Editor’s note: This is a short preview of new Purple HM8 Mark 2. For our usual detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here.
Two years ago, MB&F gave the collector community the HM8 Mark 2 in green and white versions. This was followed by the blue version in 2024. Now, the brand that likes to create objects out of fantasy that ironically turn into fantasy (but of a different kind) is back with the third generation; meet the new purple HM8 Mark 2.
Since I have not gone hands-on with these yet, and have already written about my gut reaction to the first HM8 Mark 2 calling it the ‘sexist watch to come out of 2023’, this short preview essentially builds on that. To a large extent, the beauty of the HM8 Mark 2 series lies in the paradox of painting new designs whilst maintaining the brand’s existing canvas; the purple HM8 Mark 2 intricately combines the design of the HM5, HMX, and HM8, offering a masterclass in watchmaking where it both sits within the brand’s portfolio whist speaks out on its own merits. Frankly, this is something that many brands can learn from.
Again limited to 33-pieces, the new purple HM8 Mark 2 is designed to “recall the opulent finishes seen on the world’s most exotic supercars”, and while it does do that with panache, to me it reminiscent of the Plum Crazy (Dodge) Challenger. Masculine, muscled, yet pretty.
Importantly, it does not appear in the over-inflated, ‘mythical watchmaking metal’ — aka steel — but features a body comprising CarbonMacrolon© – CarbonMacrolon® is a composite material developed specifically for MB&F that is eight times less heavy than steel — and grade 5 titanium (and twisting and curving and sensuously manipulated “double bubble” sapphire crystal).
Also noteworthy, not that the rising cost of living or inflation matters to those who can actually afford this, but the price from 2023 in Swiss Francs remains unchanged: the new Purple HM8 Mark 2 retails for CHF 68,000 + VAT.
Like its predecessors, the watch features a 30m water-resistant body measures 47 x 41.5 x 19mm. Inside is the movement that provides a 42-hour power reserve, beats at the frequency of 4Hz, comprises 247 components and 30 jewels, and features a 22K gold automatic winding rotor.
MB&F’s new Purple HM8 Mark 2 watch is inspired by iconic supercars, painted like a muscle car, and features a chassis construction reminiscent of a car’s body. It is THE love-child of automotive design and watchmaking innovation, and should appeal to both watch enthusiasts and car lovers (as long as they have deep pockets and/ or even bigger dreams).
To find out more about the new Purple HM8 Mark 2, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy © MB&F – 2025 – All rights reserved
This was such an inspiring read—thank you for sharing!