Artist Sage Vaughn Creates Unique MB&F HM2 for 2009 Only Watch Charity Auction

Introduction

MB&F, the independent Swiss watchmaking brand founded by Max Büsser, presented a one-of-a-kind interpretation of its Horological Machine No. 2 (HM2) at the 2009 Only Watch charity auction. This unique piece was signed by American artist Sage Vaughn, whose distinctive artistic vision brought a fresh perspective to MB&F's avant-garde design language. The collaboration represents a fascinating intersection of contemporary art and haute horlogerie.

About Sage Vaughn

Sage Vaughn is an American artist known for his work that spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. His artistic practice explores themes of nature, mortality, and the relationship between beauty and decay. Vaughn's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and his distinctive style — characterized by bold imagery and emotional depth — has earned him recognition in both the contemporary art and luxury goods worlds.

Vaughn's involvement with the HM2 Only Watch project brought his unique artistic vision to the world of haute horlogerie, creating a timepiece that functions simultaneously as a wearable work of art and a mechanical instrument.

The HM2 Platform

The Horological Machine No. 2 is one of MB&F's most architecturally ambitious creations. First introduced in 2008, the HM2 features a distinctive "porthole" case design with two separate display zones — one for the hours and minutes, and another for the date and moon phase. The movement was developed in collaboration with independent watchmaker Jean-François Mojon, who designed the complex mechanism that drives the watch's multiple complications.

The HM2's case design is inspired by the form of a jet engine, with a curved, aerodynamic profile that wraps around the wrist. This unconventional shape serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, providing the necessary space for the dual-display architecture while creating a distinctive visual presence.

The Only Watch 2009 Edition

According to mbandf.com, this "one-of-a-kind interpretation of MB&F's HM2, signed by the American artist Sage Vaughn, was presented at the 2009 Only Watch charity auction." The piece combined MB&F's mechanical innovation with Vaughn's artistic vision, creating a timepiece that transcended the boundaries of conventional luxury watchmaking.

The 2009 edition of Only Watch was held in Monaco on September 24, 2009. The auction featured contributions from 34 of the world's most prestigious watch brands, with all proceeds benefiting research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. MB&F's contribution through the Sage Vaughn-signed HM2 added a unique dimension to the auction, demonstrating how contemporary art and traditional watchmaking can come together for a charitable cause.

Technical Specifications

The Intersection of Art and Watchmaking

The collaboration between MB&F and Sage Vaughn illustrates the growing importance of artistic partnerships in the luxury watch industry. By inviting contemporary artists to reinterpret their mechanical creations, brands like MB&F are expanding the definition of what a watch can be — transforming functional instruments into cultural objects that carry artistic, emotional, and collectible value.

This approach resonates with a new generation of collectors who seek watches that tell stories, provoke thought, and reflect personal taste rather than simply displaying wealth or status. The HM2 Only Watch by Sage Vaughn embodies this philosophy, combining mechanical complexity with artistic expression in a single, unique object.

Internal Resources for Watch Enthusiasts

To learn more about watch movements and their technical characteristics, explore our NH35 vs NH36 vs NH34 movement guide. For information about watch care and maintenance, see our water resistance testing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sage Vaughn?

Sage Vaughn is an American artist known for work that spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. His artistic practice explores themes of nature, mortality, and the relationship between beauty and decay, with work exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.

What is the Only Watch auction?

Only Watch is a biennial charity auction organized by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy. Watchmakers contribute unique timepieces that are auctioned to raise funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive genetic disorder.

What makes the HM2 platform unique?

The HM2 features a distinctive "porthole" case design with two separate display zones — one for hours and minutes, and another for date and moon phase. The movement was developed in collaboration with independent watchmaker Jean-François Mojon.

Source

According to mbandf.com — MB&F HM2 Only Watch by Sage Vaughn