Maximilian Büsser on Time, Creativity, and the Art of Watchmaking

In a compelling installment of the "Twelve on Time" interview series, Maximilian Büsser, the creative force behind MB&F, offers a unique window into his philosophy on horology. This discussion transcends the technical aspects of watchmaking, exploring Büsser's personal relationship with time, the wellsprings of his creativity, and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines his work. His responses reveal a deep-seated passion and a critical eye for the industry's evolution, highlighting both its triumphs and its challenges. This dialogue serves as a guide for understanding the man behind the avant-garde machines and his vision for the future of fine watches.

Büsser reflects on transformative moments that have sculpted his outlook, notably citing the 2003 Urwerk UR-103 as a pivotal piece that redefined his perception of watches as kinetic art. He places immense value on the human element in watch creation, prizing the spirit of the artisan and the shared journey over mere mechanical complexity. His admiration extends to the intricate thought processes of creators, viewing the human brain as the ultimate complication. Paradoxically, he critiques the prevailing trend of watches as speculative investments, advocating for a return to intrinsic value and genuine appreciation for craftsmanship.

The conversation delves into the hallmarks of a meticulously crafted timepiece, which, for Büsser, is defined by a seamless integration of all its components, where no single detail overshadows another. He identifies the period between 1750 and 1870 as foundational for modern watchmaking, a fertile era when most known complications were conceived. Looking to the future, Büsser pinpoints the industry's most significant hurdle as re-establishing a healthy "value for money" equilibrium. His personal inspirations are deeply rooted in his childhood, a wellspring of imaginative ideas that continually inform his designs. He expresses a particular admiration for Beat Haldimann's H2, a watch he wished he had conceived.

When off the public radar, Büsser favors his 1995 IWC DaVinci 10th-anniversary model, a piece that pioneered the split-second chronograph combined with a perpetual calendar. He credits Günter Blümlein as the most influential figure in shaping his horological perspective, recognizing Blümlein's profound impact on brands like IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and A. Lange & Söhne. For emerging collectors, Büsser emphasizes the importance of understanding a brand's core motivations and its integrity before making a purchase, stressing the narrative and ethical substance behind each creation.

Through this intimate exchange, Maximilian Büsser articulates a vision of watchmaking that is deeply personal, historically informed, and forward-looking. His insights offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a master craftsman, urging a deeper connection with the artistry and humanity embedded within each ticking masterpiece. He advocates for a conscious appreciation of horology, moving beyond transient trends to embrace the enduring legacy of mechanical marvels.