Talking Watches With Maximilian Büsser, Founder Of MB&F

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I present to you the tale of the progress of one engineer, watchmaker (though he insists he is not one), and one of the main architects of the notion of fine watchmaking not as the rote reiteration of past triumphs, but rather the invention of unforeseen ideas. Presented for your consideration, the life and career, told in watches, of one Maximilian Büsser - who remembers things which increasingly, we should, and do not.
This is Talking Watches with Maximilian Büsser of MB&F.
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[@brklynjosh]

For me, who has watched the Talking Watches series from the beginning, this one is really special. Max makes you see watches again for the first time. Thanks Hodinkee and Jack!

[@roochmartinez102]

Well said and so much truth to this.

[@charliejordan5282]

I was able to finance my wrist watch business with the profits I made from my Altcoin investment in just 8months. I couldn't even believe I started my business without any loan.

[@hathaway.1166]

@@charliejordan5282 Can I buy the Paul Newman Daytona if I invest in Altcoin?

[@hathaway.1166]

@Charlie Jordan Can I also buy the whole Apple company? heard it cost only about a trilion bucks....

[@margaretgreen151]

@Charlie Jordan Well said! , I'm into stocks and Altcoin investment as well. I make good return from them.

[@mrigaanko]

Forget watches, Max and Jack’s conversation are lessons on life. Stay humble, stay mad, celebrate the people in your life, say thank you. A lesson for every leader. Thank you.

[@mfdeerhunter]

One of the best Talking Watches ever, really admire how humble Max is, loves how he doesn’t forget to give credit to other people where it’s due. While most of the MB&F watches are not something that suits my taste (and my wallet), I always like their crazy and conceptual designs, especially their collaborations with L’Epee

[@TWHowl]

Okay, I keep seeing these kind of comments about how “this” or that episode is a return to form for talking watches…except these comments exist on every video 🤔 Maybe talking watches has just been good the entire time 🙄

[@YongJoonPaek]

My dad's watch is an ebel wave from the 80s. Hearing Max talk about the brand in this way, makes me re-evaluate how cool my dad must have been when he was younger!

[@koolpep]

It’s so hard to view products in their historical context. You are spot on, your Dad must have been a very cool person.

[@SuperPeleke]

"To celebrate that I was alive, I jumped on a bus and bought my dream watch." - we can all relate. 🤣

[@etamarshamoil2739]

After you buy a watch you celebrate by buying another watch.

[@SuperPeleke]

@@etamarshamoil2739 I like the way you think

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Non! He's a ditz, basically, they both are.

[@mikem8211]

@Etamar shamoil I'm stuck in this cycle myself. How do you make it stop? The minute I buy one I think about Mt next one 🤣

[@henrylee8510]

Miyota, seiko, Ebel. For an ultra high end watch company, he sure appreciates all price ranges and is not a snob.

[@mcolombi95]

This man is an absolute legend. Such a passionate and genuine watch enthusiast. You see the joy in his eyes every time he talkes about his products and his company. And man, his storytelling is insane: if he held a 4-hour speech about his refrigerator, be sure I will still be there listening to him and feeling his passion. He's one of the true gems that make this industry so amazing. Thanks Max, for everything you do for watchmaking.

[@jameshsu2558]

I had an honor to meet Max and sat down with him for a lovely dinner two years ago in Shanghai. We talked about an hour. He told me a story of him buying a vintage Corvette. He paid top dollar for the best example he could find. At the time he thought he overpaid. but later with the vintage car market skyrocketed, I think he made the right decision. Max is the guy who never settles. He just wants to be the best that he can be. Hopefully when the whole Covid situation settles down, I can see him again. What a great individual.

[@lazyguitarguy22]

This dude is a freaking genius! And an excellent human being. He deserves all his success. Now to save my pennies to buy one of his pieces.

[@tanbenghooi86]

rare video when a founder gives credit and tribute to those who he meets, learn, create, brainstorm, and enjoyed watches !

[@LTLMedia]

I really enjoy that Maximilian talks about Ebel watches. I feel like it's a great timepiece and brand that's gotten lost in the shuffle. I hope it reemerges someday in the mix of conversation.

[@mcstarling07]

Believe they're part of the Movado group now, so all hope may be lost for the foreseeable future. Concord is in that group as well. I would love to see all 3 of those brands make a return to their heritage (Concord, Ebel, and Movado).

[@LTLMedia]

@@mcstarling07 I agree! Lots of potential!

[@cesarsaucedo5110]

What a great storyteller, appears to be honest and humble. Good episode, HODINKEE!

[@jorgeandresposadavillada1384]

Is just a joy to hear someone that really knows his business and it is passionate about the industry and thankful for the competition.

[@spongebens]

I don't comment often, but I just had to say this is one of the best Talking Watches episodes. Maybe one of the best watch videos out there. Great storyteller, creative genius, but very humble and gives credit where it's due 💯

[@dannysimenauer5745]

MB&F is an amazing company. Max reminds me of Enzo Ferrari and his ability to engineer a one of a kind product when everybody seems to focus on circular watch designs. Kudos to Hodinkee for introducing us to Max and doing such a personal interview. Interestingly enough, the sayings his mother taught him were taught to me by my mom. Small World…

[@samuelbrown2062]

Well done Hodinkee team. This is the best episode of ‘Talking Watches’ by a very wide margin. Also, what a breath of fresh air with not a single Rolex or Patek on the desk!

[@tictocbang7443]

My favorite episode ever. As a collector since the mid-90s, watchmaking history is far more interesting to me than a table of acquisitions. Max is the greatest.

[@sunnystalham623]

In this moment of speechlessness all I can think is ‘wow. A truly insightful and inspirational encounter!!

[@mbrennanc1701]

I agree with Josh Himwich's comment 100%. Best episode ever. Inspiring from start to finish on so many levels.

[@MasterEye6590]

This is totally a next level collection. Max isn't a simple collector - he is a curator and a creator. When I hear him talking about watches I always think that he is totally feeling what he is doing. Great guy and perhaps the best Talking Watches so far.

[@tracephoto1823]

Kind of speechless after watching this. The depth and breadth of the watch industry truly is only as endless as our imaginations.

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

His designs are not for me, but he's clearly a genius, and he's hired several geniuses to work with him. And I love how humble he seems to be, and all the credit he gives to others.

[@robertbd0404]

omg......i can listen to this two guys hour's.......the best video about watches,passions ,ambition or just a wish to do somethings special,different and so near to perfection....

[@pamisavejr]

This is one of the best Talking Watches. Amazing storytelling, a passionate artist, humble, giving credit where credit is due, humble. Bravo Hodinkee and Jack!

[@JetCooper3D]

Massive new fan. As a designer, I am in awe of this man and company…

[@brandinator1996]

Jack is a fantastic interviewer. Whenever he speaks he provides valuable input but lets the subject tell their story most of the time.

[@sautante]

Hands down my favourite episode of Talking Watches, the passion he imbues into his craft is so infectious!

[@Supercruze]

By far one of the best "Talking Watches" I have ever seen. Great content and interview. What passion in watchmaking.

[@sennefierens2708]

Loved this episode! Maximilian speaks with so much enthusiasm, it's contagious

[@domokun938]

One of the best talking watches

[@lingogringo]

One of the most surprising (pleasantly) and enjoyable Talking Watches episodes. The passion exibihted by Mr. Büsser has earned my respect. Simply fantastics!

[@xdfckt2564]

His personality has floored me. Would like to thank his mother's soul.

[@kellerlambert]

Absolutely inspiring. What an episode, what a unique story and perspective.

[@166293]

A simply fantastic episode of Talking Watches - thanks Max Büsser and Jack Forster!

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Fantastic interview. Suprisingly fresh and interesting. More like this, please.

[@lucacadianalbert]

one of the most engaging Talking Watches to date..should have been an hour long! Thanks Jack!

[@powayimports4175]

Wow, wow, wow!! Easily the best since John mayors talking watches I’ve seen yet! Thank you!! This guy is a class act and such a great person to represent the industry in the way I want to view it. Very inspiring

[@watchgeek6712]

This Talking Watches with Maximilian is fantastic! This episode and the Todd Levin one are my two favorites. You can see and hear the joy he has for watches. I agree with other commenters that you also see how humble Maximilian is. After watching this I am convinced MB&F is not a work place, rather a gathering of creativity and an expression of joy!

[@kevin.feng1]

Hands down, the greatest talking watches episode of all time. Creative genius, watches, business, life philosophy, and storytelling all packed into one beautiful video!

[@msherlock1607]

Max like so many others is extraordinarily humble, but in actuality is a legend in his own right. Bravo Max, keep up the great work

[@abba136]

One of the best Talking Watches so far. Amazing 👏

[@vgcamara]

Superb interview! Every time I see an interview with Max it it's a smile on my face. Such a nice guy! His pieces are not only creative, they are horologically unbelievable. Kudos to him and his team 👍

[@andrewcumming4018]

You have to be congratulated. These are excellent talks. Every person you interview is so humble and easy to gain insight too. I'm not a watch person, but I do love mechanical watches. Thank you so much.

[@CryHermesCry]

Max gave so much thanks and praises. What a great video about watchmaking and gratitude. I'm happy that MB&F thrived in what could have been the worst year.

[@lcm6091]

awesome interview with an equally awesome man. The enthusiasm Max has for his craft is a pleasure to see. Also it is refreshing to here Max praise all the people who have inspired or has contributed to the brand. Just a delight. Thanks

[@jmbaug1229]

What a beautiful episode 💫✨🤩 Thank you ! Greetings from Greenwich, London. J

[@Aneosody]

How does talking watches KEEP getting better?! This is the best one to date just wow amazing watches, amazing stories.

[@angrydriver2023]

Absolutely amazing episode of Talking Watches.

[@tsj8762]

By far, the best episode yet!

[@alawisnu6990]

Definitely the best Talking Watches episode, keep it up!

[@richardbaptist5080]

One of the ultimate talking watches!! Such a great guy. And the MAD edition is being made. Yaayy!!

[@Ceteth]

I haven't finish video yet, but I just wanted to say it's one of the best Talking Watches I saw. Mr Busser, it was a pleasure.

[@sumitkar8146]

What an awesome interview - the passion shines through

[@ScreaminEagle35]

I hope this man never goes bankrupt. Absolutely inspiring and creative dude and excited to see his watchmaking see a broader audience. Hope the brand stays for decades and centuries to come

[@nilupul12]

my favorite talking watches so far,

[@dr.ns23]

Amazing episode. Max is a great guy and makes you love watches all over again. Thanks Hodinkee and Max

[@andreaseriksson7327]

Wow!!! Great interview! I think Max and MB&F is absolutely amazing! One of the best Talking Watches on a long time! Keep up the good work! 🙏🏻😊✨

[@patrickelrafih]

I’m sat here with a Patek collection book beside me. Watching this video truly shows how much creativity exists outside the legacy brands we’ve all been groomed to put atop the horological pedestal. AMAZING WATCHES! Thank you

[@ycrecon]

One of the best guests. And what a fantastic collection.

[@Nvlutey27]

Seriously one of the best episodes to date.

[@user-gc7qn8is6w]

one of the best interviews I've seen. Such an inspiring person.

[@ottovonbismark33]

wow hodinkee - the quality of this content is exemplary. 1st of all an actual watch enthusiast who has been in the process for decades- no gaudiness - Just pure love for the things he owns - and how pleasing to see a CEO giving credit to his team and completely excluding from giving credit to himself.

[@aryanothman.]

I can watch a 4 hour long video of maximilian talking and geeking about watches and never get bored.

[@DonFrankos]

What an absolutely brilliant episode. Up there with the JCB episode in terms of enthusiasm. People will come back to this every once in a while as wel I'm sure.

[@MrVoayer]

What a highly admirable artristry from the team at MB&F ! And Maximilian seem to be dream driven, passionate and very gentle peson ! A video to watch and enjoy many times !

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Max is so inspirational. I hope he continues doing what he does, thinking out of the box! Great interview!

[@MegaSale89]

Awesome episode! I really appreciate Max’s uniqueness in design and approach to watchmaking. I like he gives credit to people he works with, which is not very common these days. Also, its nice to listen to someone so well spoken.

[@renenemj1]

So different to see a Talking Watches with a guest whose life basically revolves around watches, he gives another perspective on them.

[@rodrigogutierrezreyes4702]

This is hands down one of the best talking watches EVER!!! ⚡⚡⚡

[@diavalus]

The story about JLC Reverso is really interesting, I had no clue about that!

[@Grumps5]

The knowledge & stories are amazing....a watch enthusiast at its max.

[@Mrmrnobodymr]

Huge respect to Max and to team hodinkee for this episode

[@bramsltd]

Art meets function. My favorite watchmaker. So great to see the passion. These pieces will be true collectors items one day. So excited to see the next creations! “The only thing I’m sure of is I’m sure of nothing”……

[@Geoffrey150]

Very inspiring! I was in the store in Geneva just last week! Loved everything about it. And the passion of the store-owner. So nice. Now I see this video and it only affirms my feeling. Great energy, great spirit! ❤️

[@WatchMeEDC]

Max is one of my favorite people in the watch industry. Great admiration for his vision and drive to be unique, create his own path, and make it about more than the actual watchmaking itself. Great episode! Oh and the Legacy Machine is a grail!

[@PlasticDuckMachine]

Been watching watch content for a bit of time now. this guy just is such an inspiration .

[@RT8473]

See his face hear his voice when he explain his Jaeger.. you can tell how much he really love watches 👍👍

[@St._Peter]

Max B. is BEST!!!! Thanks HODINKEE.

[@OneManReviews]

Max's passion about watches makes you look at them from a very different respective. Thanks for that episode and thanks to Jack for being a great listener.

[@JochenVogel]

Hats off to Mr. Büsser. This was a truly inspiring video, even if it is very unlikely that an MB&F watch will ever adorn my left wrist.

[@peterzwegat5380]

Awesome episode. I think you listened at the critics. This shows that you do not need to have the same taste to appreciate watches and craftsmanship! Great storyteller!

[@lloydsaxton3183]

The best talking watches episode ever!

[@KolinKrake]

What a fantastic episode.

[@jasonleungis]

This the best TED talk I’ve seen in ages 😀

[@patricknaswell2686]

Wow! Great episode! I learned so much.

[@90srulz91]

Wow, amazing talking watches. One of the best - so many interesting choices.

[@kentan8536]

Such passion and joy. I envy you.

[@carlotarantino7462]

Chapeau to Mr. MB&F! They create masterpiece to wear on a wrist.

[@morgan97475]

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds. Great interview. Thanks for this.

[@trevorjamesbradley3010]

This was awesome. I love to hear the inner thoughts of someone who can actually move the “needle”. Dream something big and make it happen.

[@major949]

I'm obsessed with MB&F. This man is truly a watch genius

[@marlondecastro]

The only youtube video I watched from start to end! Absolutely amazing Max! Great job hodinkee

[@michaeloneil3653]

"You want to see the balance wheel and escapement" I feel that 🥰 such an inspiring episode!!!

[@thevalet2011]

What I liked about this episode shows that even watchmakers are interesting get very nutty about watches and I purely love it. What I appreciate that he can appreciate high horology like a Kari Voutilainen and forgotten timepieces like a Ebel Chronograph and the Seiko Discus Burger.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

easily the best talking watches ever

[@abdullahaydemir6243]

I have to say, this video and especially Maximilian is amazing

[@joshn.5625]

Great video. What a charming, interesting, and enthusiastic man. It has given me a new appreciation for his watches.

[@tomisetala5222]

Propably best TW episode. Thanks

[@madisonnewyork]

The type of ep that sorta transcends watches. Life lessons thanks

[@seanang7845]

Always loved Max and now even more so , great vid 👍👍👍