MB watches are a fantastic new boutique watch brand located in Morteau, France. The company is owned and named after its enigmatic owner Mikael Bourgeois. Since 1999 he has been interested in watch design and the study of mechanical movements. Subsequently he established his own business specializing in the production of custom made watches.
Mikael has been influenced by many renowned brands including Romain Jerome, Audemars Piguet, Zenith, Tag Heuer to name but just a few. All of MB Watches concepts originate as three-dimensional visuals before becoming complete timepieces. I have followed the company’s progress on their Facebook page and was really interested to see a new timepiece called the Dame de Caractère. This amazing new watch adopts an entirely new and exciting shape. Presently the model is still a prototype and will only go into production once 15 pre-sale orders have been secured.
After the success of the wonderful Thunderbird (which was limited to only 8 pieces) the MB watches has gone in a completely new direction. The company has designed the Dame de Caractère solely at the female market. Previously I have featured numerous unisex watches but none specifically for women. The watch is currently available with a choice of stainless steel, luxurious white and yellow gold cases. I would imagine the shape of the timepiece would make it comfortable to wear. Each version could be worn on a daily basis for casual and formal occasions.
In recent discussions with Mikael he informed me that the customer could tailor the watch to their own specifications. Essentially this allows the client to create an entirely unique timepiece with their choice of material. There are two dial options in mother of pearl and opulent crimped diamonds. In my opinion the simplicity of the façade is integral to the overall success of the design. Both dials display equal merits and compliment the perfectly sculpted case. I love the attention to detail especially the delicate shaped lugs and crown.
Underneath the elegant exterior, the watch is equipped with the ETA 2671. This Caliber is one of the smallest in the world measuring only 17.20mm x 4.80mm. Presently it is being used by Glycine, B.R.M. and Meccaniche Veloci to power their multiple time zone watches. Mechanically it comprises 25 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Dame de Caractère features hours, minutes, seconds, date and a power reserve of around 40 hours.
The Dame de Caractère comes with a choice of white leather, stingray or python straps. Mikael has intimated the prices will range from €3,500-€15,500 (approximately $4,739-$20,987).
You can read more of Steve’s watch reviews on his own website here