MB&F - Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO

The new Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO is the most robust watch created by MB&F. 3 limited editions retailing at €142,000/$167,000 LM Perpetual EVO

First presented in 2015, the Legacy Machine Perpetual by MB&F is evolving with a new variation coming in a redesigned, sleeker case in high-performance zirconium, combined with ergonomic double-sprung pushers and an integrated rubber strap.

Thanks to a specially developed ‘FlexRing’ shock-absorbing system protecting the perpetual calendar movement, the new Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO is the most robust timepiece ever developed by MB&F. The LM Perpetual EVO is also the first watch of the brand to offer 80 metres / 270 feet of water resistance.

The 44mm x 17.5 case is crafted from zirconium, a silvery-grey metal that is lighter than steel and more durable than titanium while also offering hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties. 

While its diameter has not changed, the new EVO case design features a no-bezel construction, with the domed sapphire crystal fused directly to the case. The increased openness of this design offers a unique view of the complex mechanisms.

This particular construction was possible thanks to a sophisticated thermal bonding system between the sapphire crystal and the zirconium case.

The previously circular pushers for adjusting the perpetual calendar have been enlarged into double-sprung oblong actuators for improved ergonomics. 

A screw-down crown was essential to achieve the new level of water resistance. When pushed in and tightened, the crown is disengaged from the winding mechanism to eliminate the chance of manually over-winding the mainspring barrel.

While conventional perpetual calendars are generally built as modules fitted on top of an existing movement, the LM Perpetual is driven by a fully integrated 581-component calibre whose suspended balance beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour with an autonomy of 72 hours.

Traditional perpetual calendar mechanisms use a 31-day month as the default and basically "delete" superfluous dates for the months with fewer days – by fast-forwarding through the redundant dates during changeover.

The LM Perpetual changes the approach by using a mechanical processor that utilises a default 28-day month and adds extra days as required. This means that each month always has the exact number of days required; there is no fast-forwarding or skipping redundant days. 

Three dial-plate colours are available: black, blue and a totally new orange. All of them are applied using PVD/CVD (physical or chemical vapour deposition) coatings that guarantee material stability over the long term.

The three limited editions of 15 pieces each – celebrating the 15th anniversary of the brand – retail for CHF 152,000 / Euro 142,000 / USD 167,000 before sales taxes. mbandf.com