Aces High: HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble by MB&F

The world of watches and the world of aviation aren’t strangers to one another so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a topic that would let you write about both, right? Wrong. It is damn hard to find worthy subject, (aviator watches are a dime a dozen, but that’s not really what I had in mind) so every opportunity I find to write an article that connects my two great loves is a jolly time indeed. Now, if the aviation theme is narrowed down to my most beloved period – which is World War II (to clarify, airplanes, not the actual war) and also coupled with one of the most exciting independent watch manufacturers, (and one of my personal favorites), MB&F, the overwhelming spasms I experience right now could only be defined by one word: nerdgasm.
Of course, by now even the birds and bees know the story about the inspiration behind the famous and polarizing Horological Machine No4 and the mastermind behind it – Maximilian Büsser‘s childhood love for model airplanes reborn as one of the most striking timepieces ever created. With these two latest limited editions, that air-force connection is only strengthened and pushed to extreme. HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble are not the first special editions of the HM4, but they certainly are the epitome of how those should be done.

MB&F HM4 Razzle Dazzle

Inspired by the once notorious and now celebrated nose art of the WW2 aircraft, Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble both feature miniature sexy paintings on the left fuselage, and its 40’s aviator dial never looked better or more appropriate. To achieve this particular vintage look, numerals were painted with blend of paint mixed with cream-colored Super-LumiNova and very fine copper particles. Furthermore, titanium fuselages are studded with real titanium rivets, successfully evoking that dogfight gentlemen spirit. Driving the point home, the worn out leather strap is made genuine antique Swiss military bags.

MB&F HM4 Razzle Dazzle, painting detail

MB&F HM4 Double Trouble

As it is case with all great art, HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble will divide the opinions to people that will adore it (yay!) or hate it (nay!) but in a time where it seems like every other watch brand is churning out vintage themed timepieces, MB&F once again shows why they are the undisputed masters. Kids, this is how its done – little bit of nostalgia, healthy portion of creativity mixed with ultra modern engineering magic, and voila!

HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble flying in formation

HM4 Razzle Dazzle and Double Trouble are in true sense of the word, Limited Editions. Only 8 of each will be produced, and if you know that those beautiful mini paintings are all done by hand, then you must also realize that the lucky person owning one will be the proud owner of  genuine and unique piece of art.