MB&F HM12 The Guardian Introduced

A Sci-Fi Inspired Horological Concept Combining a Flying Tourbillon Watch and a 38cm Mechanical Robot

Twenty years after redefining contemporary independent watchmaking with its Horological Machines, MB&F returns to its science-fiction roots with one of its most ambitious creations to date: the HM12 The Guardian.

Far more than a wristwatch, the new release is a complete horological concept that combines a highly complex mechanical timepiece with a towering robot companion developed alongside L’Epée 1839. Together, the watch and robot comprise nearly 1,500 components and represent a bold statement as MB&F enters its third decade.

Limited to just 36 examples across three editions, the HM12 The Guardian revisits many of the themes that have defined the brand since its foundation: futuristic design, mechanical experimentation, high-end finishing, and a childlike sense of wonder.

A Robot’s Head That Happens to Be a Watch

The origin of the project is surprisingly simple. According to MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser, the idea began with a question: What if a robot’s head were a watch?

That concept eventually evolved into the HM12, a wristwatch that visually functions as the face of a robot. Two apertures form the “eyes,” displaying the time through an instantaneous jumping hour display on the left and trailing minutes on the right.

Below them sits the double-sided micro-rotor, shaped like MB&F’s signature battle-axe, occupying the position of the robot’s mouth. Above, a prominently displayed flying tourbillon serves as the robot’s “brain,” visible beneath a large sapphire crystal structure that allows light to enter from multiple directions.

The result is a watch that instantly communicates personality before revealing its impressive mechanical complexity.

The Face Shield Complication

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the HM12 is its unique Face Shield system.

Developed entirely in-house, the mechanism consists of movable shields designed to protect the robot’s face. Activated via the crown positioned on the left side of the case, the shields can be gradually opened or closed, allowing the wearer to control exactly how much of the dial remains visible.

Rather than functioning as a simple decorative element, the system is treated as a genuine complication.

More than 200 components are dedicated solely to the shield mechanism, making it more mechanically complex than many complete mechanical watches. The mechanism operates independently from the movement and incorporates the same level of finishing typically reserved for traditional haute horlogerie, including polished wheels, chatons, and inward angles.

The visual transformation is dramatic. With the shields closed, the HM12 takes on a more mysterious appearance; with them fully open, the flying tourbillon and displays are revealed in full.

A Flying Tourbillon Powered by an In-House Calibre

Beneath its playful exterior lies one of MB&F’s most sophisticated in-house movements.

The HM12 calibre comprises 646 components and 86 jewels while offering an impressive 84-hour power reserve. The automatic movement is equipped with a flying tourbillon, instantaneous jumping hours, trailing minutes, and the independent shield mechanism.

Interestingly, the rear of the watch adopts a noticeably different visual language from the front.

While the dial side embraces the futuristic aesthetic associated with the Horological Machine collection, the movement side reveals a more classical approach inspired by traditional Swiss watchmaking. Softly curved bridges, hand-finished surfaces, and a beautifully executed guilloché rotor dome created with the involvement of renowned independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen provide a striking contrast to the science-fiction inspired front.

The result is a watch that effectively bridges the worlds of MB&F’s Horological Machines and Legacy Machines.

The Guardian: More Than a Display Stand

The HM12 is delivered alongside The Guardian, a 38.2cm-tall robot developed by L’Epée 1839.

Importantly, this is not merely a presentation stand. The watch detaches from its strap via a quick-release system and mounts directly onto the robot’s head, transforming the two objects into a single mechanical sculpture.

The Guardian itself contains 755 components and incorporates several practical functions.

At the centre of its chest sits a mechanical thermometer, while each arm houses a useful tool. One arm conceals a magnifying loupe designed to inspect the intricate details of the watch movement. The other contains a detachable UV torch capable of activating the Super-LumiNova found on both the watch and the robot.

A hidden drawer integrated into the robot’s base stores the watch strap when the HM12 is mounted.

The result is an object that feels equally at home in the worlds of watchmaking, sculpture, and science-fiction collectibles.

A New Chapter for MB&F

The HM12 also represents an important milestone for MB&F’s creative structure.

For the first time in the brand’s history, a Horological Machine has been designed entirely by the duo of Maximilian Büsser and Maximilian Maertens, without the direct involvement of long-time collaborator Eric Giroud.

Over a development period exceeding four years, Maertens refined the project through countless sketches, 3D models, prototypes, and engineering iterations. The finished result serves as both a tribute to MB&F’s origins and a statement of intent for the future.

As the brand enters its third decade, HM12 The Guardian demonstrates that MB&F remains committed to creating mechanical objects that challenge conventional watchmaking while maintaining exceptional technical substance.

Technical Specifications – MB&F HM12 The Guardian

Technical Specifications – The Guardian Robot

Availability

The MB&F HM12 The Guardian will be produced in three colour variants: green, blue, and purple.

Each version is limited to only 12 pieces, resulting in a total production of just 36 complete sets worldwide.

Combining a flying tourbillon, jumping hours, an extraordinary face shield mechanism, and a fully integrated robot companion, the HM12 The Guardian stands as one of the most imaginative and technically ambitious creations ever produced by MB&F.

For more information, please visit the official MB&F website.

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