Bringing a sense of playfulness into his sleek and futuristic horological machines, Maximilian Büsser has given his new version of the HM3 an amphibious flavor.

Named the Horological Machine N*3 Frog, this new creation takes its design directly from the amphibian. Its two protruding eyes give the illusion that it can see from all angles, while its bulbous dome allows the time to be seen no matter the position of the wrist. Separating itself from the original HM3 is the fact that the aluminum domes rotate under the sapphire crystals this time, as well as the hour and minute hands are the one that spin around their respective stations.

Because of the size and shape of these rotating domes, Büsser was presented with many technical challenges. His first step was manufacturing the hour and minute domes out of solid aluminum, due to its optimal ratio of strength-to-weight; the domes weigh only 0.5 grams. Featuring an incredibly thin wall that is just 0.28 mm – achieved from being milled from the outside first – their energy requirements are one of the lowest out there.

Because any slight imperfection in sapphire can cause an unwanted magnification effect, the fabrication of the semi-spherical sapphire crystal dome was extremely difficult and wouldn’t have even been possible a few years ago. The sapphire had to be shaped and polished simultaneously.  Another change from the original HM3 was the switch from a 24-hour rotation to a 12-hour one; a new gear train had to be developed.

Made up of 304 components and featuring 36 jewels (all functional), the three-dimensional horological engine was designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, and Nicolas Stalder of Agenhor. The strap is made from black hand-stitched alligator with 18K white gold and titanium custom-designed deployment buckle.

The HM3 Frog is available in a limited edition of 32, divided into two different variations. Twelve will be available in black titanium with a green-gold rotor, while the other twenty, non-titanium versions will sport a blue-gold rotor. Price has not yet been announced.

-Affluent Page

[MB&F]