HM4 Thunderbolt Watch: Jet Engine on Your Wrist

The newly launched HM4, or Horological Machine No4, is not what some may call a traditional wristwatch. Inspired by the Thunderbolt A10 attack aircraft, the watch from Max Busser and friends (MB&F) comes to change our perspective on what we knew about exclusive timepieces until now.

“Inspired by aviation, more specifically the model aircraft kits of Maximilian Büsser’s childhood, the case of HM4 imparts speed, power, technology and refinement in equal measure,” a company statement reads.

First off, the HM4 Thunderbolt impresses through its original design, with the aviation-inspired case and engine and dual dials: one for the time (displayed by bold, arrow-tipped Super-LumiNova filled hands), one for the power indicator (or the amount of fuel in the tanks).

There are 50 jewels and 311 components in the engine, five sapphire crystals and a black hand-stitched calfskin strap with a titanium and white cold clasp. The transparent sapphire section of the case requires over 100 hours of machining and polishing.

But it’s not only the design that sets the HM4 away from existing timepieces. The engine of the Thunderbolt took no less than three years of development. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the jet-turbine-like twin pods indicating hours/minutes and power reserve.

“For a timepiece not developed specifically to tell the time, HM4 performs that role superbly. In fact, with its highly legible dials perpendicular to the wearer’s wrist, Horological Machine No4 might be described as the perfect pilot’s or driver’s watch,” the company describes the wristwatch.

With only 20 HM4 Thunderbolts to be made, the $158,000 price tag is quite justified.