Our Take

In independent watchmaking, MB&F is a true spectacle. From the brand's distinct creative process to its avant garde design, it seems like every MB&F timepiece pushes horology further and further into the future. Today, we’re thrilled to present one of the prime examples of the brand’s most iconic, future-forward timepieces, the Legacy Machine 1 in white gold.

Created in collaboration with Kari Voutilainen and Jean-Francois Mojon, the LM1 combines the spirit of traditional watchmaking with a distinctly avant-garde twist. The brand’s first round case, the traditional elements of this timepiece are found in its movement construction, Côtes de Genève, gold chatons, beveling, blued screws as well as the hand-engraved script on the dial and bridges. For the aesthetic aspects of the timepiece, Kari Voutilainen took the lead with the intention of showcasing a high-level of craftsmanship inspired by the finest in 19th century watchmaking.

Where things turn toward thoroughly 21st century watchmaking is directly front and center on the dial. Mojon led the technical development of the massive, 14mm flying balance wheel beats away with crisp white sub-dials underneath, featuring two completely independent dual time zones. Anchored by beautifully polished, arching bridges, the only way the brand was able to create the space required for the balance is through a high domed sapphire crystal. We cover in our article on the icon status of the LM1 that this timepiece’s origins were not set on creating a whole new line for the Legacy Machine. The original design sketches were intended to become the Horological Machine 5 before things weaved their way toward creating the brand’s first round case. In the end, serendipity and unintended outcomes became fortune for us, collectors and enthusiasts, with the arrival of the Legacy Machine.

Released more than a decade ago, the Legacy Machine timepieces are immensely popular for their wearability and low-profile. Something between two worlds – past and future, traditional and avant garde – the LM1 attracts nearly every type of collector. It’s not too avant-garde for those with traditional aesthetic tastes, and it’s not too traditional for those that desire the ultra-modern.

The Details

CASE

Material: 18k white gold

Dimensions: 44 x 16 mm

ENGINE

Three-dimensional horological movement developed for MB&F by Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen

Manual winding with single mainspring barrel

Bespoke 14mm flying balance wheel visible on top of the movement 279 components / 23 jewels / 45h power reserve

Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th century style

FUNCTIONS / INDICATIONS

Hours and minutes; completely independent dual time zones displayed on two dials; unique vertical power reserve

Left crown at 8 o'clock for setting time of left dial; right crown at 4 o'clock for setting time of right dial and winding