th Anniversary pop-up exhibition in Shanghai from May 24-June 8, 2025. The exhibition will continue its journey to different parts of the world throughout the year. What is the interaction like between the heritage department and the watchmakers? There is always interaction. We are connected to client service because all watches that need to be restored are done in the heritage department. In terms of a new creation like the Code 11.59, there are parts inspired by a watch from the 1940s. The [RE]Master02 collection is a reinterpretation of a relatively unknown watch produced in a limited number of pieces, and we want to share it in a more modern way. When you walk and want to go far, you need both legs—one always trailing behind, the other stepping forward. One is rooted in the past, the other moves toward the future. This is what we do in the heritage department. Above The original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak from 1972, a revolutionary design that continues to be highly coveted by collectors today What do you enjoy most about your job? Working with an incredibly dynamic and creative group of passionate people. We also get to be involved in different kinds of projects—from the creation of watches to exhibitions, and even films. It is about restoration but also preservation. NOW READ MB&F's Thibault Verdonckt on the SP One and the Bvlgari collab Urban Jürgensen officially relaunches under the stewardship of Kari Voutilainen Jérôme Lambert on returning to Jaeger-LeCoultre and charting a new era for the maison
Hype Malaysia
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
2 New Drops From Massensa Lab & MB&F Are Giving Next-Level Luxury
Just when we thought we'd seen it all in the world of watches, two new timepieces turn our heads. From an artistic creation with levitating components, to a piece born of a stellar collaboration – here are two new drops you need to get on your wrist now! MB&F SP One MB&F has unveiled SP One, the inaugural release in its newly introduced 'Special Projects' collection. As the brand nears its 20th anniversary, it reflects on its unconventional approach — driven purely by creativity rather than business plans or market research. This philosophy has inspired the independent watch brand to revisit past sketches, turning unrealised intuitions into boundary-pushing timepieces. Somewhere between its Horological Machines and Legacy Machines, the SP One embraces an undefinable aesthetic. It highlights three levitating elements spanning the barrel, balance wheel and dials, all of which appear to 'float' within the case. Encased in a 38mm pebble-like case, the SP One exudes understated elegance with a bezel-free design and detached lugs. Despite being MB&F's slimmest and smallest timepiece to date, the watch stays true to the brand's three-dimensional architecture and visionary craftsmanship. Its in-house movement is built around the fundamental components of a mechanical watch, featuring a signature balance wheel at 2 o'clock, a tilted dial showcasing that brand's expertise in conical gearing, as well as a manual-winding suspended barrel that delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Sapphire crystals on both the front and back further enhance the illusion of levitation, making the movement appear to float within its intricately crafted framework. Available in two versions, one in 18k rose gold with an anthracite flange and a platinum variant with a sky-blue flange, both are available for US$76,000 (~RM323,038) and US$82,000 (~RM348,541), respectively. If you'd like to cop your own watch, then visit MB&F's official website. Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès Noctograph Massena LAB and independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès, who also won the first LVMH Watch Prize, have collaborated on a limited-edition Noctograph for the third time. The Noctograph, which is synonymous with the pair's priceless partnerships, has a 38.5mm case diameter that is both thin and functional. It features a simple and eye-catching dial design in a two-tone colour scheme and is housed in stainless steel. The dial's mainplate has a vertically brushed finish and is delivered in a soothing midnight blue. The dial is surrounded by a rhodium-plated chapter ring with a radial-brushed finish and a black railway track that indicates the hours and minutes without appearing cluttered. A tonal small seconds display at six o'clock, leaf-shaped hands, and a delicate Massena signature complete the dial. The M660 movement, a Swiss-made calibre with a 60-hour power reserve, is the central component of the watch. The sapphire open caseback displays the calibre, allowing the hand-chamfered plates and bridges, as well as the Côtes de Genève finishing, to be fully appreciated. The watchmaker's tortoise-shaped signature, Poinçon Pagès, also gives the complex mechanisms a distinctive look. There are only 99 units of the Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès Noctograph globally. You can save yourself a unit by pre-ordering now at Massena LAB's official website for US$2,500 (~RM10,626).
Hypebeast
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
MB&F's SP One Is a Timepiece With a Gravity-Defying Appearance
Summary MB&Fhas unveiled SP One, the inaugural release in its newly introduced 'Special Projects' collection. As the brand nears its 20th anniversary, it reflects on its unconventional approach — driven purely by creativity rather than business plans or market research. This philosophy has inspired the independent watch brand to revisit past sketches, turning unrealized intuitions into boundary-pushing timepieces. Somewhere between its Horological Machines andLegacy Machines, the SP One embraces an undefinable aesthetic. It highlights three levitating elements spanning the barrel, balance wheel and dials, all of which appear to 'float' within the case. Encased in a 38mm pebble-like case, the SP One exudes understated elegance with a bezel-free design and detached lugs. Despite being MB&F's slimmest and smallest timepiece to date, the watch stays true to the brand's three-dimensional architecture and visionary craftsmanship. Its in-house movement is built around the fundamental components of a mechanical watch, featuring a signature balance wheel at 2 o'clock, a tilted dial showcasing that brand's expertise in conical gearing, as well as a manual-winding suspended barrel that delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Sapphire crystals on both the front and back further enhance the illusion of levitation, making the movement appear to float within its intricately crafted framework. Offered in two exclusive editions, the 18k rose gold model with an anthracite flange is priced at $76,000 USD, while the platinum version with a sky-blue flange retails for $82,000 USD. For more details, visit MB&F'sofficial website.
Hype Malaysia
30-04-2025
- Hype Malaysia
2 New Drops From Louis Vuitton & M.A.D.Editions That'll Blow Up Your Adventure Game
Whether you're hiking, diving, or simply navigating daily life, these durable timepieces are built to withstand it all. From rugged outdoor designs to vintage classics brimming with history, these watches offer more than just the time – they're designed to endure. Here are our top picks for the toughest watches. Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LVKV-02 GMR 6 The Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LVKV-02 GMR 6 is the epitome of luxury, craftsmanship, and travel-inspired design. This collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen is more than just a timepiece; it's a piece of history, blending artistry, tradition, and innovation. The LVKV-02 GMR 6 combines Louis Vuitton's travel heritage with Voutilainen's expert craftsmanship. Its 40.5mm case, made from tantalum and platinum, showcases the high standards of both brands. Inspired by Louis Vuitton's iconic trunks, the 'Escale' case adds a touch of travel elegance. Each lug is hand-polished, and the case side takes four hours to satin-finish, creating a smooth blend of matte and shiny textures. The gold dial blends both brands' artistry, featuring a diamond-polished hour circle by Maryna Bossy and hand-guilloché detailing. It includes miniature painting, engraving, and enamel work with a day/night disc in Louis Vuitton's signature saffron and blue. A hidden Monogram flower in the enamel adds a refined touch of elegance. The LVKV-02 GMR 6 features a manual-winding mechanical movement, hand-finished and assembled in the Voutilainen workshop. Known for its two direct-impulse escapement wheels, the movement enhances energy efficiency, longevity, and accuracy. It also includes a retrograde power reserve display and a second time zone with a 24-hour format – perfect for global travelers. Limited to just five pieces, the LVKV-02 GMR 6 is an extremely rare creation. Each watch is paired with a bespoke Louis Vuitton travel trunk, handcrafted using the Maison's signature techniques. The trunk, designed to store the watch, doubles as a work of art, further enhancing the collection's exclusivity. The Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LVKV-02 GMR 6 isn't just a timepiece; it's a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, elegance, and functionality. With only five pieces in existence, this collaboration represents the pinnacle of artistry in watchmaking. Discover the artistry behind this rare masterpiece – explore the Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LVKV-02 GMR 6 now at Louis Vuitton Malaysia. M.A.D.2 by Eric Giroud The M.A.D.2 by Eric Giroud is a stunning evolution of the M.A.D.1, blending horological craftsmanship with a striking design inspired by the electric energy of the 1990s club scene. The M.A.D.2 carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, the M.A.D.1, but with a new twist that pushes boundaries even further. The M.A.D.1 made MB&F watches more accessible, but the M.A.D.2 takes things up a notch with bold design and no limits on creativity. Designed by longtime MB&F collaborator Eric Giroud, it's inspired by the vibrant club scene of 1990s Lausanne – specifically MAD and Dolce Vita – where music, culture, and imagination ruled. That same energy is captured in every detail of the M.A.D.2. The M.A.D.2 stands out with its sleek, almond-shaped stainless steel case that feels as smooth as it looks. Its hour and minute subdials resemble DJ turntables, while the centre dial mimics vinyl grooves – a clear tribute to music. Even the stroboscopic band nods to the iconic Technics SL-1200, capturing the spirit of classic club gear. One of the most unique features is the bi-directional jumping hour complication, which adds an element of surprise for the wearer. The watch also features a gyroscopic off-centred rotor that can be seen from both the front and the back, offering a 360-degree view of its intricate mechanics. There are two versions of the M.A.D.2: an Orange edition, reserved exclusively for MB&F's loyal 'Tribe' members and friends, and a Green edition that will be available through a raffle system. This follows the same strategy used for the M.A.D.1, where access to these exclusive timepieces is highly sought after and, inevitably, highly competitive. Eric Giroud's M.A.D.2 design is a tribute to the vibrant '90s club scene and vinyl culture. From turntable-inspired dials to nods to Technics gear, every detail echoes that era's energy. A custom track by DJ Mandrax completes the nostalgic vibe. The M.A.D.2 is a bold step forward for marking a shift from its original concept as a one-time project. After the unexpected success of the M.A.D.1 and its raffles, the brand has entered a new phase. Created by Giroud, the M.A.D.2 moves away from Max Büsser's original vision, signaling a new era for the brand. The future looks promising, with more surprises likely to come from this experimental brand. In summary, the M.A.D.2 by Eric Giroud isn't just a watch; it's a celebration of creative rebellion, 90s nostalgia, and the electrifying pulse of club culture, all wrapped up in a visually striking timepiece that merges cutting-edge design with horological innovation. The orange edition is exclusive to 'The Tribe' for CHF2,900 (RM13,891) + VAT. The green edition, available via raffle with 2,000 pieces in the first batch, will be drawn soon – check Instagram for updates! For more info and to secure yours, click here.
Bloomberg
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Shades of Purple Are the Latest Craze Among Elite Watchmakers
Although purple is the color of royalty, for decades it was rarely found on watch dials—a victim of retrograde ideas of masculinity that long dominated the industry. Happily the hue has been creeping into the mainstream. When you broaden the spectrum to include lilac, lavender, indigo and violet, well, purple timepieces are on the march. Rolex has had an aubergine Datejust since 2018. Brands such as Audemars Piguet, MB&F and Patek Philippe started embracing the color around 2022, when the Pantone Color Institute named a periwinkle shade, Very Peri, as its color of the year. And in 2024 we saw Patek release its Twenty-4 in rose gold with a lacquered dial in plum and De Bethune unveil its DB28xs Purple Rain, a bold watch with matching case and dial made of heat-oxidized titanium.
