MB&F introduces their first round watch, the Legacy Machine No. 1 (LM1). Inspired by 19th-century timepieces, the LM1 is MB&F’s most traditional watch yet. However, if you know anything about MB&F you know their timepieces are anything but traditional.
The LM1 features a number of cool design elements. The balance wheel and escapement are located on the “dial side”, as opposed to the traditional “movement side” location. Suspended by two bridges, is an oversized 14 mm balance wheel which floats over the center of the dial. Underneath is the exposed escapement. Needless to say (video below), watching the balance and escapement work in unison will be a visual treat.
At 3 and 9 o’clock are two separate dials that display completely independent time zones (hours and minutes). Left crown at 8 o’clock for setting time of left dial; right crown at 4 o’clock for setting time of right dial and winding. The sextant-shaped instrument is at 6 o’clock in the dial is a unique power reserve indicator. It is the world’s first vertical power reserve indicator.
The movement was designed by Jean-François Mojon and his team at Chronode. Mojon is the same person responsible for the recently released IWC Siderale Scafusica. Movement finishing was handled by Kari Voutilainen. The movement of Legacy Machine No.1 proudly bears the names of both its creators and is the first calibre other than Voutilainen’s own to bear his name.
The manual winding caliber has a single mainspring barrel, 279 components, 23 jewels and runs at 2.5Hz (18,000 vph). Power reserve is 45 hours. Gold chatons with polished countersinks. Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th-century style, including internal bevel angles highlighting hand craft, polished bevels, Geneva waves and hand-made engravings.
Left to right: Kari Voutilainen, Maximillian Busser, Jean-François Mojon
The case measures 44 mm in diameter by 16 mm in height and is available in 18k white or rose gold. Made of 65 components. High domed sapphire crystal on top with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Sapphire crystal on back with anti-reflective coating on a single side. Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with gold tang buckle to match case.
The LM1 is an example of MB&F’s unique ability to combine traditional watchmaking with contemporary design. The result is a timepiece that is unmistakingly their own. $92,000
