MB&F has released the SP One Pavée, an exquisite diamond-adorned iteration of its acclaimed Special Project One timepiece. While the original SP One, launched last year, was celebrated for being MB&F's most compact and ergonomic creation, it boldly retained the brand's signature three-dimensional design DNA. The Special Projects line, a vault for Max Büsser's visionary yet previously unmaterialized concepts, saw the "Three Circles" sketch from 2018 transformed into the inaugural SP One with the expertise of designer Eric Giroud. The new SP One Pavée elevates this concept further, imbuing it with a refined brilliance through its artful diamond setting. This timepiece is a testament to MB&F's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking by seamlessly blending complex mechanics with artistic embellishment, offering a watch that is both a technical marvel and a stunning piece of jewelry. Its sophisticated design ensures that the diamonds enhance rather than overpower, creating a harmonious and luminous presence on the wrist.

This latest version of the SP One maintains the original's gravity-defying display, which originated from a thought experiment by Max Büsser during the pandemic. He pondered how an MB&F watch could embody classical elegance while staying true to the brand's avant-garde identity. His "Three Circles" sketch, depicting a barrel, balance wheel, and dial suspended in space, was meticulously refined by designer Eric Giroud before being brought to life by MB&F's engineers. The SP One Pavée now accentuates this unique architectural foundation with a delicate pavé setting of 255 diamonds. Unlike many diamond-laden watches that can appear ostentatious, the SP One Pavée achieves a subtle luminosity. The diamonds are strategically placed to trace the case's elegant curves and to cast a gentle radiance around the innovative floating movement, enhancing its intricate beauty without resorting to overt flashiness. This thoughtful integration of precious stones underscores the watch's inherent elegance and artistic complexity.

The Radiance of Diamonds: An Architectural Embellishment

The latest iteration of the SP One redefines its aesthetic by integrating diamonds, subtly enhancing the watch's structure rather than merely adding sparkle. Unlike many diamond-studded watches that often aim for overt opulence, the SP One Pavée distinguishes itself through a tasteful and understated application of 255 diamonds. These precious stones are meticulously arranged to highlight the graceful contours of the case and to encircle the suspended movement with a soft, captivating glow, eschewing any hint of gaudiness. The pavé diamond setting along the internal flange and case flanks creates a smooth, continuous surface, allowing the diamonds to merge seamlessly with the watch's design and emphasize its unique architecture.

The SP One's distinctive rounded, pebble-like case, crafted from white gold and measuring 38mm, evokes the imagery of a miniature UFO. Lacking a traditional bezel, where diamonds are typically set, MB&F ingeniously positioned 55 brilliant-cut diamonds along the internal flange. This arrangement creates an "amphitheater" effect, framing the complex mechanical elements and illuminating them with a delicate shimmer. An additional 165 pavé-set diamonds adorn the case sides, accentuating its rotundity, while 14 more stones elegantly embellish the crown at 10 o'clock. The white gold pin buckle is also thoughtfully set with 21 diamonds, completing the harmonious and sophisticated diamond integration.

Mechanical Artistry and Innovative Display

Encased beneath an ultra-domed sapphire crystal, which contributes to the watch's 12mm height, the three key mechanical elements appear to float effortlessly in mid-air. This illusion of levitation is masterfully achieved by cleverly concealing numerous components beneath these elements. The oversized 2.5Hz balance wheel, sharing the same circumference as the other displays, oscillates gracefully at 2 o'clock. At 10 o'clock, the skeletonized single mainspring barrel progressively reveals the status of its impressive 72-hour power reserve. The time is elegantly presented on a tilted sub-dial positioned at 6 o'clock. The diamond-set version features a striking dark blue background, complemented by applied and polished indices and meticulously openworked hands, enhancing both readability and aesthetic appeal.

The reverse side of the watch offers an unobstructed view into the intricate mechanics that power its suspended displays. The manual-winding movement, developed in-house, showcases a sophisticated Y-shaped bridge layout that reveals the complex gear train and conical gearing responsible for the captivating dial-side show. Each component is impeccably finished, featuring hand-angled wheels, precisely beveled and polished angles, and prominent gold chatons. The bridges are treated with a rhodium finish, and the movement incorporates contemporary micro-blasted surfaces, reflecting MB&F's dedication to both innovative design and traditional haute horlogerie craftsmanship. This attention to detail extends to the hand-polished lugs with brushed tips, which securely attach the elegant light-blue calfskin strap. The MB&F SP One Pavée is priced at CHF 78,000 or EUR 85,000 (excluding taxes), making it a true collector's piece.