— When I see it on you, just with a simple sweater, jeans, and polished shoes – it instantly strikes me: it looks insanely cool. Suddenly, I can picture myself wearing it too, Andreas Weinås tells me as we greet each other on our way to MB&F’s exclusive dinner in central Stockholm. On my wrist sits one of the brand’s true icons – the Horological Machine No.4 (HM4). It’s a watch many are quick to dismiss, thinking it’s simply too big. I used to be one of them – until I saw it in the flesh. That moment completely captivated me. The HM4 embodies Maximilian Büsser’s wild yet brilliantly ingenious design language. And the remark that opens the evening would soon become a recurring theme among the guests. MB&F’s astonishing creations surprise, seduce, and spellbind – even the most conservative collectors. On this night, new dreams were destined to be born.
An intimate mingle set the tone – laughter, curiosity, and MB&F masterpieces passed from wrist to wrist.
Style icon and watch enthusiast Andreas Weinås joined the evening in Stockholm, sharing his passion for horology.
The eleventh Horological Machine – proof that MB&F never stops reinventing what a watch can be.
Even through a phone lens, the EVO Sequential’s complexity steals the show.
Cédric Roussel, Client Relationship Manager at MB&F, ensuring each collector’s experience is as personal as their dream watch.
Atmosphere – shared passion and genuine warmth
The dinner begins just as relaxed and inviting as one would expect in true MB&F fashion. A short mingle gives guests the chance to greet each other, while many take advantage of the afternoon light to capture the spectacular timepieces brought from Geneva by Cédric Roussel and Maximilian Maertens.
As dusk settles after lively conversations and laughter, we take our seats at the table. The watches return to the center, and once again I’m struck by the incredible richness of MB&F’s history. What lies before us is more than watches – it’s craftsmanship at the very highest level, so advanced that I can hardly grasp how it is even possible.
I can’t help but reflect on how far ahead of his time Maximilian Büsser has always been. Today, the independent watchmaking scene has exploded, and we’ve grown accustomed to bold and visionary designs. But Max was there long before anyone else. Already during his time at Harry Winston, he began shaping groundbreaking art under the name Opus – work that later evolved into his own brand, MB&F.
Words hardly do justice to what he has meant for the watch industry. To dare to go his own way, to create something that has left the entire industry in awe – that is a feat few can match. And now, with two decades of history laid out before us on the table, it’s hard not to smile. Max’s wild and brilliant creations bring light and joy into our everyday lives.
Here’s Maximilian Maertens, whose design vision under MB&F is already defining the next chapter.
The EVO Split Escapement – icy blue elegance paired with MB&F’s signature innovation.
Three of MB&F’s masterpieces side by side – a snapshot of independent watchmaking at its boldest.
An evening where fine dining met even finer watches.
A meeting of perspectives
Scandinavia is not a region where MB&F has historically been strongly represented among collectors. Yet the brand has noticed a growing interest in the Nordics, which made it all the more important to come to Stockholm and meet their Scandinavian audience.
Traveling the world to engage directly with clients and enthusiasts is a long-standing MB&F tradition, and it shows. Their generosity is remarkable, and Cédric Roussel and Maximilian Maertens made sure every guest left with (almost) all their questions answered. At one point, Cédric even revealed that a new Horological Machine will arrive next year – the twelfth in the series. The design, he explained, has been created by their new designer, who, in a twist of fate, is also named Maximillian. I asked whether it ever gets confusing, having two Maxes shaping the brand’s creative output. On the contrary, he smiled.
– It actually makes things easier. All design comes from our Maxes – and of course Eric Giroud, who is always part of every MB&F project, says Cédric Roussel.
I ask Maximilian Maertens how it all began, how he came to take on the responsibility of designing the HM12.
— It’s been an incredible honor to earn that trust from Max Büsser. One day he came to me with a few ideas for the upcoming model and asked me to explore them and come back with suggestions. I went home, spent months reflecting and sketching, and eventually presented my ideas to him. And here we are – in just a few months the watch will be released. I’m both very excited and, of course, a little nervous to see how it will be received by our audience, says Maximilian Maertens.
The crowd was a mix of seasoned Tribe members and first-time guests encountering MB&F up close – but the excitement was shared by all.
Notable figures in the watch community were present. AleksWatches summed up the evening by saying:
— It was truly a world-class event. I was impressed not only by the atmosphere but also by the collection itself – even though my personal taste usually leans toward smaller watches. What I really love is how they dare to push boundaries, both in design and in the craftsmanship of their movements, says AleksWatches.
Another well-known voice, Whatches, highlighted the HM4 as the true centerpiece of the evening:
— I’ve had it as my profile picture for almost 10 years, and I love every opportunity I get to wear it. It’s my ultimate dream watch, says Whatchs
AleksWatches – one of the true giants in the world of watch influencers, sharing his passion with the Stockholm crowd.
The Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback – MB&F’s bold reimagining of the chronograph.
The EVO Sequential caseback reveals the beating heart of MB&F’s groundbreaking chronograph.
The Horological Machine No.4 – an aviation-inspired icon – a true milestone in MB&F’s history.
The heartbeat of the LM101 – a mesmerizing balance wheel suspended above the dial.
The LM101 in stainless steel – paired with a striking blue dial, pure MB&F elegance.
An evening to remember
MB&F’s first visit to Stockholm became more than just a dinner – it was a celebration of creativity, community, and independent watchmaking at its boldest. Between legendary icons like the HM4, glimpses of the future with the upcoming HM12, and the warmth shared among collectors and newcomers alike, the evening left no doubt: MB&F has found new friends and dreamers in Scandinavia.
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Don’t miss Bezl’s visit to the M.A.D.House in Geneva – a unique glimpse inside MB&F’s creative universe. Click the video below to explore the full article.