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MB&F has unveiled the HM12 The Guardian, a creation that reconnects the brand with the science-fiction universe that has inspired many of its most iconic pieces. This time, however, the concept goes beyond the wristwatch itself. The HM12 is paired with a 38-centimeter mechanical robot developed together with L’Epée 1839, creating a single, unified object.
The project began with a simple question: what if a robot’s head were a watch? From that idea, MB&F spent more than four years developing a piece that blends mechanical engineering, design, and storytelling into one creation.
At first glance, the watch appears as the robot’s face. The time display takes the place of its eyes, while a system of movable shields allows the wearer to transform its appearance. Operated through a dedicated crown, these elements can be opened or closed, dramatically changing the character of the watch.
Photo courtesy of MB&F
Photo courtesy of MB&F
The case is crafted from Grade 5 titanium and features large sapphire crystal surfaces that reveal the movement from multiple angles. Meanwhile, The Guardian includes several interactive details, such as a mechanical thermometer, an integrated magnifying glass, and a UV flashlight. The watch can also be removed from its strap and mounted directly onto the robot’s head.
HM12 The Guardian will be available in three color variations—green, blue, and purple—each limited to just 12 pieces. With only 36 examples in total, it represents a project that perfectly reflects MB&F’s approach to watchmaking, where imagination plays as important a role as mechanics.
Photo courtesy of MB&F
Photo courtesy of MB&F
