The New MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO Taipei Edition

MB&F has yet to introduce a luxury sports watch that instantly screams ‘luxury sports watch’. For now, the closest you can come to a sporty MB&F timepiece is through the brand’s EVO sub-line, which includes the Perpetual, Sequential, and Split Escapement Legacy Machines. The EVO line timepieces are presented in cases featuring a screw-down crown with up to 80 metres of water resistance, an integrated rubber strap, and a FlexRing, MB&F’s shock-absorbing system. All these elements make MB&F EVO watches wearable and appealing to people with an active lifestyle or looking to wear their MB&F more or less regularly. The latest to join the ranks is the MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO Taipei Edition.

The LM Split Escapement EVO references have been available for a couple of years, both as limited and serial production pieces. In 2021, the brand quietly released a 10-piece limited edition with a salmon dial, marking 50 years since the founding of the United Arab Emirates. An appealing version with an “Icy Cool” dial and slate grey sub-dials became part of the serial production lineup in 2022. That same year, a limited edition of 25 LM Split Escapement EVO watches with a black base dial and dark blue sub-dials was exclusively produced for the Beverly Hills MB&F LAB. And now, this new edition enters the equation with a black & green colour scheme exclusive to the MB&F Lab in Taipei, Taiwan.

While the primary difference between the earlier LM SE EVOs and the new Taipei edition lies in its aesthetics, the backstory of how the Split Escapement came into existence is genuinely fascinating, and we encourage you to delve into our account of it. For those acquainted with the model and its various iterations, you’ll quickly notice that the Taipei edition boasts a familiar 44mm titanium case with a unique no-bezel construction. This design melds the domed sapphire crystal directly into the case, creating an open, airy dial. At its heart, the 14mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws takes centre stage, gracefully suspended from an exquisitely crafted bridge.

Depending on the lighting and reflection, the dial’s base plate appears in either a deep black or dark grey hue. The off-centre time dial elegantly sports a rich dark green tone, harmonizing with the rings denoting the date at 10 o’clock and the substantial 72-hour power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock.

Within the case, the movement is secured by the monobloc “FlexRing” system, skillfully engineered to absorb both vertical and horizontal shocks resulting from sudden movements or impacts. The movement is as captivating as the dial, with MB&F lavishing particular attention on its finishing. Most components have been darkened, while the moving wheels are finished in rose gold. This contrast enhances the watch’s character and aesthetic appeal.

The MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO Taipei Edition featured in our photographs is paired with a dark grey rubber strap. However, a white option is also available for those seeking a different look. The watch is exclusively made available through MB&F’s partner Swiss Prestige through the MB&F Lab in Taipei, Taiwan, in a limited run of just 20 pieces. It retails for TWD 3,200,000 incl. 5% VAT (this is in Taiwanese dollars, which equates to about EUR 94,000).

For more information, please visit MBandF.com or MADGallery.net.