Independents

Without any doubt, the HM4 is  an unidentified watchmaking object full of paradoxes!  For example, it is the Horological Machine with the most original case (a true 3D sculpture) but at the same time, it is the only one with a traditional time display. Inspired by the aircrafts of the middle of the last century, it seems more contemporary than any watch. Coming from a military atmosphere, it became really fun being even piloted by a panda or displaying pin-ups on the engines. Only a last wink could complete such distinctive history. In order to make this final edition of 8 timepieces the most spectacular, Max Büsser and his team brought back the codes of a... stealth aircraft. Of course the pursued objective is opposite from the primary vocation of the aircraft. Unlike a F - 117 Nighthawk or a B - 2 Spirit, the HM4 Final Edition doesn't have any will to disappear beneath the clouds. Its purpose is to be clearly visible by the shirt sleeve!


We already presented here in details various versions of the HM4 like the Thunderbolt in 2010, the Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble in 2011 and  the Thunderbolt RT in 2012. Therefore, I will not come back to the technical features of the HM4. On the other hand, it is good to remiond you that the common point between all the Horological Machines is their ability to transform themselves and this HM4 Final Edition is a new proof of this statement.


If we look very closely the HM4 Final edition, few changes make the difference, all the difference.

Firstly, the material and the color of the case: the black PVD treatment of the titanium case is spectacular because subtle and luminous.  Yes, luminous! The HM4 Final Edition is a bright watch despite its dark side. Thanks to this color, between anthracite grey or deep black, the case multiple shades of light caused by the complexity of its shapes, its numerous glazed parts and the alternating types of finish. There's nothing worse than a huge bulky and monosaveur watch that would look like a big black block on the wrist. The HM4 is just the opposite: impressive indeed but full of details, breaks, different shapes and gradiations of its dominant colour which make it exciting to observe from each and every angle.


Secondly, the aesthetical change: it is ultimately not so significant that if we  take into account the low percentage of the watch surface which was redesigned. But the result is obvious: by transforming the shape of the two dials becoming two square angular panels, the MB & F team has transformed the HM4.

This combination of dark colors with right and sharp angles gives a new dimension to the HM4: from a military aircraft, it becomes a threatening  warrior flying machine. It would be very difficult to find the Panda on this Final Edition: its presence would be totally irrelevant!

Time display on the right, powr reserve indicator on the left:


That's for sure that the spirit of the HM4 is not the same anymore. I almost want to say that it is an adult Max Büsser who is behind this watch so that it was more the child who created the initial Thunderbolt.
I must admit that it doesn't remind me only a stealth aircraft. With these two squares at the ends of the cones, it also evokes me the first cameras which were real dark rooms.

Black has other virtues: it highlights  the elements which kept their  initial colors like the movement whose details stand out impressively, particularly when the HM4 Final Edition is turned over. It also reduces the feeling of  size which in the particular context of this Horological Machine is not a bad point.

The double-edged axe is not a winding rotor, the HM4 features a handwind movement:



The HM4 Final Edition retains all the advantages of its predecessors: an excellent position on the wrist thanks to  the folding clasp which is a pleasure to handle, a movement  which is nice to use on a daily basis through its two crowns and its 3-day power reserve, an easy reading of the time despite the size of the dial and the strangeness of its shapes which causes strong emotions. In contrast, as always, the fans of sober watches will forget it at once because its height and its size prevent it to be worn under the sleeve shirt. And since the HM4 is noticeable instantly, no escape is possible!


The final fireworks of the HM4 is successful and managed to convince me because it sets the Machine in a new environment. If on one side, I regret a bit that it losts a dose of derision and humor, its aggressive and dark side is totally coherent with the spirit of the case. However it does not replace in my heart the Razzle Dazzle or the Double Trouble which are for me the most accomplished of all HM4 because they combine style, artistic expression and a subtle sense of humor... this subtle sense of humor I didn't find in this HM4 Final Edition.


Thanks to the MB&F team for the warm welcome at the MAD Gallery.

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