Transparent and colorful.
Bugeye’s HM3 Frog ran for 5 years, and perhaps its classic Replica MB&F watch, which was discontinued in 2015. The watch has made a short return on the occasion of its tenth anniversary as a limited edition HM3 Frog X-the case is made entirely of sapphire crystal.
The model was first introduced by the No. 3 watchmaking machine (HM3) with a slightly robotic appearance, and later evolved into a more organic Frog, with a pair of sapphire domes, making it immediately distinctive. Now, MB&F has taken this idea further to new heights: According to MB&F, HM3 Frog X is inspired by transparent skin frogs, completely clear, and whimsical and colorful in three different shades.
Changing the material of the case makes Frog X a completely new look, which is surprising because this design is exceptionally unique. In fact, the sapphire frog is similar to a grand piano.
The crystal case also gives the watch a more cohesive organic flavor, avoiding the visual interruption between different materials such as crystal and metal alloy. And, at least in the photos, the sapphire frog looks cheaper than most flashy sapphire cases.
Frog X has the same shape and size, and has vital qualities with earlier versions of HM3: despite its avant-garde design, it still has good wear resistance. Since the case is neither too long nor too wide, and the lugs are small, although the case looks large, it fits well on the wrist. There is no doubt that this wearability is one of the factors that make HM3 the best-selling MB&F to a large extent.
Although the new look is very attractive, the case material is not new. The sapphire case was first created by Alain Silberstein 30 years ago and then became popular again by Richard Mille in the 21st century. It is now widely used in high-end watchmaking.
The pace of MB&F’s innovation has been set this year. The recently launched LM Perpetual EVO and HM10 Bulldog are largely iterations of existing elements. That said, it is reasonable to say that an anniversary edition like Frog X should not be revolutionary, because it commemorates what happened in the past.
At the same time, Frog X is expensive. The retail price is only $150,000, which is about twice that of the early version of HM3. There is no doubt that the manufacture of sapphire watch cases is complicated and expensive, but considering the uniqueness of sapphire replica watches, its price is unaffordable.
The movement of the Frog X is basically the same as the earlier version of the model. In addition to the time display, this is a very interesting sport. The innovative structure of the movement is often overlooked, because the sapphire dome has attracted everyone’s attention.
One of the central themes of the original HM3 design was to display most of the movement on the dial, which is why the movement is essentially inverted, and the front and middle of the movement. Now, with a transparent case, the display of the movement has been maximized.
The time display module was built by complexity expert Agenhor, who was founded by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht (Jean-Marc Wiederrecht) and is now managed by his two sons. The time display module is based on Girard Perregaux GP03300 and is in combat. The axe rotor is completely conventional.
But due to the inverted structure, the view from the back is not very traditional. Two large ceramic bearings drive the time display shrapnel, which converts the time display mechanism on the back to the front display.
The dome time display also allows the swiss movement replica watches to be worn in any direction-up and down crown. The fixed hand of time is elongated and spans both sides of the dome-shaped crystal. Therefore, although the upturned position of HM3 is conventional, the time can be calibrated to any hand.
The movement can also be seen in the dark-the rotor is coated with luminescent material and is wound unidirectionally so that it can rotate freely and quickly in the other direction, resulting in the super Luminova flash.
Diameter: 48.3 mm by 52.7 mm
Height: 17.5 mm
Material: Sapphire
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m
Movement: Display module by Agenhor on Girard-Perregaux GP03300
Functions: Hours and minutes
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 48 hours
Strap: Alligator strap with titanium folding buckle