In the world of independent watchmaking, when Maximilian Büsser speaks, everybody listens. He has spoken today with the announcement of the latest watch in the MB&F collection, at a new entry level price.
The new LM101 on the left, and the LM1 on the right. Size matters.
The Legacy Machine series from MB&F are designed to be classical looking, yet with the movement which is visually arresting and beautiful. The LM101 was born from a desire to provide a more comfortable entry level to the world of MB&F watches, both to the wallet and for those who are perhaps smaller in wrist or prefer smaller watches. The new LM101 is offered in either a 18k rose or white gold case measuring 40mm in diameter, as opposed to 44mm for the LM1 and LM2.
LM101 in rose gold. The design is now simplified from the LM1, with the deletion of the second timezone and instead of a vertical power reserve indicator, a regular one is in its place..
The movement is now developed in-house in MB&F, instead of the collaboration of Mojon for the first two Legacy Machines. All three feature the finishing specification and aesthetic design by Kari Voutilainen. Though superficially looking similar to the other two, especially when looking at the sensuously flowing bridges of the movement, but the movement is almost totally redesigned and new.
The large balance wheel, measuring 14mm in diameter, is suspended over the dial.
The design is simplified from the LM1 by omitting the second timezone and replacing the vertical power reserve indicator with one which is more classical and simpler. The same stretched vinyl over the slightly convex dial technique is used to provide a unique 3 dimensional look and feel to the watch. Note also the hands are curved to follow the contour of the curved dial, an attention to detail which makes MB&F interesting.
The movement is quite classical in design. With a typical Lepine style layout common in the turn of the last century.
This classical looking movement is quite beautifully finished. Note also the design and execution of the teeth of the mainspring barrel and transmission wheel. The parabolic shape of the teeth allows for perfect engagement of the wheels.
The movement is very classical in design and execution. With large, some would describe it as oversized jewels held in gold chatons. The anglage on every bridge edge is beautifully done, nicely polished and gleams in the light. The Côtes de Genève decoration applied to the bridges are magnificently executed, with a course graining aesthetic which is rather fetching.
Details on the bridges are well executed. Anglage nicely done, the Côtes de Genève applied, and large rubies in their gold chaton provide a visual counterpoint with their contrasting colours.
Detail showing the bridge carrying the large, suspended balance. Visible also at 6 o’clock is the anchor assembly and the escapement wheel.
We think this sets a new level for MB&F fans, with the finishing and the innovative features we have come to expect from them. What do you think?
On the wrist, the 40mm case feels very comfortable.
1 Comment
I like it, lovely detail and finishing. I could look at the movement all day. However, you forgot the most important detail. What is the price? A new entry level price will still probably be out of reach of most people and with the fit and finish here, I suspect it will be in the 30 – 60k range. I would love to be wrong, but I doubt it. Great watch though!