We have talked with Maximilian Busser about his brand MB&F and watch industry.
When did your passion for watches began?
A university project in 1989 during my engineering studies. I chose the theme of high-end watchmaking as I did not understand why people would pay such high prices for “obsolete” technology! I was lucky enough to interview the CEO of AP, JLC, Breguet, VC and even Gerald Genta himself. They all told me the same message one way or another, that mechanical watchmaking disappearing would be such a shame as it was the embodiment of humanity and beauty. I was hooked thereafter.
Could you tell us the story of the MB&F?
MB&F is a life decision not a business one. At MB&F all our decisions were originally focused on trying to be proud of ourselves the last day of our life. Watchmaking is a mean, not a goal.
As a child I dreamt of being a car designer, and after my engineering studies in 1991 was very lucky to start my first job at Jaeger-LeCoultre at a time where all high-end watch brands were dying. 7 years at JLC followed by 7 years at Harry Winston deepened my love for watchmaking. I also discovered what I was made of, and what made my heart tick – and more importantly what I did not want anymore. From all those experiences I created my dream company: MB&F (for Maximilian Büsser and Friends). A company dedicated to create what we believed in and what made us proud without ever considering if any client would follow us. 100% creative centric. A company where we would only work with people who share the same values, who treat others the way we want to be treated. Where the energy generated together is way higher than the sum of each parts. As someone once wrote “I did not know it was impossible, so I did it”.
MB&F is one of the most eccentric brands of watch industry. What makes MB&F watches stand apart?
Even though we are watchmakers, we see ourselves as kinetic artists. Our mechanical sculptures honor traditional watchmaking and transform it into 3D art. But MB&F is by far not only about the products we create, it is first and foremost about the mindset we defend: to inspire people to think differently, be more creative and take more risks whilst always treating others the way we would want to be treated.
The brand says that, “A creative adult is a child who survived”. Actually, when it comes to watch industry, for me, it is something that belong to adult’s world. Could you describe timepieces or watches in children’s eyes?
