MB&F LM Sequential Flyback EVO

Following in the footsteps of the award-winning LM Sequential EVO of 2022, MB&F’s first chronograph, or rather two chronographs, with an unprecedented combination of timing modes, MB&F treats its more sophisticated LM Sequential Flyback to the brand’s all-terrain EVO treatment, a series of structural upgrades to beef up the case for an active lifestyle. Its new titanium habitat is lightweight yet resilient, fortified with shock absorbers, a screw-down crown for increased water-resistance, and other design features geared for real-life situations.

Wizard watchmaker Stephen McDonnell, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking Legacy Machine Perpetual of 2015, likes to think outside the box. Having reinvented the perpetual calendar mechanism with his ingenious “mechanical processor”, McDonnell rose to the challenge of creating MB&F’s first chronograph. The result was the mind-blowing LM Sequential EVO with two independent column-wheel chronographs linked to the same oscillator. Equipped with his Twinverter switch, which instantly toggles between operating modes, the user can select four different timing modes.

In 2024, McDonnell raised the complication stakes by adding a flyback function to the chronograph, becoming the LM Sequential Flyback with five separate modes for timing and flyback functionality for both chronographs. However, unlike the more robust Sequential EVO, the Sequential Flyback donned a classical Legacy Machine case in platinum with five pushers and a screw-down crown, but with a lower 30m depth rating.

Ready to embrace life’s adventures, the LM Sequential Flyback returns in EVO armour in a 44mm titanium case with a height of 18.2mm, an aquamarine dial plate, and, as a novelty, a tilted dial for improved legibility. Introduced in 2020 on the LM Perpetual, MB&F’s EVO treatment includes the proprietary FlexRing shock absorber positioned between the case and the movement to protect the mechanism during active use. Other EVO features, like the screw-down crown, safeguard the case to depths of 80m. The hollowed-out, sandblasted lugs produce a sportier, more contemporary feel, complemented by the integrated white rubber strap.

While the layout and functions are identical to the more classical LM Sequential Flyback, the double chronograph counters – 60 seconds at 9 and 3 o’clock and 30 minutes at 11 and 1 o’clock – are black with white inscriptions and indicated by Super-LumiNova-treated hands. Naturally, the flying balance wheel suspended above the four counters dominates the scenery, but the black hours and minutes disc is now tilted towards the wearer with lumed hands.

The four pushers corresponding to the twin flyback chronograph mechanisms are accompanied by a fifth pusher at 9 o’clock for the Twinverter, a magical button that controls both chronographs and inverts the current running state of each at once, letting you start, stop or swap them in a single push. The “magic button” can be used in independent mode, simultaneous or split-second mode, cumulative mode, sequential or lap-timer mode and flyback mode.

A single movement with two independent chronographs demands a lot of power. To address the problem, McDonnell developed jewelled vertical clutches, which reduce friction and prevent the flyback from producing the return-to-zero block. A special jewelled roller was developed for the flyback mechanism, allowing the Sequential calibre to outperform conventional chronographs in energy efficiency and precision.

The fully integrated dual chronograph flyback manual-winding movement with 621 components beats at 3Hz and delivers a robust 3-day power reserve thanks to the double mainspring. Beautifully decorated with hand-finishings, the darkened bridges (NAC finish) contrast with the polished bevels and bright rubies. The LM Sequential Flyback Evo Retail retails for CHF 168,000 + VAT (EUR 181,000 / USD 230,000 + tax). More information at mbandf.com.