MB&F - Legacy Machine Sequential EVO

MB&F is launching today the Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, the first ever chronograph wristwatch of the brand. Full specs and price: CHF160,000

MB&F is launching today the Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, the first ever chronograph wristwatch of the Swiss brand.

Created in collaboration with Stephen McDonnell, who previously reinvented the perpetual calendar complication for the award-winning Legacy Machine Perpetual, the new LM Sequential EVO features the debut appearance of MB&F’s 20th calibre.

Incorporating two column-wheel chronographs and a groundbreaking “Twinverter” binary switch, this innovative chronograph movement enables multiple timing modes including split-second and lap timer modes – a combination never seen before in any chronograph.

Available in two colour variations, atomic orange or coal black, the dial plate of the LM Sequential EVO offers two symmetrically arranged chronograph displays. One has its seconds display at 9 o’clock and minutes display at 11 o’clock. The other has its seconds display at 3 o’clock and minutes display at 1 o’clock. 

Each of these chronograph displays can be started, stopped, and reset completely independently of each other, using the start/stop and reset pushers on their respective sides of the case. 

The fifth pusher at the 9 o’clock position is the “Twinverter” which controls both chronograph systems, operating as a binary switch that inverts the current start/stop status of each chronograph. 

This means that if both chronograph displays happen to be stopped (at zero position or otherwise), pressing the Twinverter will cause both of them to start simultaneously. If they are both running, the Twinverter makes them stop. If one is running and the other is stopped, the Twinverter stops the one that is running and starts the one that is stopped.

Thanks to this special switch, the LM Sequential EVO can be used in various modes that are not possible with traditional chronographs:

• “Independent mode”: measure the duration of multiple events with separate starting points and end points, even when the events overlap in timing. At the gym, for example, one chronograph can be set to time your entire session whilst the second is used to record your time at each station, or the downtime in between.
• “Simultaneous mode”: measure the individual durations of two events that start simultaneously but have different end points. Imagine a race involving two competitors.
• “Cumulative mode”: measure the individual cumulative durations of two discontinuous events. An example of this usage is the timing of a chess match.
• “Sequential mode (or lap mode)”: measure the individual sub-durations of a single continuous multi-phase event. Thanks to the minutes totalisers, this mode is ideal in sporting events with average lap times of over a minute (which includes the vast majority of lap-racing sports).

To have a better idea of this operational modes, make sure to watch the video at the end of the article.

Despite its mechanical complexity, the LM Sequential EVO is easy to use and practical in many situations, also thanks to its robustness. 

The 44 mm x 18.2 mm zirconium case features a screw-down crown and guarantees water resistance up to a pressure of 8 ATM (approximately 80 metres / 270 feet). The FlexRing annular dampener fitted between case and movement provides shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes.

Also used for the launch edition of the LM Perpetual EVO, zirconium is a hypoallergenic silvery-grey metal that is lighter than stainless steel and more durable than titanium. 

The case has no bezel leaving as much space as possible to the dial, well protected by the sapphire-crystal dome characteristic of the LM collection. 

Treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces, this crystal underwent a complicated shift in geometry in order to accommodate the placement of the 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) suspended balance in relation to the chronograph displays. Despite the final appearance of the dial crystal — forming a perfectly smooth arch — there are actually two subtle (and difficult to achieve) angles incorporated within the camber of the crystal in order to minimise the overall height of LM Sequential EVO when worn on the wrist. 

Through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, it is possible to appreciate the beautiful finishes of the hand-wound movement, including internal bevel angles, polished bevels, Geneva waves, hand-made engravings and darkened bridges (NAC finish). On this side, we also find the 72-hour power reserve indicator. 

Matched to an integrated rubber strap with titanium folding buckle, the MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, either with “atomic orange” or “coal black” dial plate, has a retail price of CHF 160,000 / Euro 160,000 / US$ 180,000, excluding VAT/sales taxes. mbandf.com