The brand has launched eight new variants of its famous model
old plane flying T
Even the most unpredictable and daring of life can form patterns and get caught in cycles when viewed from a distance. This is a fundamental truth that underlies all human existence, both individual and collective. For Maximilian Büsser and MB&F, creative energy runs on a seven-year cycle. In MB&F’s seventh year, the Legacy Machine collection was born and the first MADGallery opened in Geneva, opening doors for MB&F co-creation.
MB&F’s 14th year opens up new avenues of horological exploration, bringing an evolution in creative vision for founders and companies: Legacy Machine FlyingT, first launched in 2019, is MB&F’s first three-dimensional horological artwork for women. A yellow or platinum round case with a steeply curved bezel and slender lugs, usually entirely set with diamonds. A tall, luxurious cabochon sapphire crystal rises from the bezel. Beneath the dome, a subtly curved dial with various finishes: liquid black with layers of stretch lacquer, guilloche, vibrant gems or sparkling white diamonds.
The asymmetrical ventricle openings on the dial form the heart of the LM FlyingT engine – a cinematic flying tourbillon beating at a calm frequency of 2.5Hz (18,000vph). The tourbillon juts out from the rest of the engine, a dynamic column that stops at the apex of the sapphire crystal dome. On top of the upper tourbillon cage is a large diamond that rotates at the same time as the flying tourbillon, radiating the fiery brilliance of the finest gemstones.
At 7 o’clock – another digital theme that runs through the LM FlyingT – is a black or white lacquered (or gemstone) dial that displays the hours and minutes with a pair of elegant serpentine hands. The dial is tilted 50° so that only the wearer can read the time, this intimate communication underlines the personality of the LM FlyingT.
On the reverse, the self-winding oscillating weight takes the shape of a three-dimensional red gold sun that sculpts light, providing the LM FlyingT with a four-day power reserve.
Legacy Machine FlyingT’s design is full of associations with the influence of women and motherhood in Maximilian Büsser’s life. Büsser said: “I wanted the LM FlyingT to have the epitome of femininity reflected by the women in my life, especially my mother. It had to combine supreme elegance with great dynamism. The columnar structure of the flying tourbillon was very appealing to me. It’s important to say, because I feel very strongly that women are the backbone of humanity. At the same time, there is another meaning to the sun rotor, which incorporates elements of life and is the source of food that we are drawn to and around.”
Legacy Machine FlyingT debuted in 2019 in three versions, all in white gold and set with diamonds: black lacquered dial with brilliant-cut diamonds on the case; brilliant-cut diamonds on both dial and case; baguette-cut on both dial and case diamond.
New versions have been added to the FlyingT collection: • Two versions in 18K red gold or platinum, without diamonds, but with a guilloché dial; • Three diamond-set versions with gemstone dials: 18K white gold case with lapis lazuli dial, 18K White gold with malachite dial and 18K yellow gold case with tiger eye dial.
Legacy Machine Flying T Red Gold/Platinum
The story begins with a woman (as many do). The origins of Legacy Machine FlyingT owe to founder Maximilian Büsser’s reflection on the important role women played in his life. Launched in the first few months of 2019, the Legacy Machine FlyingT showcases a rich and sophisticated femininity, chosen to embody elegance and dynamism – a powerful toughness – rather than the softer women often seen in watches targeting the XX side of chromosome splits Tradition.
A towering flying tourbillon protrudes cylindrically from the dial of the LM FlyingT, driven by the energy generated by the sun-shaped rotor. A diamond sparkles at the top of the upper tourbillon cage. Vibrant and precision engineered movement, the LM FlyingT debuts in three white gold diamond-set versions: one with a simple halo of brilliant-cut stones on the bezel and lugs, and one fully paved with brilliant-cut stones , while the other is entirely paved with baguette-cut stones. This powerful feminine horological expression is a first for MB&F, winning the Prix de la Complication pour Dame at the 2019 Grand Prix de la Horlogerie de Genève.
For 2020, LM FlyingT presents a red gold model and a platinum model that takes off the diamonds and embraces nature. Removing the crystalline carbon casing of the Legacy Machine FlyingT rediscovers the central column of the Hyperfocus Flying Tourbillon. In place of the stretched lacquer dial is a guilloche trim with a radial fan-arch pattern that directs the eye to the cinematic heart of the in-house developed engine.
There are two versions of the guilloche dial made by longtime replica MB&F collaborator Kari Voutilainen in his specialist dial facility. One is as black as a moonless night with a red gold case, while the other is midsummer blue with a platinum case. The same LM FlyingT, when switching between night and day modes, sees the world as differently as day and night.
The new version of Legacy Machine FlyingT has only one sparkling connection to their diamond armored predecessors. On top of the flying tourbillon, named after LM FlyingT, a 0.035-carat gemstone rotates in synchrony with the underlying mechanism, making one revolution every 60 seconds. At every angle of rotation at 300 revolutions per minute, predefined by the 2.5Hz (18,000bph) balance wheel – the diamond unleashes a new prismatic light, thanks to its sharp faceted cut.
At the foot of the flying tourbillon at 7 o’clock is a white lacquered dial displaying the hours and minutes with a pair of blue serpentine hands. The dial is inclined at 50° so that only the wearer can read the time; an intimate exchange that highlights the personality of the LM FlyingT.
On the back, the self-winding oscillating weight in the shape of a three-dimensional red gold sun that sculpts light provides the LM FlyingT with a power reserve of four days (100 hours). Following the diamond-set version, Legacy Machine FlyingT Best cheap watches is now available in two limited editions of 18 pieces each: an 18K red gold case with a black guilloche dial (night) and a platinum 950 case with a sky blue guilloche dial ( daytime).