04 Sep MB&F LEGACY MACHINE SPLIT ESCAPEMENT EVO

The first editions of the LM Split Escapement were presented in MB&F’s classic Legacy Machine case but the collection is now expanding with a design variation in the sportier EVO style that the Swiss brand introduced in 2020 with the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO.

The case of the new Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO is crafted from grade 5 titanium and features a screw-down crown that contributes to guarantee 80 metres / 270 feet of water resistance.

The bezel-free design leaves space to an icy blue baseplate with slate grey dials and the 14 mm suspended balance wheel that beats at 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour), just below the highest point of the domed dial sapphire crystal. The entire mechanism was rotated clockwise by 30 degrees, with the crown at 4:30 instead of 2 o’clock.

Inside the case, the movement is suspended thanks to a world-premiere, monobloc shock-absorbing “FlexRing” system, dampening vertical and horizontal shocks. On the movement side, the special darkened treatment creates heightened contrast between the wheels, the rhodium-plated barrels ensuring a 72-hour power reserve and the rose gold details.

MB&F also presented a second edition of just 25 pieces that is the first of a series of limited editions that will be reserved exclusively for the MB&F LABs – a new retail format combining MB&F timepieces with a limited number of art pieces. Designed exclusively for the Beverly Hills MB&F LAB, managed by the renowned American watch retailer Westime, this new edition of 25 pieces comes in Westime’s corporate colours of blue and black with a striking black base plate and metallic blue dial and open counters. It will be the only MB&F LAB edition released in 2022.

• Model: MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO
• Case/dial: 44mm diameter x 17.5mm thickness, grade 5 titanium case, pastel blue baseplate and dark grey dials (Ti) or black baseplate and blue dials (Beverly Hills Edition), Super-LumiNova on numerals and hands, push-button next to the date dial for quick adjustment of the date, FlexRing: an annular dampener fitted between case and movement, providing shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes, screw down crown, sapphire crystals on top and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces, superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th-century style; bevelled internal angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings
• Water resistance: 80m (8 bar)
• Movement: Developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, manual winding with double mainspring barrels and split escapement with the balance wheel suspended above the dial and the anchor under the movement, bespoke 14mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws visible on top of the movement, 298 parts, 35 jewels
• Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
• Power reserve: 72h
• Functions: Hours, minutes, date, power reserve
• Strap: Integrated rubber strap with titanium folding buckle
• Price/availability: CHF 75,000 + VAT (EUR 75,000 / USD 80,000 + tax)
  Beverly Hills Edition (sold exclusively in that location) is USD 80,000 + tax, limited to 25 pieces

CURATED BY OZZIE SMALL