MB&F: LM Perpetual EVO

It was 2015 when MB&F presented the LM Perpetual, the first Legacy Machine in the collection animated by a fully integrated perpetual calendar developed for MB&F by Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell.

Unlike classic perpetual calendars, modules mounted on an existing movement, the caliber of the LM Perpetual is formed by a series of superimposed disks. This revolutionary processor takes the default number of days in the month at 28 (instead of 31) – because, logically, all months have at least 28 days – and then adds the extra days as required by each individual month. This ensures that each month has exactly the right number of days. There is no “skipping over” redundant days, so there is no possibility of the date jumping incorrectly. Using a planetary cam, the mechanical processor also enables quick-setting of the year so that it displays correctly in the four-year leap year cycle, whereas traditional perpetual calendar mechanisms require the user to scroll through up to 47 months to arrive at the right month and year.  

Today, after 5 years, MB&F goes even further and presents the LM Perpetual EVO, a new Legacy Machine designed to accompany us in any situation. An “everyday” watch with a new 44mm case in zirconium, a metal with material properties surpassing stainless steel and titanium, that MB&F had already used in the HM3 Frog and HM5 models. Those already familiar with MB&F’s affinity for material experimentation will know how rare it is to see zirconium used in watch- making. Zirconium is known to spontaneously ignite in powdered form, making it highly dangerous to machine. Balancing out the risk incurred during the manufacturing process however, are the hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties of zirconium, qualities which make it popular in biomedical applications and the perfect material for an active-lifestyle watch. 

Although the 44mm diameter is unchanged from its 2015 iteration, the new EVO case design features a no-bezel construction, with the domed sapphire crystal fused directly to the case. The increased openness of this design highlights the equilibrium between the legibility of LM Perpetual EVO’s calendar indications and the cinematic play of the engine components — surmounted by the iconic MB&F hovering balance wheel. 

The previously circular pushers for adjusting the perpetual calendar have been enlarged into double-sprung oblong actuators, boosting the tactile comfort and ease of adjustment. For the first time in any MB&F creation, the LM Perpetual EVO is rated at 80m of water resistance, enabled by its screw-down crown. 

An additional new element of the LM Perpetual EVO is the FlexRing: an annular dampener fitted between case and movement, providing shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes. Machined from a single block of stainless steel, the dampener imparts exceptional robustness to the perpetual calendar, a function that is associated with classicism and elegance, but is arguably the most pragmatic and utilitarian of all the high complications. 

Reinforcing the dynamism and durability of the LM Perpetual EVO is a new dial plate colour — a shade of orangethat is as bright as it is difficult to achieve. Although dark shades of PVD and CVD coating have been used for years in watchmaking, warmer hues such as yellow, orange and red have always remained unattainable. A combination of technical innovations in the areas of coating material and coating technique allows the LM Perpetual EVO to don this atomic shade. 

Two other dial-plate colours, black and blue are also available, with each of the three shades produced in a limited series of 15 pieces – celebrating the brand’s 15th anniversary. (Price € 142.000 + TAX)