MB&F - LMX Steel & Brass

0 0 Friday, 13 May 2022 Edit this post

MB&F presented a new interpretation in steel and brass of its LMX model, launched in 2021 to celebrate 10 years of Legacy Machines.

Taking inspiration from the Legacy Machine N°1 and its central flying balance wheel and two dials (although everything else is different), the LMX was initially crafted in two limited editions: 18 pieces in red gold with black NAC treatment on plates and bridges and 33 pieces in grade 5 titanium with green CVD treatment on plates and bridges (you can read about them here).

The new LMX Steel & Brass is a limited edition of 33 pieces and comes in a polished 316L stainless steel case measuring 44 x 21.4 mm and framing a brass plate with a frosted finish.

Under a high domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, the two white lacquer dials are tilted at an angle, an arrangement that requires the transfer of energy from horizontal to vertical planes thanks to conical gears.

Each dial displays hours and minutes independently from the other. The one on the right is set by the crown at the 2 o’clock position, which bears an engraving of the MB&F battle-axe and also winds the movement. The crown at 10 o’clock, engraved with a globe to suggest the possibility to set a second time zone, adjusts the time of the left dial.

The LMX reveals functional elements such as the battle-axe-shaped escapement bridge and gear-train components. Two large wheels are placed next to each winding crown and set in motion when setting the time on the corresponding time display. The gear at 6 o’clock is the running seconds wheel.

The imposing 13.4 mm balance wheel with inertia blocks slowly beats at a frequency of 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour). The polished arms are manually finished to impart a curved, or bercé, profile on their upper surfaces.

The 7-day (168 hours) power reserve is indicated by means of a three-dimensional display that gives the option to select between two modes of counting down the remaining autonomy. Two markers are positioned on opposite sides of a hemisphere; one framed by an arched scale numbered 1 to 7, another with a scale showing the days of the week.

The entire power-reserve display can rotate, thus making it possible to choose the preferred type of indication, by continuing to wind the battle-axe crown after the full power reserve is restored.

The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the three barrels placed evenly around the centre and put in full evidence by the sunray pattern of the Côtes de Genève finishing.

Matched to a black hand-stitched alligator strap with a stainless steel folding buckle, the new MB&F LMX Steel & Brass has a price of CHF 117,000 (excluding sales taxes). mbandf.com