MB&F continues its 20th anniversary celebrations by introducing the Legacy Machine 101 EVO (LM101 EVO) in both a Green and a Salmon dial. The LM101 EVO is based on the LM101, a model launched in 2014. With a case diameter of 40 mm, the LM101 is the smallest and thinnest watch in the LM series, showcasing its large “flying” balance wheel under a domed sapphire crystal.
I have been fortunate to see my share of MB&F watches – especially the Horological Machines (HM) – when I lived in Singapore during 2014 until 2017. MB&Fs are rare – it’s not every day you see one on a collector’s wrist. What caught my eye was the LM101 Frost on a collector’s wrist at a watch event sometime during 2016. It is among the most beautiful watches I have ever seen, and still lingers in my memory almost 10 years on.
The LM Perpetual EVO debuted the EVO series in 2020. It is based on the LM Perpetual – the brand’s award-winning perpetual calendar. Soon afterwards, the EVO line up included the LM Split Escapement EVO and LM Sequential EVO.
Image: The EVO Range. From left, LM Split Escapement EVO, LM Sequential EVO, LM Perpetual EVO, and the new LM101 EVO.
“The EVO treatment includes a set of design and engineering enhancements that are applied to certain Legacy Machine models, transforming them into timepieces that are better equipped for everyday wear and an active lifestyle. Key features of the EVO models include a water resistance of 80 metres, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap, and MB&F’s patented FlexRing shock absorber that is fitted between the case and the movement to protect the watch during active use. To further enhance resistance and wearability, the models employ advanced materials such as zirconium and titanium.”
The LM101 EVO in both Green and Salmon dial versions is a Geneva Watch Days 2025 launch.
Key Features
Functions and Operation
Image: “The elegant twin arches suspending the flying balance wheel continue to catch the eye. Milled from a single block of metal, they require many hours of hand finishing to achieve their mirror-like lustre. In this EVO version, they feature a more fluid and refined base, further distinguishing this model from the classic LM101 version. The escapement wheel has also undergone a refined redesign, inspired by the recurring battle-axe motif found in MB&F timepieces.”
Hours and minutes indicated on the subdial between 1 and 2 o’clock.
Power reserve indicated on the subdial at 6 o’clock.
Screw-down crown at 4 o’clock for winding and time setting.
Dial
Image: Side by side view. The two black subdials are encircled by borders. The newly designed hour and minute hands are made from white gold. The arrow tips of the hands are coated with luminescent material. Notice the brand’s logo embossed on the rubber strap – a lovely detail.
Two dial versions
Peacock Green or Salmon dial plate.
“These dial plate colours are produced using CVD, short for chemical vapor deposition – a technique chosen for its technical advantages as the dial plate forms an integral part of the movement. The peacock green version is particularly captivating as shifting hues of green, blue, and purple light refract across its surface. The salmon version is just as noteworthy as it is a relatively rare colour for MB&F.”
Movement
Image: In a recent conversation with Max Büsser, he mentioned that there is beauty in a 2.5 Hz slow beating balance wheel, and on large balance wheels (14 mm in this case), it is impossible to make them beat faster. According to him, a higher beat rate such as 4 Hz is easier, faster, and requires less skill for a watchmaker to regulate, hence cheaper for most brands. He adds that regulating a 2.5 Hz balance wheel requires work, talent, and finesse, and is much more beautiful.
Powered by an MB&F developed in-house movement that drives the hours, minutes, and power reserve indicator. Parts: 233. Jewels: 23. Frequency: 18,000 vph or 2.5 Hz. Power reserve: 60 hours. (It was 45 hours on the LM101.)
Manually wound movement with single slipping mainspring barrel. Bespoke 14 mm balance wheel with 4 traditional regulating screws. Straumann® double hairspring.
Movement finishing showcases hand craft such as undulating Geneva waves, interior angles, polished bevels, engravings, and NAC black bridges. Gold chatons and countersunk blued screws.
The movement is based on the LM101’s movement, “the first calibre entirely conceived by MB&F’s in-house engineering team. Award-winning, independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen played a pivotal role in the design and finishing specifications, ensuring that its architecture and 19th century style hand-finishing techniques met the highest standards of traditional haute horlogerie and respected the codes of historical watchmaking.”
Case
Image: Its price tag of CHF 62K also gets you a bit of Kari Voutilainen, among the greatest watchmakers of our times.
Made from Grade 5 titanium and features the EVO series “FlexRing” shock protection system.
Parts: 42. Diameter: 40 mm. Thickness: 16.50 mm. Lug-width: 17 mm. Lug-to-lug distance: 49 mm. Dial side features a high domed sapphire crystal. Caseback features a box sapphire crystal. Both with dual-side anti-reflective coating. Water resistant up to 8 ATM / 80 metres / 270 feet.
Green dial version comes with a white integrated rubber strap, and Salmon dial version comes with a grey integrated rubber strap. Both are fitted to a titanium folding buckle.
Our Thoughts
Image: Salmon dial is my favourite. Both versions will be sought after, and I predict there will be other dial versions in the future. The LM101 EVO is a winner from MB&F.
The LM101 EVO is a horological paradox. With its design codes, movement design and finishing, it could easily exist in the 19th century. Yet with the EVO treatment, it is transformed into a 21st century versatile “everyday watch,” one where its owner could (potentially) go diving with it (up to 80 metres), and also wear it to a business meeting. Brilliantly executed, it is a worthy addition to MB&F’s lineup.
Additional Details
Name: LM101 Ti Green
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 62,000 (excluding VAT)
Name: LM101 Ti Salmon
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 62,000 (excluding VAT)
Not limited editions, but limited production.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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