For the final exciting iteration of the Horological Machine No. 3, MB&F has partnered with world-renowned Boucheron to create the JwlryMachine.

Swiss MB&F who celebrates the art of the machine combines their technology with French Boucheron who celebrates the art of jewelry.

The result is an incredible work of three-dimensional art that will be made to order for those who want to add this stunning luxury to their collection.

The original HM3, in gold and titanium, sent tremors through the fine-watchmaking world when it was launched in 2009.

Its kinetically energetic engine is displayed on the top of the watch, where the swinging battle-axe-shaped rotor – an iconic MB&F symbol – and the fast-oscillating balance are clearly visible.

The time indications parade around twin cones rising majestically from the three-dimensional sculpted case, driven by two oversized ceramic ball bearings.

This combination of futuristic performance art and highly technical wristwatch is a feat of micro engineering.

MB&F’s engineers and watchmakers machine, hand-finish and assemble the 305 parts of the HM3 engine to tolerances of a micron.

Although the HM3 was never conceived with diamonds in mind, Maximilian Büsser had been nurturing the idea of working with the House of Boucheron for years.

“I was impressed by their immense savoir-faire,” he says, “and their creative passion. They are resolutely avant-garde, and each of their jewels is a virtuoso performance.”

For the JwlryMachine, Boucheron’s peerless artisans have conceived the HM3 as a splendid three-dimensional jewelled owl, presented either in 18k white gold, with amethyst, diamonds and blue and violet sapphires, or in 18k red gold, with pink tourmaline, rose quartz, diamonds and pink sapphires.

The owl’s eyes are large glowing cabochons, set over the twin cones, and its sparkling wings, wrapped protectively around the precious HM3 engine, are entirely pavé-set with brilliant-cut stones.

Its feathered breast is sculpted and engraved from a single block of amethyst or rose quartz. Most mesmerising of all: beneath the owl’s breast, its heart appears to be beating.

The visual illusion is created by the faintly perceived swings of MB&F’s solid-gold battle-axe-shaped rotor beneath the translucent stone.

Boucheron’s artisans create the owl’s jewelled body as a framework of solid gold, cast in five separate segments that fit onto HM3 with micron-perfect precision.

Structurally, it is a perfect match. At the same time, it is quintessentially Boucheron, whose audacious interpretations of Nature’s strangest and most extravagant creatures are so particular to the House that it calls them its Cabinet of Curiosities.

Looking back on the initial discussions, Boucheron’s CEO Mr Jean-Christophe Bédos says, “MB&F showed an appreciation of the excellence that Boucheron embodies.

A collaboration between our two Houses was certain to lead to an exceptionally creative concept, with a sparkling result and even a sense of humorous audacity.”

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