In Conversation With Maximilian Büsser of MB&F | Hodinkee Radio

Max Büsser got his start in watches working with Jaeger-LeCoultre during the rebirth of traditional watchmaking in the 1990s. From there, he joined Harry Winston and launched its Opus series, collaborating with independent watchmakers like F.P. Journe. Then, in 2005 he started his own brand, Max Büsser and Friends. His Horological and Legacy Machines are like no other watches, pieces of kinetic art.

On today’s episode, Tony is joined by Max and Benjamin Clymer to talk about his entire career, including his nearly 20 years at MB&F. They also talk about the current state of innovation and creativity in the watch industry, the recent investment in MB&F by Chanel, and what’s next for Max and MB&F.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro; Who is Max Büsser, and his relationship with Hodinkee
05:35 Max's philosophy at MB&F, how far the brand has come, and its impact on the watch world
11:33 Max's introduction to the watch industry in the 90s and his time at Jaeger-LeCoultre
17:59 Max's proudest products of the 90s from JLC
22:18 Max's perception of Lange and German watchmaking in the early 90s
25:55 The energy in the Swiss watch industry in the early 90s
28:11 The perception of creativity in independent brands vs. larger brands
34:56 Risk-taking in MB&F
38:00 MB&F trends in Legacy Machines and Horological Machines
41:50 Max's management of growth at MB&F
45:44 The hardest part of being an independent brand today
47:50 Chanel's minority investment in MB&F
52:07 Anything to expect from MB&F in the near future?
53:41 Something cool on your desk
54:45 Outro

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#watch #hodinkee #luxuryaccessories #watchindustry #luxurywatches #watchfanatic #luxurywatch #mbandf #hodinkeeradio #chanel #jaegerlecoultre

[SpookyConcepts]

I thoroughly enjoy hearing Max talk in every interview he does. Thanks for sharing a new one! Not only is max a wizard in terms of watchmaking, but I really appreciate his approach to business. He sold Chanel on a business plan that doesn't grow infinitely like every other business out there, but in fact has shrinking profits year after year. In an age of growth-at-all-costs capitalism, I really appreciate the perspective of stepping back and refusing growth. I think that in the long term, that kind of thinking will benefit all of us as humans. Thanks for the interview and thank you Max, this was a treat

[aquavitae]

What a great conversation! Pls keep it up Hodinkee. Max Busser is a gem of a man. Perhaps its the engineer in me, but i do feel a kindred spirit with him.

[marcn]

Lovely interview. Honest and kind. As a collector, I would like to wish MB & F continued success. I would also like to wish Hodinkee well and hope to see more of these type of candid interviews. Best wishes from Singapore.

[mate.herner]

Wow, another incredibly interesting episode - thank you!

[HRM.H]

Will be interesting to see what Chanel and MB&F will be doing together

[Sokol_]

Max telling that Genta was „very proud of himself” and then telling that he planned succesion to save MB&F after his death was hilarious. Some guys from top keep forgetting that they are making just watches and not hospitals or cure for cancer. Still great conversation and great story telling by Max

[kennethc]

AP could release a prototype caliber and than actually release it. The car industry often does prototypes, but wishfully and hopefully a design comes out in a future vehicle. Where is the AP prototype in a current of future watch? Actually curious.

[kennethc]

"Staying Alive" not like John Tavolta. 😂

[cdm]

Zoom doesn’t work. Do in-person, or just don’t bother.