MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT Onyx

1 0 Saturday, 23 March 2024 Edit this post

MB&F presented the Legacy Machine FlyingT Onyx, the latest interpretation of its celebrated FlyingT tourbillon model, which won the prize for Best Ladies’ Complication at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Since 2020, the collection has hosted a special gemstone dial every year, with previous editions in Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Tiger Eye and Cœur de Rubis.

The series is joined by the sophisticated LM FlyingT Onyx, featuring the deep black gemstone encased in an 18k yellow gold case – a classic combination found in vintage watches.

Crafting an onyx dial is a highly intricate process due to several factors. Firstly, onyx is a natural stone with inherent variations in density, hardness, and structure, making it challenging to work with consistently. Secondly, creating a domed dial, like the one of the FlyingT, involves meticulous precision to ensure that the asymmetrical cutout for the tourbillon and the varying thicknesses required for the movement plate alignment are executed flawlessly.

The FlyingT’s slender, elongated lugs frame the onyx under a dome of sapphire crystal rising from the cambered bezel of the 38.5 mm case.

The time is displayed at 7 o’clock on a 50° vertically tilted subdial with two serpentine hands. The two crowns can be used to wind the watch (left) or to set the time (right).

The towering vertical structure of the FlyingT automatic movement is topped by a 60-second flying tourbillon. A its name suggests, a flying tourbillons is anchored only at its base, with no stabilising bridge to restrict lateral motion at the top.

The meticulously crafted movement beats at a pace of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz). Comprising 280 intricately engineered components, it offers a power reserve of 100 hours.

Turning the timepiece over reveals a captivating sight: the caseback showcases an automatic winding rotor fashioned in the likeness of a three-dimensional red gold sun, complete with sculpted rays.