There are watches that tell time. And then there are watches that make you stop and look. MB&F belongs firmly to the second category.

Founded by Maximilian Büsser in 2005, the Swiss independent watchmaker has never been particularly interested in following the rules of traditional horology. Instead, it has created its own language – one built around imagination, mechanics and a healthy sense of curiosity.

The result is a collection of watches that often look more like miniature sculptures than conventional timepieces. The Horological Machines explore futuristic forms and unexpected ideas, while the Legacy Machines take inspiration from traditional watchmaking and give it an entirely different expression. 

What makes MB&F especially interesting is the freedom behind its creations. The brand regularly works with artists, designers and other specialists, allowing ideas to move beyond the boundaries of the wrist. Melchior, the mechanical robot created with L’Epée 1839, is perhaps one of the most memorable examples – part timepiece, part sculpture, and entirely unmistakable.

At the centre of this world is Maximilian Büsser. His approach has always been less about building a conventional watch company and more about creating a place where people can experiment, collaborate and simply make something they have never seen before.

That spirit is perhaps the best way to understand MB&F. It is making something for those who still enjoy being surprised.

It is simply making room for a different way of seeing time.