"Why we call our movements engines"

[Ernie Romers]

Maximilian Busser from MB&F:

"So here we are… the HM4 Thunderbolt Engine !

I think people will start finally understanding why we call our movements “engines”.

I wanted to present the Engine alone so that all attention can be given to this amazing piece of machinery/horology. The whole idea of MB&F being about creating “kinetic art which gives time”, this HM4 engine symbolizes pretty well our creative philosophy."

[V8]

Well, being the gear head that I am, I can certainly appreciate that movement.

[Seele]

Would that be being different for the sake of being different?

In the motorcycle circle, when Vincent introduced their very complex engine, critics said it was "a solution looking for a problem"...

[rationaltime]

Perhaps it depends on how you define the problem.
That certainly looks like art.

Thanks,
rationaltime

[martinpulli]

MB&F takes watch making to a completely new level
by designing what would seemingly be close to impossible
to produce and then they actually produce it.

The little engine is an astonishing marvel to see.

I want to print out these photos and frame them.

[dirtvictim]

Very nice but can it do 0-60 in 60 seconds?

[vinylgreek]

The movements are fascinating but the watch designs are too avant garde for my tastes. They try too hard to make a statement, IMO. I would actually like to see one in real life though to see if my quick assessment is off the mark.

[big bird]

engine is a generic term... coming from "ingenuity" meaning clever, skillful, that which can produce an effect...so...

for example, a new social policy may be an "engine" of change... the internet has search "engines" ...

an electric motor may also properly be referred to as an engine, though conventionally it is not. A jet turbine is also an engine. Internal combustion engines are really only one type of engine... so calling the movement an engine dosen't at all necessitate it to be modelled on a V6 automotive unit, regardless of how literally one likes to take the term - that is merely the narrowest, most provincial interpretation of the word

those watches are interesting however i gotta say i personally prefer a little more sobriety in designs ie. form being more closely related to function

however if you are interested in small engines Enya make a lovely 6cc diesel 4 stroke that will quench your thirst for small sculptural functional engines!!

bb

[tomshep]

Just brilliant. I wouldn't wear one myself but how refreshing to see genuinely imaginative engineering and not just the same old watches.

[ctzn]

engine is a generic term... coming from "ingenuity" meaning clever, skillful, that which can produce an effect...so...

for example, a new social policy may be an "engine" of change... the internet has search "engines" ...

an electric motor may also properly be referred to as an engine, though conventionally it is not. A jet turbine is also an engine. Internal combustion engines are really only one type of engine... so calling the movement an engine dosen't at all necessitate it to be modelled on a V6 automotive unit, regardless of how literally one likes to take the term - that is merely the narrowest, most provincial interpretation of the word

those watches are interesting however i gotta say i personally prefer a little more sobriety in designs ie. form being more closely related to function

however if you are interested in small engines Enya make a lovely 6cc diesel 4 stroke that will quench your thirst for small sculptural functional engines!!

bb

I agree with you but I think the automotive references come more from the fact that the embankments flanking the sides of the movement quite literally resemble the heads on a V configured engine, and the grooves along side look like intake/exhaust ports coming from the head.

Beautiful piece though, I really look forward to seeing this come together.