MB&F just launched the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO BLUE in titanium with an icy blue dial. Price CHF 168,000
The "classic" LM Perpetual was succeeded by the EVO model in 2020. This evolutionary timepiece introduced a redesigned, sleeker case paired with ergonomic double-sprung pushers and an integrated rubber strap. With the incorporation of a specially developed ‘FlexRing’ shock-absorbing system safeguarding the perpetual calendar movement, the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO became MB&F's most robustly engineered timepiece.
After the initial three zirconium launch editions featuring dial plates in orange, dark blue, and black, a Grade 5 titanium case with a green dial plate was introduced in 2021.
Today, the Swiss brand unveils the latest iteration of this model, the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO Blue, housed in a titanium case with an icy blue dial.
The 44 mm x 17.5 mm case adpts 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 design is possible thanks to a sophisticated thermal bonding system between the sapphire crystal and the titanium case.
The enlarged into double-sprung oblong actuators enhance the tactile comfort and ease of adjustment while the screw-down crown contributes to achieve 80 metres / 270 feet of water resistance, remarkable for a perpetual calendar watch.
An essential, detail of implementing a screw-down crown is the débrayage of the winding stem, disengaging the crown from the winding mechanism when it is pushed in and tightened, eliminating the possibility of manually over-winding the mainspring barrel.
The ‘FlexRing’ system, previously mentioned, is an annular dampener fitted between case and movement, providing shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes. Machined from a single block of stainless steel, the dampener imparts exceptional robustness to the perpetual calendar.
Unlike conventional perpetual calendars usually built as modules atop existing movements, the LM Perpetual is powered by a fully integrated 581-component calibre. Its suspended balance beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour, providing a 72-hour power reserve.
Typically, traditional perpetual calendar mechanisms adopt a 31-day month as the default, discarding superfluous dates for shorter months by rapidly advancing through the redundant dates during changeover.
The LM Perpetual employs a different approach developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell from Belfast. , utilizing a "mechanical processor", consisting of a series of superimposed disks, with a default 28-day month and adding extra days as needed. This ensures each month precisely matches the required number of days, eliminating the need for fast-forwarding or skipping redundant days.
Using a planetary cam, the mechanical processor also enables quick-setting of the year so that it displays correctly in the four-year leap year cycle, whereas traditional perpetual calendar mechanisms require the user to scroll through up to 47 months to arrive at the right month and year.
Additionally, the mechanical processor features an inbuilt safety feature that disconnects the quick-set pushers during date changeovers, eliminating any risk of damage.
The transparent caseback reveals Haute Horlogerie finishes at the highest standards, including internal bevel angles, polished bevels, Geneva waves, and hand-made engravings.
Paired with a white rubber strap with titanium folding buckle, the new MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO Blue edition retails for CHF 168,000 + VAT / EUR 176,000 + tax / USD 198,000. mbandf.com
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