Private Air New York

www.privateairny.com Private Air | Summer 2024 71 Embarking on the Journey of the HM11 e inception of the HM11 was sparked by a provocative challenge to Büsser's creative predictability, propelling him into an exploratory realm where timekeeping merges with architectural wonder. "In 2018, a remark from a friend about becoming 'predictable' jolted me into a new creative trajectory. is led me to draw inspiration from the revolutionary architecture of the 60s and 70s, a period when design was not just functional but also a bold statement about the future," Büsser shares, encapsulating the essence of the HM11's conceptual genesis. "e design of the HM11, envisioned as a timepiece that mirrors such revolutionary houses, incorporates four distinct 'rooms.' Each offers a unique view into the watch's intricate mechanics," explains Büsser. At its heart, a complex flying tourbillon beats energetically, interacting with the surrounding 'rooms'—each dedicated to displaying hours and minutes, power reserve, a mechanical thermometer, and lastly, a transparent sapphire crown. "is intricate setup was designed with the intent that the case could be turned, allowing the wearer to choose which function to view, integrating an innovative method to wind the movement through this interaction," Büsser elaborates on the unique interactive feature of HM11. Navigating the Technical Labyrinth Bringing the HM11 to life was fraught with technical hurdles, each overcome through a mix of ingenuity and expertise. "e architectural ambition of the HM11, with its conical gears and vertical information transmission, posed a considerable challenge. Yet, it was the integration of a rotating case that could also wind the movement that truly tested our capabilities," Büsser shares, emphasizing the innovative spirit that drove the development process. Perhaps the most poignant reflection on the development process comes from Büsser's insight into overcoming the inherent challenges of marrying aesthetics with functionality. "Ensuring that this fusion was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound was paramount. It involved a delicate balance of technical ingenuity and creative vision, embodied in the HM11's conical gears and three-dimensional time indication," he adds, underlining the meticulous attention to detail required in the HM11's creation. I n the elite echelons of luxury watchmaking, where innovation intertwines with tradition, Maximilian Büsser's Horological Machine Nº11, affectionately known as "e Architect," stands as a groundbreaking milestone. is timepiece transcends mere functionality, becoming a symbol of architectural ingenuity and horological artistry. With "e Architect," Büsser and his team at MB&F venture beyond established norms, presenting a creation that epitomizes the fusion of form, function, and fantasy.

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