MB&F Introduces a Brand-New Family – but This Time, It Isn’t a Watch!
Introducing the Minimilians
MB&F is delighted to introduce the Minimilians, a quirky collection of collectible, alien-like creatures. Each creature’s head is modeled after the various watches in the MB&F collection. Picture Minimilian Frog with its pop-out eyes, Minimilian Thunderbolt with cool aviation vibes, and Minimilian Aquapod with its chubby round face. Since its inception in 2005, MB&F has developed over 20 different calibres in about 30 distinct case shapes, and now each one has its own unique figurine.
A Special Treat for The Tribe Members
Starting today, for every MB&F watch registered at The Tribe (the MB&F owners club), whether brand new or from the secondary market, owners will receive a matching Minimilian figurine free of charge. This offer extends to watches already registered at The Tribe. With around 1,600 existing registered watches, the first batch of Minimilians is set to be mailed out in July 2024. The name “Minimilians” is a cheeky nod to a well-known MB&F team member.
Strengthening the Community
The Tribe boasts a close-knit community of about 1,100 MB&F owners. The Minimilians are more than just cool collectibles; they symbolize membership in this exclusive club, offering perks like special event access and exclusive products. Tribe members can also extend their watches’ two-year warranty by another two years if it’s currently under warranty. The Minimilians are a token of gratitude to Tribe members for their support over the nearly 20-year journey of MB&F.
Registering Your MB&F Watch
For MB&F owners who haven’t yet registered their watch at The Tribe, the process takes just a few minutes, though you might need a loupe to spot the serial number. Once registered, the corresponding Minimilian will be boxed up and sent to its new home.
A Tangible Connection
Every MB&F watch represents a journey, and each Minimilian celebrates a milestone in that journey. Unlike many brands diving into the digital world with blockchain, MB&F stays grounded with tangible treasures, reflecting their philosophy of real, touchable art.
The Creative Process Behind the Minimilians
MB&F stands for Maximilian Büsser & Friends, and the Minimilian figurines are created by three existing “Friends”: Maximilian Maertens (the designer), AB Concept (the manufacturer), and Olivier Berthon (packaging).
- Design: Maximilian Maertens, a longtime collaborator with MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser, designed the individual characters. Inspired by the chubby ghost from the 1984 Ghostbusters movie poster, he studied each MB&F watch model in detail to capture essential features for 3D printing.
- Manufacturing: AB Concept, led by Aurélien Bouchet, used state-of-the-art 3D printing to create the polyamide figurines. This durable and shock-resistant material is transformed from powder to grey figurines, which are then painted white to accentuate their features.
- Packaging: Olivier Berthon from Soixante et Onze, a longtime Friend of MB&F, designed the packaging. Each Minimilian box, made from high-quality foam, ensures the figurines are protected during transit.
For more details on The Tribe and the Minimilians, visit www.mbandf.com/thetribe.
