When you can’t get enough of the good stuff!
Ten years — eleven years to be exact — have passed since MB&F’s Legacy Machine No. 1 launched. Introduced in 2011, the LM1 was a groundbreaking timepiece that countered MB&F’s signature galactic style, with classic features and a flying balance wheel on the dial. The LM1’s two white lacquered dials represent the two time zones, marking the first milestone in the legacy of the Legacy Machine collection. To celebrate its first decade in 2021, MB&F revisits the LM1 concept with a new model. Designated as LMX, many elements from sport to the cutting edge surface for an even more dynamic spectacle. The latest LMX Steel & Brass, with its gorgeous gold-brushed brass dial and gleaming stainless steel case, writes the third episode of the series.
Brass Motherboard
The lovely champagne matte color of the background set is made of untreated brass and corresponds to the reverse side of the main board. Like other LM models, the exposed moving parts of the watch face are not mounted on the dial, but on a brass plate that serves as the dial. Unlike earlier versions of the LMX with green CVD and black NAC treated plates, the natural golden luster of the brushed brass brings a pleasant warmth to the composition, contrasting with the brightly polished stainless steel case.
Two-way time shuttle
The guiding light behind the Legacy Machine is to explore what kind of watch Max Büsser would have dreamed of if he had been born in 1867. Filled with an aesthetic nod to traditional 19th-century watchmaking norms, the Legacy Machine incorporates the dynamic dynamism of MB&F. An elevated 14mm balance wheel hangs from the center of the dial (you can read all about the evolution of the LM in this article).
Against a lovely frosted background, two classic white lacquered subdials with a gold frame, Roman numerals and blue hands appear on the base. Its 50° inclination allows the owner to see at a glance two different time zones, which in turn can be adjusted via corresponding crowns on the steel case at 10 and 2 o’clock.
Following the design upgrade of the LMX, the lines of the 44mm stainless steel case are more streamlined and refined, and the hollow area extends along the strap. The 21.4mm height, including the super-dome sapphire crystal that contains the elements, ensures viewing pleasure from every angle.
exposed elements
Unlike the more enclosed appearance of the original LM1, the LMX reveals many functional elements, but they are arranged symmetrically. Proudly, the massive 13.4 mm floating balance wheel beats at 18,000 beats per hour, almost rubbing the high-dome sapphire crystal. Equipped with inertia blocks for increased accuracy, the balance is held in place by beautiful arched V-cleats.
At noon, located under the bridge is the hemispherical power reserve indicator, an evolution of the vertical power reserve indicator on the LM1. The numbers 1-7 on the arched scale indicate how much power is left in the powerful 7-day (168-hour) tank, and you can also see the working day displayed on the other side of the hemisphere. Thanks to the rotation of the entire display, you can adjust the direction via the crown to view the power reserve or the work day. Continuing on the vertical axis, the components of the gear train are exposed on the tomahawk-shaped escapement bridge and the running seconds hand at 6 o’clock. review replica watches
Echoing the crowns at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions of the case, the dial’s two horizontally-aligned wheels sit above two titled sub-dials, which rotate when the time on either dial is adjusted.
The sapphire crystal caseback showcases MB&F’s hand-wound 367 partial calibre, with three concentrically arranged mainspring barrels that provide a powerful 7-day power reserve. This Steel & Brass version showcases untreated brass plates and bridges on the back, decorated with Côtes de Genève and other refined 19th-century handmade finishes.
Technical Specifications – MB&F LMX Steel and Brass
Case: Diameter 4mm x H21.4mm – 316L stainless steel, polished – Two crowns at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock – High domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the dial, sapphire crystal case back
Dial: Brushed brass plate – Two independent sub-dials with dual time function – Crown at 10 and 2 o’clock to set the time on the sub-dial – Small seconds at 6 o’clock – Central floating balance Fixed in place by a domed bridge – Hemispherical power reserve and day indication at 12 o’clock – Tomahawk escapement bridge – Exposed wheels at 2 and 10 o’clock that rotate when the crown is activated – 10 and 10 o’clock Crown at 2 o’clock to set time on subdial
Movement: 3D horological movement exclusively developed by MB&F – Manual winding with three barrels for 168 hours/7 days power reserve – 13.4 mm floating balance with inertial mass – 18,800vph/2.5 Hz – 367 Components – 41 jewels – Gold sleeve countersunk with diamonds – Superlative 19th century style handpiece – Hours and minutes on two separate dials (dual time), running seconds, rotating dome power reserve
Strap: Brown hand-stitched alligator leather, stainless steel folding clasp