2012/12/18 - MB&F the new HM3 "Fire" Frog

 

HM3 Fire Frog is a limited edition of 10 pieces created exclusively to celebrate the opening of the MB&F Beijing boutique.

Fire Frog is named for the warm glow emitted by the 18k red gold of its complex case and 22k red gold winding rotor.

The animated rotor on top of the Jean-Marc Wiederrecht-designed complication is framed by an oversized date wheel, while rising up from the fire are the iconic bulbous domes of the Frog’s hour and minute indicators.

The protruding eyes of real-life, amphibious frogs enable them to see in many directions without having to turn their head. The bulbous hour and minute domes of HM3 Fire Frog create a similar effect, though in this case it means the wearer can easily read the time from a variety of angles without having to turn his or her wrist.

The hour and minute domes are meticulously honed from solid blocks of aluminium, chosen for its optimal strength to weight ratio – the domes weigh just over 0.5g. First, they are milled from the outside and then the inside to arrive at a paper-thin and energy-efficient wall thickness of just 0.28mm.

Protecting the hour and minute domes are two semi-spherical sapphire crystal domes that had to be shaped and polished with utmost precision as the slightest imperfection in the sapphire could produce a disconcerting magnification effect.

Fire Frog may portray the time and date playfully, but there is nothing but serious attention to detail regarding the fine hand-finishing of the highly-tuned engine that purrs away inside.

 

 

 

 

Technical Specifications

Movement:

• Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/Agenhor;
  
• Powered by a Sowind base
  
• Balance oscillating at 28,800 bph.
• Battle-axe shaped ‘mystery’ automatic winding rotor.
  
• HM3 Fire Frog: Rotor in 22k red gold
• Hour and minutes information transmitted via ceramic ball bearings to rotating domes.
  
• Number of jewels: 36 (all functional)
  
• Number of components: 304

Functions:

• Hour on one dome (aluminium dome rotating in 12 hours)
  
• Minutes on second dome (aluminium dome rotating in 60 minutes)
  
• Date around the movement

Case:

• HM3 Fire Frog: 18k red gold and titanium case, 18k red gold screws, limited edition of 10 pieces
• Screwed-down crown
  
• Dimensions (exclusive of crown and lugs): 47mm x 50mm x 18mm
  
• Number of case components: 53

Sapphire crystals:

• Domes and both displays front and back have an anti-reflective treatment on each face.
  

Dials:

• Rotating aluminium domes – 0.58g

Strap & Buckle:

• Black hand-stitched alligator with 18K gold & titanium custom designed deployment buckle