MB&F’s exciting Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Platinum
A sequel to MB&F’s original Legacy Machine Sequential EVO. Now with a Flyback function.
“I have an idea.”
Stephen McDonnell, watchmaker, and mastermind behind a few MB&F creations, in response to Maximilian Büsser, when the latter asked him for a follow-up to the Legacy Machine Perpetual (2015).
MB&F, short for Maximilian Büsser & Friends, has just unveiled the Legacy Machine (LM) Sequential Flyback Platinum. It is a sequel to 2022’s LM Sequential EVO, MB&F’s first chronograph. It was conceived by Stephen McDonnell, a Northern Irish watchmaker, who studied Theology at Oxford University and watchmaking at WOSTEP in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. He is among the original “Friends” of MB&F.
The LM Sequential Evo was a groundbreaking dual chronograph. It 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 McDonnell and the MB&F team were not entirely content with the LM Sequential EVO, as they wanted to add a flyback function. In complete secrecy, they began work and testing on this two years ago. Their efforts paid off and now the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum has been unveiled. The flyback function adds to its present timing modes, commonly associated with motor racing. It also catapults the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum “into the world of aviation.”
Reputed watch designer Eric Giroud, owner of Through the Looking Glass, is responsible for the LM Sequential Flyback Platinum’s design. He is among the many “Friends” of MB&F, having collaborated with them on other projects. The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is launched in the Legacy Machine’s classic style. These include “domed dials in stretched white lacquer, blued hands, sky blue dial plate, platinum case with screwed lugs and a leather strap.”
Design
Chronograph and Flyback Mode
– The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum features a two-chronograph layout, like the LM Sequential EVO.
– The Left chronograph display has the large seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and smaller minutes subdial at 11 o’clock. The right chronograph display has its large seconds subdial at 3 o’clock and smaller minutes subdial at 1 o’clock.
– Both chronographs can be started, stopped, and reset independent of the other, via the start/stop and reset pushers on their corresponding side of the case.
– With its new flyback mode, “the reset pushers also trigger the flyback if the corresponding chronograph is running.”
– Stephen McDonnell developed “patented jewelled rollers” to guarantee that the flyback function operates smoothly.
– These four chronograph pushers are what one would associate with a timepiece having two chronograph mechanisms.
Twinverter
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum features a Twinverter feature, just like the LM Sequential EVO.
– A fifth pusher, or Twinverter, is located at 9 o’clock. Stephen McDonnell refers to this as the “magic button,” “is the secret that elevates the functionality of the LM Sequential timepieces beyond any existing chronograph wristwatch.”
– It controls both the chronographs. It operates as a binary switch “that inverts the current start/stop status of each chronograph.”
– If both chronographs are stopped, pressing the Twinverter enables both to start immediately.
– If both chronographs are running, pressing the Twinverter enables both to stop immediately.
– If one chronograph is running and the other stopped, pressing the Twinverter stops the running one, and starts the stopped one.
Practical Applications
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum’s five timing modes have practical applications. Below are a few hypothetical examples.
– Independent mode: Useful during cooking, “where different things need to be cooked for different periods of time, at different points in time.” The two independent chronographs can be used for this. One to time the rice in boiling water, and the other to time the chicken curry.
– Split-Second or Simultaneous mode: Useful when timing a race involving two competitors starting at the same time. The Twinverter can be used to start both chronographs when the race begins. If one competitor finishes first, then its corresponding chronograph can be stopped via its start/stop pusher to record its end time.
– Cumulative mode: Useful to analyze how much time an individual spends on two projects over a period of few hours. One chronograph can be started via its start/stop pusher to time the first project, and then the Twinverter can be engaged to time the second task. And so on.
– Lap-Timer Mode or Sequential mode: Useful for timing competitive sports, such as individual lap times. Start one chronograph via its start/stop pusher to time the first lap, then switch to Twinverter to engage the other chronograph when the second lap begins. Once the results of the first lap from the stopped chronograph are recorded, it can be reset to zero, for accurate timing of the third lap, again via the Twinverter.
– 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.” However, the process of stop/reset/restarting a chronograph took time, leading to errors in navigation, which compounded over long journeys, especially those with multiple legs. The flyback allows the stop/reset/restart of a chronograph to be done immediately, via a single press of the pusher. Furthermore, combining flyback mode with other timing modes avails greater functionality. “For example, a pilot can keep track of overall flight time on one chronograph, while using the other chronograph to accurately time each leg with the flyback function.”
Functions and Dial
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum features a sky-blue CVD dial plate. Its functions and dial features are as follows:
– Hours and minutes subdial at 6 o’clock. To provide a greater 3-dimensional effect and legibility for the wearer, the subdial has been tilted forward using conical gears.
– Left chronograph: Large seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and smaller minutes subdial at 11 o’clock. Start/stop pusher at 10 o’clock and reset/flyback at pusher at 8 o’clock.
– Right chronograph: Large seconds subdial at 3 o’clock and smaller minutes subdial at 1 o’clock. Start/stop pusher at 2 o’clock and reset/flyback at 4 o’clock.
– The subdials are stretched white lacquer and inclined.
– Twinverter pusher at 9 o’clock.
– Both chronographs feature a flyback function.
– The power reserve indication is located on the back, near the 8 o’clock pusher.
Calibre or Engine
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum features a “fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, featuring Twinverter switch allowing multiple timing modes.”
– It is a manual winding calibre with two mainspring barrels.
– It features a flying balance wheel with regulating screws, visible at 12 o’clock. It features a Breguet overcoil.
– Movement finishing is performed at an exceptionally high level. These include interior angles, polished bevels, Geneva waves, hand-made engravings, and darkened bridges (NAC finish).
– It comprises of 619 components and 63 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph or 3 Hz.
– It has a power reserve of 72 hours or 3 days.
Case, Strap and Buckle
The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum’s case is made of platinum.
– Its case diameter is 44 mm and case height is 18.2 mm.
– It comprises of 88 components.
– On both its dial and caseback side, it features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
– It features a screw down crown.
– Its lugs are screwed to the case.
– Its water resistance is 30 metres / 3 ATM / 90 feet.
– It comes with an alligator leather strap with a white gold folding buckle.
Our Thoughts
Every time I write about an MB&F creation, I am reminded of Back to the Future, the blockbuster 1985 science-fiction movie, where Michael J. Fox’s character Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s character Emmett “Doc” Brown’s crazy experiments either transport them backwards or forward in time. Max and his team at MB&F, along with their community of “Friends” seem to do just this with their crazy horological experiments. In the case of MB&F, irrespective of whether their “experiments” are inspired by the past or the future, they transform into horological treasures, destined for museums decades from now. The LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is another chapter in their phenomenal journey, and we should be grateful it exists.
Additional Details
Name: Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Platinum
Reference: 10.PL.BU
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 188,000 + VAT.
Limited to 33 pieces.
Website: https://shop.madgallery.ch/products/legacy-machine-sequential-flyback-platinum
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