Fifteen years after the introduction of the Legacy Machine N°1, MB&F revisits one of its defining creations with the LM1 EVO.
The new model retains the original’s three-dimensional architecture and independently adjustable time displays, while introducing a smaller case, a longer power reserve and the shock protection and water resistance associated with the brand’s sportier EVO collection first appeared in 2020 with the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO.
Launched in 2011, the Legacy Machine N°1 marked a different direction for MB&F, combining the brand’s unconventional approach to mechanical watchmaking with a round case and references to traditional 19th-century horology.
Developed in collaboration with independent watchmakers Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen, the original received both the Public Prize and the Best Men’s Watch Prize at the 2012 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The model’s subsequent evolution included the Legacy Machine N°1 Final Edition.
The LM1 EVO preserves the defining elements of the original design: two separate subdials, each displaying its own hours and minutes, and an oversized balance wheel suspended above the movement.
The two time displays can be set completely independently, rather than being linked by a conventional GMT mechanism. This allows the wearer to accommodate time differences of 30 or 45 minutes, as well as full-hour offsets.
Alternatively, one display can be used to measure elapsed time while the other continues to show the current time.
The two crowns are positioned at 4 and 8 o’clock. The crown at 4 o’clock winds the movement and sets the right-hand time display, while the crown at 8 o’clock adjusts the left-hand display. The arrangement maintains the symmetry of the original while providing direct control over each indication.
The most visible mechanical element remains the large balance wheel, now paired with a Straumann double hairspring and supported by a redesigned titanium bridge.
The two hairsprings are arranged in opposing directions to counteract certain positional errors associated with the balance spring, with the aim of improving rate stability. Beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, or 2.5 Hz, the 14 mm balance wheel remains a central part of the watch’s visual architecture.
The manually wound movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours, compared with 45 hours in the original LM1.
Its indication has also been redesigned: the original’s vertical, sextant-like display gives way to an inclined indicator positioned at 6 o’clock. The new arrangement integrates the function into the lower part of the dial-side composition.
Developed by MB&F with Jean-François Mojon, with movement aesthetics and finishing specifications by Kari Voutilainen, the calibre features 25 jewels and traditional hand-finishing inspired by 19th-century watchmaking.
Gold chatons with polished countersinks, polished bevels including internal angles, Geneva waves and hand-made engravings are among its details. The movement also incorporates darkened, NAC-treated bridges, providing a contemporary contrast to the classical finishing.
The EVO case brings practical changes to the Legacy Machine design. Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 16.8 mm thick, it is smaller than the original LM1’s 44 mm case.
It incorporates MB&F’s patented FlexRing shock-absorbing system, an annular dampener positioned between the case and movement, and offers water resistance to 80 metres.
Screw-down crowns and a domed sapphire crystal on the front, together with a box-shaped sapphire crystal on the back, complete the construction. Both crystals feature anti-reflective coating on both sides.
Two versions are available. The titanium model combines a Grade 5 titanium case with a rhodium-plated dial plate, black displays and blue hands.
The second version features a 5N+ rose gold case with a green dial plate and rose-gold-toned details. This edition is limited to 33 pieces.
Both versions are fitted with integrated rubber straps, available in grey or black and matched to a titanium or rose gold folding buckle.
A quick-release system at both the case and clasp allows the straps to be changed without tools, a first for an EVO model.
The MB&F LM1 EVO in titanium is priced at CHF 82,000 plus VAT, equivalent to €89,000 plus taxes or US$109,000. The 5N+ rose gold edition, limited to 33 pieces, costs CHF 102,000 plus VAT, equivalent to €111,000 plus taxes or US$137,000. mbandf.com
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