MB&F: Legacy Machine LM101
11 May 2021MB&F’s Legacy Machines were conceived when Maximilian Büsser started fantasising: “What would have happened if I had been born in 1867 instead of 1967? In the early 1900s the first wristwatches appear and I would want to create three-dimensional machines for the wrist. There are no Grendizers, Star Wars or fighter jets for my inspiration but I do have pocket watches, the Eiffel Tower and Jules Verne. So what might my early 20th century machines look like? They had to be round (tradition) and three-dimensional (MB&F Machine): Legacy Machines are the answer.“
Introduced for the first time in 2014, the Legacy Machine 101 “LM101” series focuses on the essentials of a mechanical wristwatch, contained in one of MB&F’s most compact Machines with a case diameter of 40mm. At the time, the LM101 movement was also the first entirely conceived by MB&F’s in-house engineering team.
THE NEW LEGACY MACHINE LM101
In 2021, the LM101 series evolves with three technically and aesthetically-upgraded versions distinguished by colourful dial plates, including a stainless steel version. Focusing further on the essentials, the bezel and “Legacy Machine” engraving on the dial withdraw to highlight the time and power reserve, indicated on slightly larger subdials; and the star of the show, the signature “flying” balance wheel, inherits a double hairspring first seen in the LM101 Performance Art editions born from the MB&F x H. Moser & Cie collaboration in 2020.
While the animated suspended balance visually dominates LM101, the immaculate white dials for the time (hours and minutes) and 45 hours power reserve indications are both highly legible thanks to the bright blued-gold hands float just above the top of the movement. The dials are gently domed with a translucent, high-gloss lustre created using a laque tendue process in which multiple layers of lacquer are applied and heated, causing them to stretch over the surface of the dials.
To ensure aesthetic purity of the dials, a sophisticated fixation underneath removes the necessity of visually obtrusive attachment screws. A fine golden perimeter circumscribing each dial elegantly reinforces their classicism.
MOVEMENT AND FINSHING
On the back of the Legacy Machine LM101, the glass reveals the manual winding movement with single mainspring barrel, meticulously hand-finished by the master Kari Voutilainen. Curved plates and bridges pay homage to the style found in high quality historic pocket watches and testify to the respect accorded to historical legitimacy.
With its undulating Geneva waves, hand polished bevels, gold chatons and countersunk blued screws, the beauty of LM101’s movement doesn’t just stay faithful to a bygone era.
The new 2021 upgraded versions of the Legacy Machine LM101 are available in 18k white gold with a purple dial plate (CHF 59.000 + TAX), 18k 5N+ red gold with a royal blue dial plate (CHF 59.000 + TAX), and stainless steel with a light blue dial (CHF 49.000 + TAX).
