Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The MB&F Legacy Machine 1 Is Back and Ready for Action as the LM1 EVO
Beefed up for real-life travel adventures, the more compact LM1 EVO features a redesigned power reserve indicator and a longer power reserve.
When it was launched in 2011, MB&F’s Legacy Machine 1 seemed like a totally alien presence among the brand’s fleet of futuristic galactic-themed Horological Machines. Appearing in the brand’s first round case, the LM1’s classical Roman numerals, lacquered registers and overtly 19th-century air made it look less like a spacecraft instrument and more like a pocket watch that had time-travelled into the 21st century. However, fears that MB&F’s identity might have been diluted were swiftly allayed by the unmistakable three-dimensional architecture and the dramatic flying balance wheel propelling the Legacy Machine. Setting the tone for the prolific LM dynasty, the LM1 enjoyed six years of life before retiring in 2017. Never say never, because the LM1 resurfaces, re-engineered for a more active lifestyle as the LM1 EVO.
The first Legacy Machine was Max Büsser’s tribute to some of the great horological innovations and grand master watchmakers of the 19th century, with a kinetic MB&F twist. Presented in a large 44mm round case with two independent time displays, the enormous 14mm flying balance wheel suspended beneath the arched bridge and the vertical power reserve indicator gave the watch its distinctive personality. Eminently practical, each sub-dial could be set independently via a separate crown so that offset time differences could be adjusted to the minute.
The EVO Line
Since 2011, the LM1 has spawned increasingly complicated Legacy Machines, including the LM Perpetual, a mind-bogglingly complex and innovative QP masterminded by Northern Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell. Knowing these mechanically ambitious watches weren’t the easiest to wear in real-life situations, fearing shocks, knocks, water, etc., Büsser introduced the EVO concept on board the LM Perpetual and unveiled McDonnell’s equally impressive double-chronograph directly in EVO armour as the LM Sequential EVO.
Designed to beef up the watch to withstand the rigours of everyday life, the EVO treatment includes a redesigned – often zirconium or titanium case – with a screw-down crown to ensure the 80m depth rating, a patented FlexRing shock-absorption system and a comfortable, resilient integrated rubber strap. Joining the LM Perpetual, the Split Escapement, the Sequential, the 101 and Sequential Flyback, MB&F gives its foundational LM1 the EVO treatment.
The LM1 EVO
Presented in a more compact, ergonomic 42mm case with a thickness of 16.8mm (including the hyper-domed sapphire crystal over the dial and the box sapphire crystal on the back) and two screw-down crowns, the LM1 EVO is offered in titanium with a rhodium-plated dial plate, black sub-dials, and blue arrow-tipped hands with luminescence. There is also a luxurious rose gold edition with a rich green dial plate, black sub-dials and gold-toned hands with luminescent inlays.
The case’s distinctive bezel-less design absorbs the steep curve of the sapphire dome seamlessly into the case, letting more light reach the movement plate. Using a high-tech thermal bonding process, the glass is fused directly into the metal, providing greater structural strength.
While the two separate dials displaying two independent time zones and the 14mm balance wheel dominate the scene, there are changes to report. First, the power reserve indicator now appears as an inclined arc to track the increased 60-hour power reserve (the original LM1 had 45 hours). Secondly, the slow-beating 2.5 Hz balance has been upgraded with a Straumann double hairspring for improved accuracy and isochronism, and the regulating system appears under a redesigned titanium bridge.
The manual-winding calibre, developed in-house with Jean-François Mojon, has an increased power reserve of 60 hours and features traditional 19th-century finishings – supervised by Kari Voutilainen – including gold chatons with polished countersinks, Geneva waves, polished bevels with internal angles, handmade engravings and contemporary NAC black bridges.
Marking a first, the integrated rubber straps are interchangeable thanks to a quick-release system on the case and clasp. Retail prices (excluding VAT) are CHF 102,000 / USD 137,000 / EUR 111,000 for the rose gold model (limited to 33 pieces) and CHF 82,000 / USD 109,000 / EUR 89,000 for the non-limited titanium edition. More information at mbanf.com.
