What is the MB&F LM Sequential Flyback EVO?
It is the EVO version of MB&F’s Legacy Machine (LM) Sequential Flyback, first introduced in 2024 featuring a platinum case. The Sequential Flyback was the sequel to the brand’s LM Sequential EVO, their first chronograph introduced in 2022. The movements of both the LM Sequential and Sequential Flyback were designed by Stephen McDonnel together with MB&F. Renowned designer Eric Giroud was responsible for the aesthetic design.
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Who is Stephen McDonnel?
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Stephen McDonnel studied Theology at Oxford University and watchmaking at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. He is one of the original “F” or “Friends” of the brand, and among the first few watchmakers who assembled the movements for the Horological Machine N°1. Renowned for the LM Perpetual’s movement, he rethought the “entire mechanical basis” of the perpetual calendar complication. Historically perpetual calendars have used 31 days as a default, and then decide whether the months have 30 days, or 28 or 29 days in the case of February and Leap Year. The LM Perpetual’s movement uses 28 days as a default and then “adds” days depending on the respective months.
Why are its chronograph functions so special?
The LM Sequential Flyback’s movement builds upon the LM Sequential EVO’s movement. To understand it, we must first revisit the LM Sequential EVO.
The LM Sequential EVO is an innovative dual chronograph that both rectified the innate flaws of a conventional chronograph design and offered several timing modes – independent, split-second, cumulative and lap-timer, because of its Twinverter binary switch. It won the GPHG’s “Aiguille d’Or” in 2022, among the most prestigious awards in watchmaking.
Both Stephen and the MB&F team were not entirely content with the LM Sequential EVO, as they desired to add a flyback function. Working in complete secrecy, they began work and testing on this concept; after which the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum was unveiled. The flyback function adds to its present timing modes, commonly associated with motor racing. It catapulted the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum “into the world of aviation.”
What is the chronograph’s five timing modes?
Independent mode: Useful during cooking, “where different things need to be cooked for different periods of time, at different points in time.”
Simultaneous or split-second mode: Useful when timing a race involving two competitors starting at the same time.
Cumulative mode: Useful to analyse how much time an individual spends on two projects over a period of few hours.
Sequential mode (or lap-timer mode): Useful for timing competitive sports, such as individual lap times.
Flyback mode: Originally invented for airline pilots in the 1930’s, it was intended “to allow accurate timing of flight paths from waypoint to waypoint.”
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What are some of its EVO features?
The brand’s EVO treatment “comprises a series of design and engineering upgrades applied to select Legacy Machine references, reshaping them into watches better suited for daily wear and a more dynamic lifestyle.” They include:
FlexRing: The brand’s proprietary monobloc shock-absorption system, “positioned between the case and the movement to safeguard the mechanism during active use.”
No-bezel construction: The domed sapphire crystal is directly fused to its 44 mm case, “which allows for an open, unobstructed view of the Super-LumiNova-boosted displays beneath their domed sapphire crystals.”
Screw-down crown: Allows the watch to have a water resistant up to 80 metres.
Seamlessly integrated rubber strap: Allows for a closely-fitted and smooth wearing experience.
Is the case made from titanium since it is an EVO model?
Yes, the case is made from grade 5 titanium. It measures 44 mm (diameter) * 18.2 mm (thickness). Parts: 74. Sapphire crystals on the front and caseback are coated with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water resistant up to 80 metres / 8 ATM / 270 feet. The watch features an integrated rubber strap with a folding buckle made from titanium.
What engine does it have “under the hood?”
It is powered by a “fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, featuring Twinverter switch allowing multiple timing modes.”
Manual winding calibre with two mainspring barrels. Flying free-sprung or variable inertia balance wheel with four regulating screws, visible at 12 o’clock. Breguet overcoil. Parts: 621. Jewels: 63. Frequency of 21,600 vph or 3 Hz. Power reserve: 72 hours or 3 days. Movement finishing is exceptional and includes interior angles, polished bevels, Geneva waves, hand-made engravings, and darkened bridges (NAC finish).
Does it have a dial?
Yes, but not in the conventional sense. Set against the backdrop of the aquamarine dial plate, the wearer is treated to the visual symphony of the sequential flyback chronograph movement.
Hours and minutes are displayed on the time dial at 6 o’clock; this is the first EVO model with a tilted time display.
Left chronograph: Seconds displayed at 9 o’clock and 30-minute counter at 11 o’clock. Start/stop pusher at 10 o’clock and reset/flyback pusher at 8 o’clock.
Right chronograph: Seconds displayed at 3 o’clock and 30-minute counter at 1 o’clock. Start/stop pusher at 2 o’clock and reset/flyback pusher at 4 o’clock.
Twinverter pusher at 9 o’clock; this is the “binary switch that inverts the current start/stop status of both chronographs.”
Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and time-setting. Power reserve is displayed on the caseback.
What do we think?
Have you ever sat down to watch a science-fiction movie, preferably in a movie theatre brimming with anticipation and excitement? E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter, to name a few. And not knowing what to expect. I have felt this way about several movies. MB&F’s creations – whether their audacious Horological Machines (HMs) or classically inspired Legacy Machines (LMs) – evoke such cinematic emotions.
Max Büsser, his team, and circle of “Friends” take you on a journey through their creations. (However, there is no danger of aliens, sharks, dinosaurs, or Lord Voldemort leaping out of them!) A journey that is often non-linear, as they evoke Max’s childhood, science-fiction, 19th century, the future, architecture, aviation, automobiles, and a host of other elements. This is the kind of watchmaking that larger brands would be hesitant to do. Yet MB&F does so and enthrals the horological community along the way. The LM Sequential Flyback is among the most impressive chronographs in the world, and now in its EVO guise can be worn as a GADA watch – “go anywhere do anything.” Only in MB&F’s world and another feather in their cap.
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Additional Details
Name: LM Sequential Flyback EVO Ti
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 168,000 (excluding VAT)
Not a limited edition but expect limited production.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
