MB&F have always had a knack for finding new ways to express their creativity, from their wrist bound Horological Machines, to mechanical art and objects offered in their M.A.D. Galleries. They’re also pretty good at not taking themselves too seriously. This week, Maximilian Busser and Friends are revealing a new project done as a token of appreciation for MB&F customers, and they have taken the form of alien-like creatures with different heads resembling the machines that have been produced by the brand since 2005. The figures are called Minimilians, and much like the Panda DJ we saw last year, they are purely decorative in nature.
The Minimilians are so named for the MB of MB&F, Maximilian Busser, as well as for Maximilian Maertens, a designer behind some of the brand’s clock and music box creations, as well as these very figures. The design here is reminiscent of what we’ve seen from the likes of KAWS, Bearbrick, and others in recent years, capturing a renewed cultural interest in vinyl figures. These Minimilians are standing figures with their arms at their side, with a bulbous body and short legs. The head piece is the real star of the show here, but the underpinnings set a very hip tone that can’t be overlooked.
The head pieces are designed after MB&F Machines, both Horological and Legacy. MB&F have created 20 different calibers in nearly 30 distinct case shapes since their launch in 2005, and each are represented here with a unique head design. This includes rare variations. MB&F felt that it was important to get each of these right as a thank you to the owners of these watches with a figure accurately representing their timepiece.
The figures themselves are 3D printed, and receive a coating of white paint that creates a textured, ceramic-like finish with an artisanal feel, according to MB&F. Only about 10 per day can be produced, and there looks to be a fair amount of hand detailing here prior to receiving that white paint. The result is whimsical, and a fitting expression of the brand’s creative muscle. Unfortunately, these will not be listed in the e-shop any time soon.
That brings up what will likely be the most controversial element to these: their availability. These are being made for Tribe members, aka MB&F owners both past and present. They will not be commercially available, much to the chagrin of many enthusiasts. This isn’t the first time that MB&F have done something like this, as you may remember a similar beginning to the M.A.D 1 watch that was initially only available to Ribe members and friends of the brand. In time, they made editions that were commercially available, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see these figures take a similar route, with a few of the designs becoming available from the M.A.D Gallery. Here hoping, as these would make for a lovely desk topper.
Whatever the case, it’s fun to see MB&F expand their creativity to other mediums. Even though these are a thank you to Tribe members, they will undoubtedly spark some new interest in the brand from emerging enthusiasts. MB&F