MB&F HM4 Only Watch: Chinese Artist Huang Hankang Creates Miniature Flying Panda Bear Timepiece
MB&F Collaborates with Chinese Artist for Unique Only Watch Creation
Under the prestigious patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, avant-garde watchmaker MB&F has unveiled a remarkable one-of-a-kind timepiece for the Only Watch charity auction. The MB&F HM4 Only Watch features a stunning collaboration with Chinese artist Huang Hankang, who has created a miniature flying panda bear that pilots the iconic Horological Machine No. 4.
The Only Watch biennial auction is one of the most significant charity events in the luxury watch industry, with proceeds benefiting research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This year's edition sees MB&F contributing an exceptional piece that merges haute horlogerie with contemporary art.
About the HM4 Only Watch Creation
The HM4 Only Watch represents a unique artistic interpretation of MB&F's revolutionary Horological Machine No. 4. The timepiece incorporates Huang Hankang's signature aesthetic with a meticulously crafted miniature panda bear figure that appears to be piloting the watch's distinctive twin-pod design.
Key features of the HM4 Only Watch include:
- Artistic Element: Handcrafted miniature flying panda bear by Chinese artist Huang Hankang
- Movement: Twin automatic movement powering dual displays
- Case Design: Iconic HM4 twin-pod configuration resembling an aircraft
- Charity: Created exclusively for Only Watch auction benefiting Duchenne muscular dystrophy research
- Patronage: Under the distinguished patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco
Background: MB&F and the Only Watch Initiative
MB&F, founded by Max Büsser, has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking with their "Horological Machines" and "Legacy Machines" collections. The HM4, first introduced in 2010, remains one of the brand's most recognizable designs with its aviation-inspired aesthetics and complex mechanical architecture.
The Only Watch auction, organized by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy, brings together the world's finest watchmakers to create unique pieces for charity. Since its inception in 2005, the auction has raised over EUR 100 million for medical research.
For those interested in learning more about complex watch modifications and custom builds, explore our guides on NH35 vs NH36 vs NH34 movement comparison and Seiko mod compatibility checklist.
Huang Hankang: The Artist Behind the Panda
Chinese artist Huang Hankang is known for his whimsical and detailed sculptural works that often feature pandas and other cultural motifs. His collaboration with MB&F for the Only Watch represents a fusion of Eastern artistic traditions with Swiss mechanical innovation.
The miniature flying panda bear created for the HM4 Only Watch demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship at a micro scale, requiring precise attention to detail to integrate seamlessly with the watch's complex mechanical architecture.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | HM4 Only Watch |
| Movement | Twin automatic, 301 components |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Case Material | Titanium with custom artistic elements |
| Artistic Collaboration | Huang Hankang (Chinese artist) |
| Charity | Only Watch - Duchenne muscular dystrophy research |
| Patronage | HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Only Watch auction?
The Only Watch auction is a biennial charity event organized by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy. World-renowned watchmakers create unique, one-of-a-kind timepieces that are auctioned to raise funds for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Since 2005, the event has raised over EUR 100 million for medical research.
Who is Huang Hankang?
Huang Hankang is a Chinese artist known for his detailed sculptural works featuring pandas and cultural motifs. His collaboration with MB&F for the HM4 Only Watch created a unique miniature flying panda bear figure that pilots the watch's distinctive design.
What makes the HM4 unique?
The MB&F HM4 (Horological Machine No. 4) features an iconic twin-pod design inspired by aviation. The watch uses two separate automatic movements to power dual displays, with a power reserve indicator showing the remaining energy in both barrels. Its distinctive appearance has made it one of MB&F's most recognizable creations since its introduction in 2010.
Source
According to www.mbandf.com, this information is based on MB&F's official announcement of the HM4 Only Watch collaboration with Chinese artist Huang Hankang under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.