MB&F is in the business of creating head turners and the Megawind is no exception.
Although the brand’s recent Legacy Machine No. 2 launch has been monopolising headlines, we are revisiting the MB&F HM3 model, Megawind.The watch received plenty of attention at Basel this year, which is unsurprising thanks to its undulating surface that demands exploration.
As the name suggests, it is the winding rotor that is the focal point of this timepiece, which can be admired through its sapphire crystal front. The Megawind features an imposing 22ct gold and titanium battle axe-style winding rotor with time indication cones that rise up from the complex asymmetric case, making for a watch with an interesting landscape.
The cones rotate within twin gold and sapphire crystal frustums – or pyramid portions with their upper part cut off. The left cone displays hours and the right, minutes.
MB&F has tried to provide maximum legibility, with the time clearly visible from both the large numbers on the sides of the cones, as well as duplicate indications on their flat caps.
While the three-dimensional sculptures are a feast for the eyes in their own right, the giant winding rotor is pretty attention grabbing too, as it swings over the hand-finished movement.
As they revolve, the lightweight but robust high-tech titanium arms of the rotor intermittently reveal views through to the oscillating balance wheel.
Megawind is powered by the Jean-Marc Wiederrecht designed HM3 engine. In order to place the rotor and regulator on the dial side, an inverted movement was needed, which was only possible because of two large high-tech ceramic bearings – visible through the display back – that efficiently transmit time up to the revolving hour and minute cones above.
To feature rotating domes of this size and shape threw up a number of technical challenges. Consequently, the minute and hour domes are created from solid blocks of aluminium, a material selected because if its optimal strength-to-weight ratio; this reduces energy requirements to a minimum.
Meanwhile, the case itself is a feat of construction. Comprising more than 50 separate components, it features a range of details including a bevelled perimeter of the rotor display crystal that adds visual flair as the angles catch and reflect flashes of light. Also amplifying the stylish design are the bespoke clover-head gold screws and the cleverly integrated lugs attaching the strap.
Available in red gold with a 22ct rose gold rotor or in white gold with a sky-blue 22ct gold rotor, this animated model offers plenty to intrigue.
THE STATS
Movement:
• Balance oscillating at 28,800 bph.
• Automatic winding rotor in three parts: hub in titanium with outer sections in 22ct gold, fastened with four rivets.
• Time indications transmitted via ceramic ball bearings.
• Number of jewels: 36 (all functional).
• Number of components: 270.
Functions:
• Hours on one cone.
• Minutes on second cone.
Case:
• Available in 18ct white gold/titanium or 18ct red gold/titanium.
• Screwed-down crown.
• Dimensions (exclusive of crown and lugs): 47mm x 50mm x 17mm.
• Number of case components: 52.
This article first appeared in the October issue of WatchPro magazine.
To see the full digital issue, click here.
