To celebrate the opening of its new MB&F Lounge in Manhattan, MB&F has unveiled the LM101 EVO NYC Edition, an exclusive limited edition of 25 pieces available only through the brand's new New York space.
The launch also marks another milestone for the Legacy Machine 101 collection.
First introduced in 2014, the LM101 has long occupied a distinctive position within the MB&F universe as one of the smallest and thinnest Legacy Machines, focusing on the essential elements of mechanical watchmaking: the balance wheel, the power reserve and the display of time.
It was also the first movement conceived entirely by MB&F's in-house engineering team, with acclaimed independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen contributing to its movement architecture and finishing specifications.
Last year, for the brand's 20th anniversary, MB&F introduced the LM101 EVO, answering long-standing requests from collectors for a sportier interpretation of the model. The EVO execution brought 80-metre water resistance, a screw-down crown, an ergonomic case with an integrated rubber strap, Super-LumiNova-enhanced displays, a patented FlexRing shock absorber and an increased power reserve of 60 hours.
The new LM101 EVO NYC Edition retains all these technical upgrades while introducing a distinctive aesthetic reserved for the New York launch.
Its 40 mm case is crafted from 18K 5N+ rose gold, paired with a black PVD-treated dial plate featuring a sunray-brushed finish that creates a strong contrast with the movement's signature suspended balance wheel and floating subdials.
The dark background further emphasises the watch's three-dimensional architecture, allowing the mechanical elements to stand out even more clearly beneath the high-domed sapphire crystal.
The hours and minutes are displayed on the upper right subdial, while the lower subdial indicates the enhanced 60-hour power reserve.
Dominating the composition is the oversized 14 mm flying balance wheel, suspended above the movement and oscillating at 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour).
The manually wound calibre comprises 233 components and 23 jewels, incorporating a single mainspring barrel and a Straumann double hairspring.
The movement continues to reflect the collaboration with Kari Voutilainen through traditional haute horlogerie finishing, including polished bevels, Geneva waves, hand-made engravings, internal angles and NAC-treated bridges.
Like the other EVO models, the watch benefits from MB&F's patented FlexRing shock protection system, positioned between the movement and the case to improve resistance to impacts encountered during everyday wear.
The rose gold case measures 40 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm in height. It is fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides with anti-reflective treatment and features a screw-down crown, ensuring water resistance to 8 ATM (80 metres / 270 feet). It is completed by a black rubber strap secured with a matching folding buckle.
Turning the watch over reveals a discreet tribute to the occasion: the sapphire caseback is engraved "MB&F NYC", commemorating the opening of the brand's new Manhattan Lounge.
Located on the fifth floor of the historic Fuller Building at 595 Madison Avenue, overlooking 57th Street, the new MB&F Lounge is conceived less as a traditional boutique than as a welcoming environment where collectors and enthusiasts can discover the brand's creations in a relaxed setting surrounded by mechanical art.
Designed by long-time collaborators Voltige Design & Architecture, the space combines presentation areas, a comfortable lounge, private meeting rooms and office facilities. The Lounge will operate by appointment from Monday to Friday.
Limited to 25 pieces and available exclusively through the MB&F New York Lounge, the MB&F LM101 EVO NYC Edition is priced at CHF 77,000 (before taxes) / US$105,000 (before taxes). mbandf.com
COMMENTS