The watchmaking world is no stranger to the audacious creations of MB&F, a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological artistry and engineering. Their Legacy Machine collection, a series of timepieces that pay homage to historical watchmaking while incorporating modern innovations, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following among collectors. Now,
MB&F has once again raised the bar with the introduction of the Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Platinum, a watch that not only builds upon the success of its predecessor, the LM Sequential EVO, but also propels the chronograph into uncharted territory.
In 2022, MB&F unveiled the LM Sequential EVO, a groundbreaking twin chronograph that shattered conventional notions of timekeeping. Conceived by Stephen McDonnell, the brilliant mind behind the award-winning LM Perpetual, the EVO introduced a multitude of timing modes that catered to a wide array of practical applications. From timing two athletes simultaneously to tracking lap times or even monitoring cooking times, the LM Sequential EVO proved to be an indispensable tool for those who demand precision and versatility in their timekeeping instruments.
Courtesy of MB&F
The EVO's revolutionary "Twinverter" binary switch was the key to its unparalleled functionality. This ingenious mechanism enabled the seamless switching between independent, split-second, cumulative, and lap-timer modes, offering a level of flexibility that had never been seen before in a chronograph wristwatch. It was no surprise, then, that the LM Sequential EVO was met with widespread acclaim, culminating in the prestigious GPHG 'Aiguille d'Or' award, the highest accolade in the watchmaking world.
While the LM Sequential EVO was undoubtedly a triumph of horological engineering, MB&F and Stephen McDonnell had always envisioned incorporating a flyback function into the design. McDonnell's original prototype movement included a flyback system on the left-hand chronograph, and provisions for its implementation were built into the EVO. However, perfecting the flyback mechanism proved to be an arduous task, requiring nine months of prototyping and countless design iterations.
The complexity of integrating the flyback function stemmed from the need to minimize friction and ensure seamless operation. McDonnell's solution involved incorporating a specially jeweled roller into the flyback mechanism, a component that had to be meticulously crafted in-house due to its unique design. This innovation, along with four other patented elements, eventually led to the realization of the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum, a watch that not only boasts the groundbreaking features of its predecessor but also incorporates the highly sought-after flyback complication.
Courtesy of MB&F
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum retains the same striking layout as the LM Sequential EVO, featuring two chronograph displays arranged symmetrically on the dial. The left chronograph displays seconds at 9 o'clock and minutes at 11 o'clock, while the right chronograph mirrors this layout at 3 o'clock and 1 o'clock, respectively. Each chronograph operates independently, with dedicated start/stop and reset/flyback pushers located on their respective sides of the case. The Twinverter pusher, positioned at 9 o'clock, serves as the command center for the watch's intricate timing functions.
The addition of the flyback function further expands the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum's capabilities. In addition to the independent, simultaneous, cumulative, and sequential modes offered by the EVO, the flyback function allows for instant resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a single press of the reset pusher. This feature, originally developed for pilots in the 1930s, proves invaluable in a variety of scenarios, from timing flight legs to tracking individual lap times in motorsports.
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is powered by a unique movement that houses two independent chronographs within a single mechanism. To mitigate the energy losses typically associated with conventional chronographs, MB&F and Stephen McDonnell developed an innovative system that utilizes internally jeweled vertical clutches and a sophisticated control mechanism. This patented solution not only ensures optimal energy efficiency but also enhances the precision of the chronograph functions.
Courtesy of MB&F
The movement itself is a testament to MB&F's commitment to horological excellence. The meticulously finished components, adorned with hand-made engravings and polished bevels, showcase the brand's dedication to craftsmanship. The flying balance wheel, a signature feature of the Legacy Machine collection, oscillates at a frequency of 3Hz, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
The MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Platinum is not merely a timekeeping instrument; it is a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of innovation and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological artistry. With its intricate movement, groundbreaking functionality, and exquisite craftsmanship, the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is a watch that is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of discerning collectors and watch enthusiasts alike.
The watch's aesthetic appeal is equally impressive. The platinum case, with its screwed lugs and polished finish, exudes a sense of understated luxury. The sky-blue dial plate, adorned with white lacquered subdials and a tilted hours and minutes display, adds a touch of whimsy to the watch's otherwise classic design. The alligator leather strap, with its white gold folding buckle, completes the ensemble, providing both comfort and style.
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum's design is a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements. Housed in a 44mm platinum case, the watch exudes an air of understated luxury. The polished surfaces of the case, combined with the screwed lugs, create a refined aesthetic that is both elegant and robust.
The sky-blue dial plate, a departure from the more subdued hues of previous Legacy Machine models, adds a touch of whimsy to the watch's appearance. The white lacquered subdials, arranged symmetrically on the dial, provide a clean backdrop for the blued hands, ensuring optimal legibility. The tilted hours and minutes display, a hallmark of the Legacy Machine collection, adds a playful touch to the otherwise classic design.
Courtesy of MB&F
At the heart of the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum's functionality lies the Twinverter, a binary switch that controls both chronograph systems simultaneously. This ingenious mechanism, activated by a pusher at 9 o'clock, allows the wearer to seamlessly switch between the watch's various timing modes, making it an incredibly versatile timekeeping instrument.
The Twinverter operates as a mechanical logic gate, inverting the current start/stop status of each chronograph with a single press. This enables the watch to perform a multitude of timing functions, from tracking individual lap times to monitoring cumulative time spent on multiple tasks. The addition of the flyback function further enhances the Twinverter's capabilities, allowing for instant resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a single push.
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is powered by a complex movement comprising over 600 components and 63 jewels. The movement architecture is a testament to MB&F's commitment to horological innovation. The two independent chronographs, each with its own column wheel and vertical clutch, are linked to a common escapement and oscillator, ensuring precise timekeeping and minimizing energy losses.
The movement's finishing is equally impressive. The bridges, wheels, and pinions are adorned with Côtes de Genève, perlage, and anglage, showcasing the meticulous hand-craftsmanship that goes into each MB&F timepiece. The flying balance wheel, a signature feature of the Legacy Machine collection, oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
The MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Platinum is more than just a watch; it is a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. It is a timepiece that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering, offering a unique combination of functionality, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.
Courtesy of MB&F
With a limited production run of 33 pieces, the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is a rare and exclusive timepiece that is sure to become a coveted collector's item. Its retail price of $208,000 USD reflects the complexity of its movement, the quality of its materials, and the exclusivity of its limited edition status.
The MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Platinum is a watch that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in horology. It is a timepiece that is sure to leave a lasting legacy, not only in the world of watchmaking but also in the hearts and minds of those who have the privilege of experiencing its exceptional qualities firsthand.