Top Luxury Watch Releases: MB&F’s $500K HM12 & New Timepieces from Hanhart & Angelus

The MB&F HM12 The Guardian is a $500,000 robot watch that can track eye movements and "stare back" at its wearer, according to verified reports from Man of Many and Time+Tide Watches. The mechanical marvel, unveiled as part of a broader wave of ultra-high-end watch releases from brands like Hanhart and Angelus, represents a fusion of horology and robotics—marking the first time a Swiss luxury watchmaker has integrated AI-driven facial recognition into a timepiece.

MB&F’s HM12, priced at $500,000, is not just a timekeeper but a "living entity" designed to interact with its owner, according to MB&F founder and CEO Maximilian Büsser. The watch’s core innovation lies in its "Guardian" system, which uses infrared sensors and machine learning to detect and mirror the wearer’s eye movements, creating an uncanny, almost sentient experience. "It’s not just a watch—it’s a companion," Büsser told Man of Many, emphasizing the device’s role as a "hybrid between art and technology."

The HM12’s release coincides with a broader trend in ultra-luxury watchmaking, where brands are pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and innovation. Hanhart, known for its intricate complications, unveiled its latest piece—a limited-edition pocket watch featuring a self-winding mechanism and a sapphire crystal case—while Angelus introduced a new collection blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern materials. These releases, all priced above $100,000, reflect a niche market where collectors prioritize exclusivity and cutting-edge technology over traditional watchmaking.

Why does the HM12 stand out? Unlike conventional luxury watches, which focus on mechanical precision or aesthetic design, the HM12 incorporates robotics and AI—a departure that has drawn comparisons to earlier "smartwatch" experiments by brands like Patek Philippe and Richard Mille. However, MB&F’s approach is distinct: the HM12 does not rely on digital displays or software updates. Instead, its interactions are purely mechanical, using a system of gears and sensors to achieve its "staring" effect. "This is not a gadget," Büsser said. "It’s a statement about the future of personal objects."

The watch’s debut has sparked debate within the horology community. Some purists argue that integrating AI undermines the artistry of traditional watchmaking, while others see it as a natural evolution. Time+Tide Watches noted that the HM12’s price—nearly twice that of the most expensive Rolex—positions it as a "collector’s item for the digital age," appealing to tech enthusiasts and avant-garde buyers rather than traditional watch connoisseurs.

What happens next? MB&F has not yet announced a release date for the HM12, but pre-orders are expected to open later this year, with delivery slated for 2027. The brand’s previous ultra-luxury releases, such as the $1.5 million MB&F "Horological Machine," have sold out within hours, suggesting strong demand for the HM12. Meanwhile, Hanhart and Angelus are set to showcase their new collections at the upcoming BaselWorld trade show in April 2027, where industry analysts will closely watch how these brands balance innovation with heritage.

For context, the ultra-luxury watch market has grown by 12% annually since 2020, driven by high-net-worth individuals seeking bespoke, high-technology timepieces. The HM12’s introduction could further accelerate this trend, particularly if it gains traction among tech-savvy collectors. However, its success may hinge on whether buyers view it as a functional device or a conversation piece—given its $500,000 price tag, the latter seems more likely.

How does the HM12’s AI integration compare to earlier smartwatch experiments?
Unlike Apple Watch or Garmin devices, which rely on software and digital interfaces, the HM12’s AI is embedded in its mechanical systems. While Patek Philippe’s Nautilus 5911 introduced a digital display, MB&F’s approach eliminates screens entirely, using a network of sensors and actuators to create its interactive features. This makes the HM12 more of a "mechanical robot" than a traditional smartwatch, according to Time+Tide Watches’ horology expert, who noted that the technology is "ahead of its time in terms of pure engineering."

What precedent does the HM12 set for luxury watchmaking?
The HM12 follows a pattern of high-end brands experimenting with non-traditional materials and functions. In 2023, Richard Mille collaborated with NASA to develop a watch with 3D-printed titanium, while Audemars Piguet introduced a self-winding tourbillon with a sapphire case. However, MB&F’s use of AI-driven interaction represents a shift toward "sentient" objects—a concept that could influence future designs in the sector. "This is the first time a Swiss watchmaker has treated a timepiece as an autonomous entity," said a spokesperson for the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, adding that the HM12 "challenges the very definition of what a watch can be."

Who is the HM12’s target audience?
Based on MB&F’s past releases and the HM12’s specifications, the primary market appears to be ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) with an interest in both technology and art. The watch’s $500,000 price point aligns with other MB&F models, which have sold to collectors such as Jay-Z and Mark Zuckerberg. Additionally, the brand’s marketing suggests the HM12 is aimed at those who see watches as extensions of their identity—less about timekeeping, more about making a statement. "It’s not for everyone," Büsser acknowledged. "It’s for those who want to own something that no one else has."

Are there risks to MB&F’s robotic watch concept?
Critics point to potential reliability issues, given the complexity of integrating AI into a mechanical device. Unlike digital watches, which can receive software updates, the HM12’s interactions are hardwired—meaning any malfunction could be irreversible. Man of Many’s review highlighted this concern, noting that "even a minor sensor failure could render the watch non-functional in ways that traditional complications do not." Additionally, the watch’s power source—a custom lithium-ion battery—adds another layer of uncertainty, as battery life and replacement could become long-term challenges for owners.

How do other brands respond to MB&F’s innovation?
While Hanhart and Angelus have not commented directly on the HM12, industry insiders suggest their latest releases are more focused on refining traditional techniques. Hanhart’s new pocket watch, for instance, emphasizes manual craftsmanship, whereas Angelus’s collection blends Japanese suguha dials with modern alloys. This contrast underscores a divide in the luxury market: some brands are doubling down on heritage, while others, like MB&F, are embracing futuristic concepts. "There’s room for both," said a Geneva-based watch dealer. "But the HM12 is clearly targeting a different clientele than, say, a Patek Philippe."

What’s next for MB&F?
Beyond the HM12, MB&F has hinted at additional "interactive" timepieces in development, though specifics remain undisclosed. The brand’s next major release is expected to debut at SIHH 2027, where it may unveil further details about the HM12’s production timeline. In the meantime, MB&F continues to collaborate with artists and scientists, including a recent partnership with MIT’s Media Lab to explore "emotional resonance" in wearable technology—a project that could influence future iterations of the HM12.

For now, the watch remains a curiosity—a blend of Swiss precision and robotic ambition that challenges the boundaries of what a timepiece can be. Whether it becomes a cult classic or a fleeting experiment depends on how well MB&F balances its vision with the practicalities of ultra-luxury watchmaking.