The MB&F HM8 Can-Am turns time-telling toward the side of the wrist: rotating hour and minute discs are redirected through optical prisms to a side-facing window. Its wedge-shaped, titanium-barred case takes its cues from Can-Am racing cars, while a sculptural mechanical “engine” remains visible beneath sapphire. The result is an unusually theatrical driver-style watch—but one whose display asks the wearer to adjust to a different way of reading time.
What makes the HM8 Can-Am a driver’s watch?
MB&F’s HM8 was introduced in 2016, as the Canadian-American Challenge Cup—Can-Am—reached its fiftieth anniversary. The series ran from 1966 to 1987, according to Monochrome’s launch coverage. That history informs the watch’s shape and visual language; it does not establish an official partnership between MB&F and the racing series.
The “driver’s watch” idea is expressed through the viewing angle. Rather than looking down at a conventional dial, the wearer reads the time at the side/front of the case. Monochrome called it “a new take on the driver’s watch,” describing the rationale of reading without lifting the wrist from a steering wheel. That is design intent, not driving advice or a claim that the HM8 is safer to use behind the wheel.
How does the sideways time display work?
The display is mechanical, not electronic. Rotating discs carry the hour and minute indications; two sapphire optical prisms redirect and magnify them toward the viewing window. MB&F’s technical sheet describes bidirectional jumping hours and trailing minutes. Monochrome explains that the prisms turn the indications 90 degrees, and reports that the discs are luminous; sapphire also lets light reach the luminous material.
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#1 Best Overall
- Fashion Minimalist Watch: The 43mm large dial, paired with stylish silver indices and a date window, exudes a timeless and exquisite appearance. Its clean and minimalist design can easily transition from business meetings to casual outings, suitable for matching various styles.
- Premium Materials: The soft and comfortable leather strap is combined with a stainless steel case. The buckle design allows for easy adjustment, fitting most wrist sizes. The leather strap is skin-friendly, durable, and exquisitely crafted. The high-hardness glass mirror is scratch-resistant, making it hassle-free for daily wear.
- Precise Timekeeping: Equipped with a Japanese-imported quartz movement, it delivers stable performance and reliable, accurate timekeeping. Never worry about time discrepancies, effortlessly capture every important moment.
- Daily Waterproof: It can resist water splashes from hand washing, face washing, or sudden showers. However, please avoid immersing it in water during swimming, showering, diving, or snorkeling to maintain its service life and functionality.
- The Gift of Eternity: Presented in an exquisite gift box, it is the perfect gift to express affection—an ideal choice for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and other cherished occasions.
That arrangement makes the display visually striking, but it is not the same as an instant glance at a standard dial. In its hands-on account, Hodinkee observed that reading the time takes a recalibration of expectations. Monochrome also emphasized the unusual viewing experience. Those are individual editorial impressions, not standardized legibility tests or guarantees for every wearer.
A Can-Am body with a visible mechanical “engine”
The HM8’s wedge-like case, polished titanium roll bars and exposed movement architecture evoke a low, angular racing machine. The bars frame the sapphire-covered engine, giving the top of the watch a layered, mechanical appearance instead of a conventional dial-and-bezel layout.
Rank #2
- Fashion Minimalist Watch: The 43mm large dial, paired with stylish silver indices and a date window, exudes a timeless and exquisite appearance. Its clean and minimalist design can easily transition from business meetings to casual outings, suitable for matching various styles.
- Premium Materials: The soft and comfortable leather strap is combined with a stainless steel case. The buckle design allows for easy adjustment, fitting most wrist sizes. The leather strap is skin-friendly, durable, and exquisitely crafted. The high-hardness glass mirror is scratch-resistant, making it hassle-free for daily wear.
- Precise Timekeeping: Equipped with a Japanese-imported quartz movement, it delivers stable performance and reliable, accurate timekeeping. Never worry about time discrepancies, effortlessly capture every important moment.
- Daily Waterproof: It can resist water splashes from hand washing, face washing, or sudden showers. However, please avoid immersing it in water during swimming, showering, diving, or snorkeling to maintain its service life and functionality.
- The Gift of Eternity: Presented in an exquisite gift box, it is the perfect gift to express affection—an ideal choice for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and other cherished occasions.
MB&F says the design brings together the angular form and optical-prism approach associated with HM5 and HMX, and a battle-axe rotor associated with HM3. The brand describes the result as “high-octane Can-Am race car-inspired design.” The movement is a three-dimensional engine developed by MB&F from a Girard-Perregaux base calibre, with a 22k gold automatic winding rotor.
HM8 Can-Am specifications
| Specification | Published figure | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Case dimensions | 49 × 51.5 × 19 mm | MB&F official HM8 product page; site footer shows 2026. Listed under past machines. |
| Case materials | 18k white gold and titanium; or 18k 5N+ red gold and titanium | MB&F official HM8 product page. |
| Movement components | 247 | MB&F technical specification sheet; publication date not stated, accessed 2026. |
| Jewels | 30 | MB&F technical specification sheet; publication date not stated, accessed 2026. |
| Power reserve | 42 hours | MB&F technical specification sheet; publication date not stated, accessed 2026. |
| Frequency | 28,800 beats per hour / 4 Hz | MB&F technical specification sheet; publication date not stated, accessed 2026. |
| Water resistance | 30 m / 3 atm | MB&F technical specification sheet; publication date not stated, accessed 2026. |
| Launch price | CHF 78,000, excluding taxes | Monochrome Watches, 27 September 2016; launch price, not a current retail or resale valuation. |
The 30 m / 3 atm rating is modest. Treat it as a specification, not an indication that the watch is suited to swimming or water sports.
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 stainless steel, comfortable and soft and breathable. Mineral glasses, 304 steel case, 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 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.
Two original gold-and-titanium editions
MB&F listed two original case combinations. Launch coverage paired each with a different alligator strap and a folding buckle in matching case material.
| Edition | Case | Launch strap |
|---|---|---|
| White gold | 18k white gold and titanium | Marine-blue hand-stitched alligator |
| Red gold | 18k 5N+ red gold and titanium | Dark-brown alligator |
Monochrome noted extension pivots at the front strap attachment. Along with articulated lower strap lugs described by Hodinkee, these details were said to help the large case sit more comfortably than its headline measurements might suggest. That is a reviewer impression, not a fit guarantee across wrist sizes.
Rank #4
- Versatile Tool Set: Covers watch, glasses, and electronics repairs with 10 precision tools
- Stainless Steel Durability: Built to last with high-grade stainless steel construction
- Ergonomic Design: Non-slip handles and 360 swivel caps ensure comfortable, controlled use
- Color-Coded Tips: Quickly identify the right size for minimized downtime and mistakes
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight and compact design fits easily into toolboxes or carry bags for on-the-go use
What the HM8 Can-Am is like to read and wear
At 49 × 51.5 × 19 mm, the HM8 has substantial width and thickness on paper. Its display also changes the usual relationship between wrist position and reading time: instead of directing the top of the watch toward the eyes, the wearer looks toward the side-facing indication. Readers accustomed to conventional dials may find that distinctive, but not immediately intuitive.
The sculptural case, visible engine and unusual optics are central to the watch’s appeal. They also make the HM8 a specialist design rather than a straightforward alternative for someone who prioritizes conventional dial legibility or compact dimensions. The cited hands-on articles offer impressions of its fit and display, not a comprehensive comparison or standardized wear test.
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Best Value
- Field-Inspired Design: Gray dial with full Arabic numerals and 24-hour military time for a classic outdoor look
- Polished Case: Silver-tone 38 mm brass case with mineral glass crystal for a refined, durable finish
- Comfort Fit: Adjustable gray and orange striped 20 mm nylon slip-thru strap fits wrists up to 8 inches for versatile wear
- INDIGLO Backlight: INDIGLO night light allows you to tell the time in the dark with the push of a button
- Water-Resistant: Safe to 30 m / 100 ft — withstands splashes or brief immersion, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
Price and availability context
Monochrome reported a launch price of CHF 78,000 excluding taxes on 27 September 2016. That figure documents the original launch pricing only. MB&F currently lists the HM8 among its past machines, and no current retail price, market valuation or availability is established here.
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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.
