MB&F LM Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet

MB&F has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Founded by Maximilian Büsser, a visionary with a passion for kinetic art and horological marvels, MB&F has captivated collectors and enthusiasts with its audacious designs and groundbreaking mechanisms. The Legacy Machine collection, in particular, stands as a testament to MB&F's ability to reimagine traditional watchmaking with a contemporary twist.

The Legacy Machines, with their distinctive round cases and captivating dial layouts, pay homage to the golden age of watchmaking while incorporating avant-garde elements that set them apart. Among the most celebrated creations in this collection is the Legacy Machine Split Escapement, a timepiece that showcases MB&F's mastery of horological complexity and aesthetic finesse.



Now, MB&F has embarked on a new chapter in its horological storytelling journey, joining forces once again with the exceptionally talented engraver, Eddy Jaquet. Their previous collaboration, which brought to life scenes from Jules Verne's novels on the dials of eight unique Legacy Machine Split Escapement timepieces, garnered widespread acclaim and even earned the prestigious GPHG Artistic Crafts Award in 2021.

Building upon this success, MB&F and Jaquet have reunited to unveil a second series of eight unique Legacy Machine Split Escapement watches, this time drawing inspiration from classic works of young adult fiction. These literary masterpieces, including "Robinson Crusoe," "The Three Musketeers," and "The Jungle Book," have captivated generations of readers with their thrilling adventures and timeless themes.

Before delving into the intricacies of these new horological creations, let's take a closer look at the driving forces behind them. MB&F, short for Maximilian Büsser & Friends, was born out of Büsser's desire to create timepieces that transcended the conventional norms of watchmaking. With a background in managing prestigious watch brands, Büsser sought to establish a platform where he could collaborate with like-minded individuals and give life to his horological dreams.

MB&F operates as a collective of independent watchmakers, designers, and artisans, each contributing their unique expertise to the creation of these extraordinary machines. The Legacy Machine collection, launched in 2011, marked a departure from MB&F's earlier Horological Machines, which were characterized by their unconventional shapes and futuristic aesthetics.

The Legacy Machines, with their round cases and more classical design cues, pay tribute to the great watchmakers of the 19th century while incorporating MB&F's signature touch of modernity. The Legacy Machine Split Escapement, first introduced in 2017, exemplifies this approach. Its most striking feature is the prominent balance wheel suspended above the dial, seemingly floating in mid-air. This mesmerizing spectacle is made possible by the innovative split escapement, a technical marvel that separates the balance wheel from the rest of the escapement mechanism.



Eddy Jaquet, the master engraver behind the intricate dial artwork on these new Legacy Machine Split Escapement watches, is a true artisan whose skills have earned him a place among the elite in the world of haute horlogerie. Born in 1965 near Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Jaquet honed his craft at the École d'Arts Appliqués in La Chaux-de-Fonds, graduating in 1987. Since 1994, he has worked independently, dedicating his time to creating exquisite engravings that transform watch dials into miniature works of art.

Jaquet's engravings are not mere decorations; they are narratives etched in metal, capturing the essence of stories and cultural motifs. His first collaboration with MB&F involved engraving the names of renowned watchmakers Kari Voutilainen and Jean-François Mojon on the bridges of the first Legacy Machine calibers. This initial partnership laid the foundation for the remarkable series of Jules Verne-inspired watches and now the new collection celebrating classic young adult fiction.

The Legacy Machine Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet watches are a testament to the harmonious marriage of technical prowess and artistic expression. The stainless steel case, measuring 44.5 mm in diameter, provides a robust yet elegant frame for the intricate dial artwork. The black subdials, set against the backdrop of a white gold baseplate, create a striking contrast that accentuates the engravings.

The dial itself is the canvas for Jaquet's artistry. Each of the eight unique pieces features a meticulously engraved scene inspired by a different literary classic. From the jungles of Kipling's "The Jungle Book" to the high seas of Melville's "Moby Dick," Jaquet's engravings transport the wearer into the heart of these beloved tales.



The engravings are not merely visual representations of the stories; they are interpretations, reimagined through Jaquet's artistic lens. He has masterfully captured the essence of each narrative, distilling its key moments and characters into intricate tableaux. The level of detail is astonishing, with some figures so minuscule that they can only be fully appreciated under magnification.

MB&F has thoughtfully included a Loupe System X6 macro lens with each timepiece, allowing the owner to explore the engravings in all their intricate glory. This immersive experience adds another dimension to the appreciation of these horological masterpieces.

At the heart of each watch beats the LM Split Escapement movement, a horological masterpiece developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell. This manually wound movement boasts a remarkable 72-hour power reserve, ensuring that the intricate mechanism can keep time accurately even when not worn for several days.

The split escapement, a defining feature of this movement, is a testament to MB&F's relentless pursuit of horological innovation. By separating the balance wheel from the anchor and escapement wheel, MB&F has achieved a visually stunning effect. The balance wheel, suspended above the dial, appears to float in mid-air, captivating the viewer with its mesmerizing oscillations.



The movement comprises 296 components, each meticulously finished to the highest standards of haute horlogerie. Beveled internal angles, polished bevels, and Geneva waves adorn the movement's surfaces, showcasing the dedication to handcraftsmanship that is synonymous with MB&F.



The engravings on the dial of each Legacy Machine Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet watch are not mere decorations; they are intricate narratives that bring to life scenes from classic works of young adult fiction. Eddy Jaquet's masterful hand has transformed the dial into a miniature canvas, capturing the essence of these beloved tales with astonishing detail.



Consider, for instance, the engraving inspired by "The Jungle Book." Mowgli, the protagonist, is depicted curled up in the protective embrace of the wolf Rama, while Bagheera, Baloo, and Shere Khan stand guard. The scene is rendered with such precision that even the smallest details, such as the expressions on the animals' faces, are clearly visible.

In another engraving, inspired by "Treasure Island," Jim Hawkins is shown leaping from a boat to escape from the clutches of pirates. The dynamic composition and meticulous detailing convey the urgency and peril of the situation, drawing the viewer into the heart of the story.



Jaquet's engravings are not only visually arresting but also technically impressive. He has skillfully worked with the varying thicknesses of the dial plate, ensuring that the engravings are both deep and detailed without compromising the integrity of the movement beneath. The interplay of light and shadow on the engraved surfaces adds another layer of depth and complexity to the artwork.



The Legacy Machine Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet watches are not for the faint of heart. These are timepieces for connoisseurs who appreciate the finer things in life, who understand the value of handcraftsmanship and artistic expression.



The stainless steel case, measuring 44.5 mm in diameter, strikes a balance between robustness and refinement. The black subdials, set against the white gold baseplate, provide a stark contrast that accentuates the engravings. The slim bezel and domed sapphire crystal offer an unobstructed view of the dial, allowing the wearer to fully appreciate the artistry within.



Each watch is presented with an original drawing signed by Eddy Jaquet, providing a glimpse into the creative process behind the engravings. The Loupe System X6 macro lens, included with each timepiece, allows the owner to explore the engravings in microscopic detail, revealing hidden nuances and appreciating the full extent of Jaquet's artistry.

The MB&F LM Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet watches are priced at CHF 158,000, a reflection of the exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity of these limited-edition timepieces. The full collection consists of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and Robin Hood (anonymous).