Patrick_y's exploration of the MB&F MusicMachine 3 offers a fascinating look into a horological art piece that transcends traditional watchmaking. His personal reflections on its design, rarity, and the brand's ethical stance provide a unique perspective on collecting and the enduring appeal of imaginative luxury objects. This article delves into why this particular creation remains a coveted item for enthusiasts, even years after its initial release.
C'est le weekend! It's the weekend! Time to shrug off the work week, and now focus on the weekend and what we personally like and enjoy!
With W&W recently past us, we're all focusing on the new things... Focusing on what to call our favorite ADs, and beg them for a watch that we will add to our collections and probably only wear once or twice a year.
Few pieces this year inspired me tremendously at W&W, so I find myself looking into the past... The things that got away... I always liked spaceship designs and science fiction books. Growing up with Star Trek and Star Wars was definitely an influence - whether or not I want to admit it or not...
MB&F, JMC Lutherie, and Reuge made 99 of these spaceship music boxes. 33 in chrome, black, and white. My favorite color was the chrome and black one. Since this spaceship resembled a TIE fighter, the space ship used by the antagonist in the Star Wars space opera, one had to have the more black looking one - it looked more sinister. Sadly, I underestimated the popularity of this piece in black and chrome as it sold out much faster than I expected. It came out in 2015!
This spaceship music box was amazing. It plays 6 different songs. Three songs per barrel. There are two barrels, one on each wing. Both barrels are attached to its own mechanism and its own 72 note comb. Since the structure was rigid steel, there was a problem with sound transmission. Thus, because it was mounted on a very special spruce wood base that was suspended in a way that promoted full resonance, the sound transmission is nothing short of incredible with this piece. The wood base was engineered by JMC Lutherie and really showed a lot of engineering went behind this piece. JMC Lutherie makes special soundboards for watch companies with striking watches. If you were to put the device on a table and not use the resonant sound board, you would hardly hear the sound of the music box. But if you were to put it on the resonance board, the music box makes music that would fill a normally sized living room.
Despite a lofty price back in the day, it's likely MB&F made very little profit on these pieces, once you factor in the high cost of production, the partnership with Reuge, the consultancy with JMC Lutherie, all the fixed costs amortized over only 99 pieces, and retail partners' margins. Imagine you make three prototypes, your prototype costs are already 3% of your total costs. By today's standards and the inflation we see on luxury goods, the original Retail Price was probably a bargain! And these pieces have continued to appreciate and are now very difficult to obtain, as they were bought by true collectors back in the day, rather than investor-collectors and resellers that seem to dominate the market today.
I'm embarrassed to admit, I once tried to suggest to the MB&F team to make a small run of a "grey" colored version, and I was told this wasn't possible as this would compromise their integrity among their existing clients. A year later I practically begged another MB&F executive to make a "spaceship grey" colored version, and again was told it wasn't possible as this would compromise their integrity amongst the existing 99 owners along with the fact that production line set up costs to make a small run would come with astronomical costs... In both cases, I knew they wouldn't likely fulfill my request (emphatically speaking, if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't do it neither), but I wanted a grey spaceship music box so badly, that I had to ask! Most independent watchmakers would consider my request, because back in those days, independents were very flexible and weren't very strict about their limited editions.
Evidently, the team at MB&F is fastidiously grounded. There is no greed. They are a happy tortoise, happy to walk slowly and bring their house/shell on their back, and like the long-lived animal, MB&F takes a very long-term approach to things. MB&F has a true desire to be fair to existing customers, even at the expense of short-term revenue. And a true desire to behave ethically is somewhat unusual, especially back in 2017. The 2017 era was a time when small independent watchmakers were somewhat fast and loose, and "limited edition" quantities weren't always strictly followed. Sold out versions could be ordered if you wanted an unusual dial or made a major change.
Notice the turtle on the crown of the M.A.D. 1 Red Edition! M.A.D. is a sub-brand of MB&F.
I interviewed Max Busser, the eponymous Creative Director and Co-Founder of MB&F, in November 2021 during Dubai Watch Week; during that interview, I posed a question about Non-Fungible-Tokens and if MB&F was planning to adopt them. I cited Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands were dedicating large amounts of personnel, time, and financial investment into NFTs. Busser's response (I'm paraphrasing) was calmly, "I have been approached [with the NFT idea] many times," and "I don't see how NFTs adds value to my customer." As an aspiring customer and a Silicon Valley native (arguably one of the places where the NFT idea was born), I couldn't disagree, as I still don't see major benefits of NFTs applied to luxury goods. I interpreted Busser's response that he's not all about the trendiest marketing buzzwords, and that he's all about creating value for his end-user.
I will have to say... I'm a little sad that I don't have my "Spaceship Grey" Music Box! But I'm so pleased that there is a wonderful brand out there for me to support. And while I cannot afford most of their incredible Horological Machines, I can at least enjoy them from afar.
I know this article is coming off very pro-MB&F, so let me balance it with the fact that I wished MB&F mass produced watches and that they sold them at a lower price. But nevertheless, as an individual trained in business and economics, I realize that may not be feasible economically for a small firm of only about twenty or so employees and the initial cash-outlay requirements. But it's evident, the team at MB&F strongly believe in the tortoise-approach. "Slow and steady wins the race."
Kelys and Chirp. Another tortoise creation by MB&F and Reuge.
I hope you liked this article. And I hope it reminded you about ethics. As we're now navigating a very different world. It's amazing how much changes in just a few years. And it's amazing how much we took for granted only a few years ago! Hopefully the slow and the steady will continue to win the race in the future!
As always, I look forward to your comments.
Full Moderator Disclosure; I received no favors from the MB&F brand for writing this article and I am not an investor in MB&F.
About the F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Ref. resonance
The Chronomètre à Résonance represents F.P. Journe's entry in the Souveraine collection, distinguished by its resonance complication. This reference utilizes the principle of resonance between two independent escapements to enhance chronometric precision.
The 40mm case is crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The silver dial houses the manual-winding caliber 1499 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on haute horlogerie complications and independent watchmaking. The resonance mechanism positions this piece as a technical showcase within F.P. Journe's manual-winding offerings. Production began in 2000, establishing this as part of the brand's contemporary catalog for collectors seeking advanced chronometric functions.
Specifications
Caliber
1499
Case
18k Rose Gold
Diameter
40 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire
Key Points from the Discussion
The MB&F MusicMachine 3, particularly the Starfleet Explorer, holds significant appeal for collectors with an appreciation for both horology and science fiction, with its sonorous music being a key feature.
MB&F is consistently praised for its exceptional customer service and commitment to integrity, a quality that resonates deeply with its dedicated collector base.
The Legacy Machine (LM) series from MB&F is highly regarded for its blend of 19th-century watchmaking aesthetics with modern finishing, offering significant value despite its premium pricing.
Many collectors hold MB&F and its founder, Max Büsser, in high esteem for their unwavering commitment to quality and genuine limited editions, contrasting with other luxury brands that may cut corners or misrepresent exclusivity.
While some MB&F creations are not universally wearable, the Legacy Machine series and the M.A.D. Editions are frequently cited as highly desirable pieces that balance innovative design with collector appeal.
The MusicMachine 3's intricate design, including its specialized resonant soundboard engineered by JMC Lutherie, highlights the brand's dedication to a holistic and immersive artistic experience.
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The Discussion
BI
BigFatPauli
Apr 22, 2022
In the watch world, there is no one that I hold in hire esteem than Mr. Busser, along with MB&F. There are so many "luxury" brands that cut corners, drill out platinum, and offer "limited editions" that aren't really numbered... MB&F is one very, very special brand indeed.
JP
jp884
Apr 23, 2022
MB&F and their customer service is the best of the best. They do everything right and I think they are comfortable knowing that they are not for everyone but try to be everything for someone. My froggy says hello 👋 🐸
EN
enjoythemusic
Apr 23, 2022
As a musician, Trekkie, and ok some Star Wars, I clearly remember when Max first offered the music box. Wanted one, yet was not in the position to procure it at the time. Love the sonorous music that sings from my Grandfather clock! Within a premium audio site, I featured Max's musical masterpiece of course, and later the Starfleet Explorer. If someone smartly has both, you are my hero! MB&F is far more than... and hoping to visit one of their galleries. Thanks for your post, lots of heartfelt s
AM
amanico
Apr 23, 2022
At the exception of the LM. The others are not for my wrist. So, I admire most of what he made and makes, and I dream of owning a LM one day. Aaah, I could also go for the MAD, because I could see it in the real and it is a very cool creation / creature, but too many people are after it. Best, Nicolas
PA
patrick_y
Apr 23, 2022
So many cases where they're hollowed out to reduce the gold or platinum content. A growing trend!
PA
patrick_y
Apr 23, 2022
I've been to three of the galleries; Geneva, Dubai, and Taipei. All three are amazing and very interesting. You will definitely enjoy your experience in the gallery.
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