The LM101 is the result of a collaboration between MB&F and master independent watchmaker, Kari Voutilainen. The latter’s uncompromising attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in the design and finishing of the LM101’s movement; the very first developed entirely in-house by MB&F.
The goal of the Legacy Machine LM101 was to create a tribute to fine and antique watchmaking of the past, and combine it with the forward-facing, creative finesse of MB&F. The nod to the past was largely achieved through the classical, round shape of the case, sized at 40mm, and the finishing of the movement. The engravings, Geneva waves, internal beveled and polished angles and countersunk blued screws all highlight the superlative hand-finishing of traditional, 19th-century watchmaking.
That being said, MB&F’s progressive, avant-garde style is apparent, most notably through the unique central balance-wheel that has been placed in the front of the watch, floating above the movement and dial. The LM101, much like its ‘big brother’, the LM1, displays a large, 14 mm “flying” balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws, separating itself from the manual-winding, single mainspring barrel movement beneath. The unique architecture of the Legacy Machine LM101 is emphasized through the high-domed sapphire crystal that has been coated with an anti-reflective material, creating a very real presence on the wrist.
Further expressed in this limited edition example is a wire-brushed, frosted dial - inspired by the finishing style of 18th and 19th century pocket watch movements. Compounding this, two pristine, white sub-dials are placed underneath: at the top right, hours and minutes are displayed by blued-gold hands, while the 45-hour power reserve indicator is displayed in a smaller, but similar subsidiary below.
Collaboration is very much in Max Büsser and friends’ (MB&F’s) DNA. The company’s harmonious relationship with many of haute-horology’s finest independent movement makers, coupled with careful choosing of its suppliers has led to the development of visionary modern timepieces, celebrated equally for their exceptional design and mechanical brilliance. The Legacy Machine LM101’s entirely new in-house caliber, designed by Kari Voutilainen, rivals the very best the industry has to offer and represents a key inflection point in the brand’s evolution.
The watch has a power reserve of 45 hours and comes on its original brown alligator strap, with matching rose-gold tang buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | MB&F & Voutilainen |
| Model: | Legacy Machine LM101 Limited Edition 11/33 |
| Movement: | mechanical manual-winding |
| Functions: | time-only: hours, minutes |
| Features: | power reserve display, display back, blue steel hands |
| Case: | 40 mm 18-carat rose gold |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | brown stitched alligator strap with rose-gold tang buckle |
| Year: | sold in June 2015 |
| Box & papers: | original box, manual, MB&F Certified Preowned certificate |
This limited edition, rose-gold MB&F Legacy Machine LM101 'Frost' comes with a Certified Preowned guarantee from MB&F. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.
