Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsMB&F’s HM8 Mark 2 is a driver’s watch that shows jumping hours and trailing minutes on its side, using sapphire prisms to turn and magnify the display. In a June 2023 visit to MB&F’s Geneva home, Fratello’s Daan de Groot saw the watch presented by Charris Yadigaroglou, the brand’s head of marketing, and toured the M.A.D. House, where watchmaking, design work, and domestic surroundings meet.
What is the M.A.D. House?
The M.A.D. House is MB&F’s Geneva office and watchmaking space, housed in a roughly 120-year-old villa on the outskirts of the city. In his June 13, 2023 feature, de Groot describes rooms that once served as the living room and part of the kitchen being used as a work area for eight watchmakers, who worked across the company’s movements. The article captures the building and team as they appeared during that visit; it does not establish whether those details remain unchanged.
The domestic setting is part of the story: workbenches sit within a former home, while the upper floors contain offices, meeting areas, design objects, and 3D-printed development models. De Groot also observed a quality-control discussion in which base plates were sent back because their color did not meet the agreed specification. It is a glimpse of a design-led watch company’s day-to-day work rather than a formal account of MB&F’s manufacturing process.
Where the HM8 Mark 2 fits in MB&F’s driver’s-watch lineage
The HM8 Mark 2 continues MB&F’s sideways-reading, automotive-inspired watches. De Groot places it after the HM5 (2012), HMX (2015), and HM8 (2016), and connects the family’s side-reading idea to the Amida Digitrend. The HM8 Mark 2’s raised forms evoke roadster bodywork, reflecting founder Max Büsser’s childhood interest in car design.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- CADOLA - OUR STORY: Crafted out of premium materials and techniques, each Cadola is powered by industry leading mechanics from Japan and Switzerland and hand assembled to exacting standards ensuring an excellent, precise timekeeping experience.
- MOVEMENT: The Testa Di Toro Chronograph is powered by a Japanese TMI 3 eyes chronograph with date featuring a 1/10 seconds split time read out quartz movement
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 42mm Stainless Steel Case , 22mm Genuine Leather Strap Anti Reflection Coating Mineral Lens and Water Resistance Of Up To 5 ATM.
- WARRANTY : 2 Years International Warranty
How the HM8 Mark 2 displays the time
The watch presents jumping hours and trailing minutes horizontally within the case. Two sapphire prisms redirect the view by 90 degrees, so the wearer can read the numerals from the side; the prisms also magnify them. The result is a display designed to be read with the wrist positioned as if at a steering wheel, rather than by looking down at a conventional dial.
Its crown has a “double de-clutch” mechanism, as described in the feature: push the crown in and turn it three-quarters of a turn to release it. The design is intended to keep the crown from protruding as much and catching accidentally.
Rank #2
- Innovative Spinning Car Wheel Feature: Stand out with the one-of-a-kind 3D spinning car wheel design that rotates, bringing the essence of racing right to your wrist. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate unique, automotive-inspired fashion.
- Large Skeleton Dial: The watch is equipped with a large skeleton dial that allows you to see the intricate inner workings of the watch mechanism, enhancing its mechanical appeal and offering a glimpse into the precision behind each tick.
- Durable Stainless Steel Case: Built with a strong stainless steel case, this watch is engineered for strength and resilience, offering both style and toughness. It’s designed to handle daily wear while maintaining a polished, high-end look.Precise Japanese quartz movement provides accurate time, and the high quality battery can last for a long time.
- Waterproof Functionality:Built to withstand everyday activities, this watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters (3ATM), allowing you to wear it confidently during light splashes or rainy weather.
- Ideal for Car Enthusiasts and Trendsetters: With its sleek design and racing-inspired features, this watch is tailored for men who are car enthusiasts or simply looking to make a bold fashion statement. It’s an ideal accessory for anyone who loves speed and style.
Case, materials, and movement
Fratello describes the HM8 Mark 2’s body parts as CarbonMacrolon, MB&F’s proprietary material, paired with a Grade 5 titanium chassis. The hood and exhibition back are sapphire. The article characterizes CarbonMacrolon as light and robust and notes that it can take varied finishes.
Inside is a highly modified Girard-Perregaux automatic base movement topped with an MB&F-developed jumping-hour module. A 22K gold rotor, shaped like a battle-axe, is visible through the sapphire back. These construction details are those reported in de Groot’s 2023 feature, not an independent technical examination.
Rank #3
- ⌚Movement: Japanese imported quartz analog movement and battery, provide precise time and long-term running. The watch can be used for more than 1 years.
- ⌚Material: The strap is made of mesh stainless steel band, comfortable and soft and breathable. Mineral glasses, 304 steel case, stainless steel mesh band, Suit for all kinds of occasions.
- ⌚Sports chronograph: Multifunctional sub-dial can work, chronograph, calendar, run seconds. Provide you with multi-function purpose use.
- ⌚3ATM waterproof: This watch is waterproof 30m, can withstand daily splash or short immersion in water, but not swimming and showering, diving or snorkeling.
- ☎After sales service: Each product has a 30-day refund and a 1-year after sales service. If you have any questions about the product, please contact me immediately and we will give you a satisfactory solution.
Launch colors, dimensions, and price reported in 2023
The feature reported two launch versions, with calfskin straps upholstered in sailcloth:
| Launch version | Reported details |
|---|---|
| White | White body; the article did not identify a limited-edition quantity. |
| Racing green | Green CarbonMacrolon body; reported as limited to 33 pieces. |
De Groot reported dimensions of 47 mm long, 41.5 mm wide, and 19 mm high. The unusual case shape and height remain visually prominent on the wrist. These are the measurements given in the June 2023 feature.
Rank #4
- CADOLA - OUR STORY: Crafted out of premium materials and techniques, each Cadola is powered by industry leading mechanics from Japan and Switzerland and hand assembled to exacting standards ensuring an excellent, precise timekeeping experience.
- MOVEMENT: The Bull Head Chronograph is powered by a Japanese TMI 3 eyes chronograph with date featuring a 1/10 seconds split time read out quartz movement
- THE FINER DETAILS: Featuring a 39mm Stainless Steel Case , 20mm Stainless Steel Anti Reflection Coating Mineral Lens and Water Resistance Of Up To 5 ATM.
- WARRANTY : 2 Years International Warranty
The same article listed a price of €70,000 excluding VAT and described the watch as available to order at publication. That is a June 2023 launch-period price and status, not a current quotation or confirmation of present availability. The feature does not establish current pricing, stock, sales channels, or production status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Source and scope
This account draws on Daan de Groot’s hands-on visit and presentation at MB&F’s M.A.D. House, published by Fratello Watches on June 13, 2023. It is a watch-journalism report, not an independent technical test or a current retail check. Read the original Fratello feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Inspired by Iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom Engine Design】：Experience mechanical elegance with a timepiece directly inspired by the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s V12 engine. The dial simulates dual cylinder banks and engine valve covers, boldly labeled “ENGINE,” recreating the essence of automotive luxury and power on your wrist. Each detail reflects precision engineering and elite taste.
- 【Futuristic Skeleton Dial with 3D Depth】：The open-worked skeleton dial offers an industrial, futuristic look with layered textures and moving gears. The central "V" shaped rotor and visible screws amplify the depth and mechanical feel, delivering a statement piece that stands out at any angle. A small date window at 12 o’clock ensures functionality meets flair.
- 【Bold Color Variants to Match Every Personality】：Available in vibrant Orange, Racing Red, and Emerald Green, each colorway features matching side guards, crown accents, and silicone straps. These bold hues are designed to reflect the wearer’s individuality, while the black brushed case gives a sleek and masculine edge.
- 【Comfortable & Durable Silicone Strap】：Crafted with a high-grade, flexible silicone band, this watch provides a snug yet breathable fit for all-day wear. Whether you're driving, traveling, or attending events, the strap adapts to your wrist’s movement while maintaining maximum durability and style.
- 【Luminous Hands with Precision Movement】：Equipped with luminous hour and minute hands, along with a visible seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, this watch ensures easy readability even in low light. The quartz movement guarantees accurate timekeeping, combining modern performance with mechanical artistry.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
