MB&F
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DETAILS
Maximilian Büsser, founder and CEO of MB&F, described the concept of the Legacy Machine (LM) collection as imagining his brand’s watches created a hundred years ago, at the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century. Unlike the original MB&F flagship collection, the Horological Machine (HM), the LM watches feature a round case shape, typical of pocket watches, and an exposed balance wheel on the dial side, similar to those used by some inventive watchmakers at the beginning of the 19th century. The first Legacy Machine No.1 was launched in 2011, followed by other LM watches, all of which have the balance positioned on the dial side of the movement, in some models as part of the tourbillon. From a watchmaking innovation perspective, the history of the Legacy Machine became particularly interesting in 2015, when MB&F unveiled the LM Perpetual watch, created in collaboration with watchmaker and inventor Stephen McDonnell. The perpetual calendar mechanism he designed for this watch is both unique and innovative. The perpetual calendar features a highly complex design, combining elements of the traditional large-lever mechanism with the adjustable-tooth wheel concept pioneered by Ludwig Oechslin. The success of the LM Perpetual inspired Stephen McDonnell to reimagine another classic complication: the chronograph. As a result of this development, the first MB&F chronograph, the LM Sequential Evo, was released in 2022. It features an advanced chronograph movement with two barrels, two chronograph mechanisms based on a vertical clutch, and a Twinverter system designed to synchronise the inverting mode of both chronograph mechanisms. Pressing the corresponding pusher reverses the current mode: if either of the two chronographs is running, it stops; if it is stopped, it starts. Combined with the four classic pushers for both chronograph mechanisms, this fifth pusher greatly expands the watch’s functionality. The transition to a flyback version, announced by MB&F in June 2024, required significant modifications to the chronograph mechanism. The flyback function in chronograph wristwatches, introduced by Longines in the 1930s, was originally intended for aviation use; today, it is one of the most basic chronograph types with enhanced functionality. Stephen McDonnell was the first to apply the flyback function to a double chronograph.
REASONS TO BUY
This MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback in platinum presents a rare chance to acquire a watch from the first LM Sequential Flyback limited edition of only 33 pieces. Conceived by Maximilian Büsser, a visionary in modern watchmaking, and Stephen McDonnell, a watchmaker and inventor who has collaborated with MB&F, this model continues McDonnell’s series of significant innovations, including the LM Sequential, LM Perpetual, and LM Split Escapement. The Sequential Flyback is distinguished by its striking design, featuring a raised, inclined timekeeping dial, and the superb, intricate finishing of its case, dial, and hand-wound calibre. It boasts a highly complex double chronograph movement with a flyback function, fully visible on the front. In this regard, the watch exemplifies the finest craftsmanship MB&F provides.
ABOUT THIS WATCH
This watch is part of the inaugural 33-piece limited edition launched in 2022. It features a sky-blue mainplate, sections of which are visible from the front and decorated with perlage and grand colimaçonnage to create a solarisation effect. This backdrop highlights the openworked double chronograph movement, as well as the signature flying balance combined with a Breguet balance spring, set on top of the mechanism. As it is difficult to distinguish at first glance between a watch with a flyback function and one without, MB&F chose a design with a raised, inclined timekeeping dial for the flyback version of the LM Sequential – a technique previously used, notably on the LM FlyingT (2019), the MB&F x H. Moser LM101 (2020), and the LMX (2021). This provides an immediate distinction between the LM Sequential Flyback and LM Sequential models. Unlike most other watches, the LM Sequential Flyback lacks a traditional dial, which typically serves only to indicate the time and completely conceals the movement beneath. Instead, it showcases a three-dimensional movement, fully exposed on the face of the watch, with subdials displaying the current time and four counters of the double chronograph nestled among its components. This design, characteristic of LM models developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, allows the owner to admire the extraordinary, beautiful, and highly complex chronograph movement – comprising no fewer than 619 components, worthy of a Grande Complication watch – and to understand its logic through direct interaction with the watch. Furthermore, Stephen McDonnell’s unique technical design incorporates a variety of mechanical responses to pressing any of the watch’s five pushers, depending on the current functional state of the double chronograph. Therefore, this watch is not only a visual delight and a work of fine watchmaking, but also inspires curiosity and a desire to experiment with its chronograph functions, from timing sports events to tracking the progress of several dishes being prepared simultaneously. The combination of various finishing techniques on the movement components pays tribute to watchmaking traditions and effectively highlights the movement’s multi-layered, three-dimensional structure. As most chronograph movement components are made of steel, the necessary contrast is achieved through a mix of straight grinding, circular brushing, flat polishing, and chamfering. Most components are not minimalist in shape, but instead feature graceful curves and distinct sharp corners, both external and sometimes internal. The abundance of jewels — 63 in total – not only ensures the smooth operation of the chronograph, a key advantage of the LM Sequential Flyback, but also creates attractive visual accents.
Specifications
| Case | Platinum |
| Strap | Black alligator‑leather strap with white‑gold folding clasp |
| Dial | Sky‑blue dial plate with white lacquered inclined sub‑dials |
| D= | 44 mm |
| Year | 2024 |
Condition report
| Box: | Yes |
| Papers: | Yes |
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
