The MB&F MusicMachine 2, made in collaboration with REUGE, is arguably one of the most iconic representations of the company’s free-spirited mantra. A product of MB&F’s artistic concept laboratory, their philosophy is simple - the reinterpretation of traditional, high-quality craftsmanship into three-dimensional kinetic sculptures.
A truly authentic example of modern hand-craftsmanship and ingenuity, the MusicMachine 2 is the second execution of a unique collaboration between MB&F and the world’s sole remaining premier manufacturer of musical boxes, REUGE. Based in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, with nearly 150 years of expertise and experience, REUGE are the creators of mechanical music boxes that are technically, acoustically and aesthetically exceptional. Much like the thinking of Max Büsser and friends, the REUGE mentality is to be progressive in their approach to contemporary music boxes for the 21st century, but with great respect for tradition.
REUGE created the MusicMachine 2 (Limited Edition - One of 66) based on a futuristic starship design proposed by MB&F. Working in collaboration with ECAL design graduate Xin Wang, MB&F developed a concept cleverly incorporating all the essential music box features – musically-tuned combs, pinned cylinders, winding mechanisms, mainspring barrels and regulators – and looking like an intergalactic spaceship. To optimise the sound created by MusicMachine 2, Jeanmichel Capt of JMC Lutherie developed MM2's ingenious internal soundboard.
Collaboration is very much in Max Büsser and friends’ (MB&F’s) DNA. The company’s harmonious relationship with many of haute horology’s finest independent movement makers has led to the development of visionary modern timepieces, celebrated equally for their exceptional design and mechanical brilliance. The MusicMachine 2 reimagines an all but lost musical micro-industry in MB&F’s typically avant-garde, whimsical style. In effect, it boldly goes where no man has gone before…
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Brand: | MB&F - Reuge |
Model: | MusicMachine 2 - Limited Edition (66 pieces) |
Main Hull/Resonance Base: | Aluminium domed shell partly covered in lacquer |
Movement: | Two 3.72 movements (3 refers to number of melodies on each cylinder; 72 refers to number of notes on each comb); one movement is right configured; one movement is left configured (rotating in opposite directions) |
Finishing: | The mainplate is finished with nickel-plated brass, decorated with Cotes de Geneve. It holds both movements; each movement includes a mainspring, cylinder, comb and regulator - The barrels are made of stainless steel; each with 6 heat-blued screws on top; grooved 'piston' sides. The regulator fan is made of stainless steel, with brass cylinders. |
Start/stop and continue functions: | One melody is equal to one revolution of the cylinder, with three melodies per cylinder and the length of each melody lasting 35 seconds. Each cylinder has a power reserve of 15 minutes The mainsprings are wound via propellers. |
Melodies: | The right cylinder has extracts from Angie (1973) by Rolling Stones, Should I Stay or Should I Go (1982) by The Clash and Stairway to Heaven (1971) by Led Zeppelin. The left cylinder has extracts from Star Wars main title (1977) by John Williams, the Imperial March (1980) by John Williams and Star Trek (1979) main title by Jerry Goldsmith. |
Dimensions/weight: | 300 x 511 x 168 mm with a total weight of approximately 8 kg |
Box & papers: | Full set |