By Kien Lee | Photos above by GreenPlasticSoldier
The Horological Machine No. 7 Aquapod by MB&F, reminiscent of the domed, organic shape of a jellyfish pulsating in the ocean, just like the ancient animals that have lived in the oceans for over 500 million years, has also evolved.
First launched in 2017 in red gold with black ceramic bezel, and in titanium with blue ceramic bezel, this year sees a new titanium edition with a green sapphire crystal bezel added to the family.
Two sapphire crystal domes sandwiching a metal caseband in 18K red gold or grade 5 titanium, make up its pod-shaped case. And just like the jellyfish which inspired it, its sapphire crystal skin is transparent, its insides visible for all to see.
A true biomorphic marvel to behold, the Aquapod features a central flying tourbillon sitting atop a concentric vertical movement architecture. Stacked vertically from bottom to top is a tentacle-like winding rotor, the 72-hour mainspring barrel, dual revolving hour and minute rings, and a 60-second flying tourbillon. Spherically three-dimensional, all its mechanisms rotate concentrically around the centre.
The curves of the high-domed sapphire crystal are mirrored in the shape of the time display rings. They are not simply flat and angled, but are mathematically precise, curved spherical segments.
Flipping the Aquapod around and viewing it from the caseback, the winding rotors are crafted from a solid block of titanium. Underneath them, a platinum mass ensures powerful and efficient winding.
Continuing the aquatic theme, the HM7 whilst not intended as a tool watch for divers as it is water resistant up to 50 meters, presents a unidirectional rotating bezel, which unlike every other dive watch on the planet, isn't attached to the case itself, but encircles it.
The Aquapod glows in the dark, much like the jellyfish with its bioluminescene. The hour and minute numerals, as well as the inside of the movement, together embrace the flying tourbillon in a greenish illumination powered by Super-LumiNova, in the black of the night.
The 303-component, 72-hour power reserve HM7 Engine was developed in-house by MB&F.
In all, the HM7 Aquapod is available in 3 limited editions: titanium with blue ceramic bezel limited to 33 pieces, red gold with black ceramic bezel limited to 66 pieces, and now as well, titanium with green sapphire crystal bezel limited to 50 pieces.
