MB&F HM8 Mark 2 Purple: A Tribute to 1960s and 1970s Racing Design

In 2025, luxury watchmaker MB&F unveiled the HM8 Mark 2 Purple, a limited-edition timepiece that pays homage to the iconic CAN-AM racing series of the 1960s and 1970s. This striking watch, limited to just 33 pieces, showcases a vibrant purple hue reminiscent of the era's automotive aesthetics, despite some critiques regarding color preferences from collectors.

According to Maximilian Büsser, founder of MB&F, the inspiration for the HM8 Mark 2 stems from his childhood dream of becoming a car designer. "I lost my way, I lost my marbles, and ended up in the watchmaking industry," Büsser remarked, reflecting on how the HM8 series allows him to fulfill that dream within horology. The design narrative of the watch is steeped in automotive history, featuring design cues from vintage supercars, particularly their dynamic forms and striking colors, which were heavily influenced by the color palettes popular in the 1970s fashion scene.

The HM8 Mark 2 Purple is constructed from grade 5 titanium and features CarbonMacrolon®, a material developed specifically for MB&F that offers exceptional strength while remaining lightweight. The incorporation of metallic pigments from automotive paints has allowed for a finish that is both visually stunning and technically advanced. The watch utilizes a unique jumping hour and trailing minutes module, powered by a Girard-Perregaux base movement, which is visible through its dual reflective sapphire crystal prisms.

The watch's design is a culmination of years of craftsmanship and innovation, with the development of its complex sapphire crystal being a particular highlight. Each curved sapphire is produced at a cost that can be 30 to 40 times higher than standard flat crystals, showcasing MB&F's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

Industry experts have recognized the HM8 Mark 2 Purple for its sophisticated engineering and aesthetic appeal. As Dr. Helen Carter, a watchmaking historian at the University of Geneva, noted, "The HM8 series exemplifies the intersection of art and technology, and the Purple edition is a bold statement in both design and function."

The watch is not just a timepiece but a narrative of passion and ambition, reminding enthusiasts that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams. The HM8 Mark 2 Purple, with its intricate engineering and rich historical context, stands as a testament to MB&F's innovative spirit and dedication to the world of horology, reflecting both the grandeur of the past and the possibilities of the future.

For more information on this exquisite piece, visit MB&F's official website at www.mbandf.com/machines/mbf-machines/horological-machines/hm8-mark-2.