The “F” in MB&F stands for “friends” — and the iconoclastic, independent watch brand’s circle of friends expanded last night, as WatchTime, in partnership with London Jewelers and MB&F, hosted an exclusive private dinner with Max Büsser (the “MB”), owner and creative director of MB&F. Twenty collectors were treated to a three-course dinner, along with cocktails and Champagne at the ever-elegant The Mark by Jean-Georges restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. (MB&F’s “robo-clock,” Melchior — something of a mascot for the brand — was also in attendance.)
The highlight of the evening was Büsser’s inspirational and candid presentation on his childhood and early interest in the watch industry. Among the topics he discussed were his early successes and failures, along with the sense of fear that he admits still feeling each time he creates a new watch. Collectors listened with rapt attention as Büsser, an animated and charismatic speaker, captivated them with detailed anecdotes about his career and the stories behind his brand’s various watch models.
Afterward, the guests were able to try on and photograph various MB&F watches as they were passed around the dinner table. Among the most notable MB&F timepieces on hand was the brand-new Legacy Machine Perpetual (below) — the fourth and most recent addition to the brand’s Legacy Machine collection, created by Büsser in collaboration with independent Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell. It was not available for purchase, however; according to MB&F, all 25 pieces of in rose gold and all 25 pieces in platinum have already sold out — before the watch has even officially hit the market.
“WatchTime is thrilled to partner with London Jewelers, and to offer our collectors this rare opportunity to meet an innovative leader in the industry,” said Minda Larsen, WatchTime Event Manager. Scroll down to see more photos taken at the event by WatchTime contributor Rob Velasquez.
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