In the landscape of independent watchmaking, few names conjure images of mechanical audacity quite like MB&F. For nearly two decades, Maximilian Büsser & Friends have operated as a horological concept laboratory, deconstructing and reassembling the very idea of a watch. Their creations are often categorized into two distinct families: the radical, science-fiction-inspired Horological Machines and the more classically rooted Legacy Machines. It is within this latter collection, which pays tribute to 19th-century watchmaking by reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens, that the Legacy Machine 101 first made its debut in 2014.
The original LM101 was a study in essentialism, presented with MB&F's characteristic three-dimensional flair. Its name, "101," referenced a foundational course, indicating its focus on the absolute fundamentals of a mechanical timepiece: the balance wheel for precision, the power reserve indicator for energy, and the display of time. Despite its conceptual purity, it was anything but simple. It featured a monumental 14mm "flying" balance wheel, seemingly detached and floating above the movement, creating a spectacle of kinetic art on the wrist. At 40mm, it was also one of the brand's most compact and wearable creations.
Courtesy of MB&F
Over the years, the LM101 has become one of MB&F's most sought-after models, appearing in various precious metals and with an array of stunning dial treatments. As the brand approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, a persistent request from collectors has been answered. The LM101 has finally received the "EVO" treatment, a series of enhancements designed to transform it from a piece of kinetic sculpture into a robust companion for an active lifestyle, creating the Legacy Machine 101 EVO.
The "EVO" moniker, first introduced in 2020 with the LM Perpetual EVO, signifies a purpose-driven evolution. It's a philosophy of engineering that imbues a high-complication timepiece with the resilience needed for daily wear. This transformation is not merely aesthetic; it involves a core set of upgrades. Key among these are a substantial increase in water resistance to 80 meters, the inclusion of a secure screw-down crown, and the integration of a comfortable and durable rubber strap.
Beyond these practical features, the EVO concept delves deeper into the watch's architecture. To safeguard the intricate movement from the shocks of an active life, MB&F incorporates its patented FlexRing, a dampening system fitted between the case and the movement. This annular shock absorber provides protection along the vertical and lateral axes, a critical innovation for a watch whose visual identity is defined by a massive, suspended balance wheel. The EVO models also favor advanced materials like titanium, as seen in this new release, for their high strength-to-weight ratio.
Visually, the LM101 EVO immediately distinguishes itself from its predecessors. It launches in two striking versions, both housed in a sleek titanium case. The choice of dial plates offers either a captivating peacock green or a warm salmon. These colors are not applied with traditional lacquer but are instead created through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), a high-tech process that ensures a perfectly uniform and durable coating. The salmon dial is a noteworthy addition, being a relatively uncommon color in the MB&F palette, while the green variant is particularly dynamic, shifting through shades of green, blue, and purple as it plays with the light.
Courtesy of MB&F
The undisputed star of the dial remains the immense 14mm balance wheel, beating at a serene 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz). It is held aloft by a pair of gracefully curved arches, which are painstakingly milled from a single block of metal and hand-finished for hours to achieve a flawless mirror polish. For this EVO edition, the base of these arches has been subtly redesigned for a more fluid and refined appearance, a small but significant detail for discerning eyes. This suspended oscillator is not just a timekeeping element; it is the beating heart of the machine, put on full display.
Beneath the dramatic balance wheel, the dial plate serves as a textured backdrop for the time and power reserve indications. The two functions are presented on stark black subdials that appear to float just above the surface. The hours and minutes are shown on the larger subdial at the upper right, read via newly designed, highly legible white gold hands. A smaller subdial below it displays the remaining power reserve. A new, subtle refinement on these EVO editions is the addition of finely circled borders around both subdials, adding a crisp, defined edge to the display.
The entire composition is framed not by a traditional bezel, but by a highly domed sapphire crystal that flows seamlessly to the edge of the case. This design choice, a hallmark of the EVO collection, creates an open, panoramic view of the three-dimensional mechanical landscape within. The effect is architectural and immersive, drawing the eye directly to the interplay of gears, springs, and polished metal without distraction.
The case itself is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, measuring an accessible 40.0 mm in diameter and 49 mm from lug to lug. While the 16.5 mm height sounds substantial, much of it is attributed to the dramatic dome of the sapphire crystal. The titanium construction ensures the watch is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable on the wrist, reinforcing its suitability for everyday wear. The case finishing is impeccable, with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces that highlight its ergonomic lines.
Courtesy of MB&F
Powering the LM101 EVO is a movement that holds a special place in MB&F's history. It was the very first calibre to be entirely conceived and developed by the brand's in-house engineering team. To ensure its connection to the highest standards of traditional watchmaking, MB&F collaborated with the legendary independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, who consulted on the movement's aesthetic design and the specifications for its superlative finishing.
This manually wound engine is comprised of 233 components and 23 jewels. For the EVO edition, it has received a significant technical upgrade. The power reserve has been increased from the previous 45 hours to an impressive 60 hours, a practical improvement that aligns with the watch's more robust, sport-oriented character. This is achieved through a reliable slipping mainspring barrel, a feature that prevents overwinding.
The movement's regulating organ is a technical marvel in itself. The custom-designed 14mm balance wheel features four traditional regulating screws for fine adjustment. It is paired with a Straumann® double hairspring. Using two hairsprings that work in opposition, this configuration averages out gravitational errors as the watch changes position, leading to enhanced chronometric performance and isochronism.
Flipping the watch over reveals a view that is just as compelling as the front. A box sapphire crystal on the caseback offers a window into the intricate finishing of the movement, executed in a style that pays homage to 19th-century pocket watches. The bridges are adorned with deep, undulating Geneva waves and feature meticulously hand-polished bevels, including sharp internal angles that are a true sign of artisanal craft.
Courtesy of MB&F
In keeping with the EVO aesthetic, the bridges of the movement have been treated with a dark NAC (Nano-Agglomerated Coating) finish. This blackening provides a contemporary contrast to the traditional finishing techniques, highlighting the gleam of the polished bevels, the gold chatons that hold the jewels, and the countersunk blued screws. It’s a perfect fusion of historical respect and modern sensibility, visible for the owner's appreciation.
Another subtle but meaningful update can be found in the escapement wheel, which has been redesigned with a shape inspired by the recurring battle-axe motif found throughout MB&F's creations. It's a small detail that reinforces the cohesive design language of the brand, a signature hidden within the mechanical heart of the timepiece.
Completing the LM101 EVO's transformation is an integrated rubber strap, offered in either a clean white or a versatile grey. The strap is designed to flow seamlessly from the lugs, creating a unified and ergonomic profile on the wrist. This integration is key to the EVO's comfortable and secure fit, making it feel like an extension of the wearer rather than a separate object. The strap is fastened with a matching titanium folding buckle, completing the cohesive and sporty package.
The MB&F Legacy Machine 101 EVO is a thoughtful and comprehensive evolution of a beloved design. It retains the foundational concept and mesmerizing visual drama of the original—the pure focus on the essentials of timekeeping, dominated by the spectacle of the flying balance wheel. However, it thoughtfully re-engineers this concept for a new context, one that involves daily adventures and an active life, without compromising the artistry and hand-finishing that define the brand.
Courtesy of MB&F
This evolution is a fitting tribute as MB&F heads towards its 20th anniversary. It demonstrates a deep understanding of its collectors' desires, transforming a horological work of art into a machine that is not only meant to be admired but also thoroughly enjoyed and worn. It is the synthesis of historical watchmaking tradition and forward-thinking, practical engineering.
The MB&F Legacy Machine 101 EVO is being introduced in titanium with a choice of a salmon or green CVD dial plate. The price is set at CHF 62,000. While these editions are not formally limited, their production is inherently restricted by the immense craft and time required for their creation. As such, only a few dozen pieces can be crafted per year, ensuring their exclusivity for a fortunate few.
Case: 40.0 mm Grade 5 Titanium case with a height of 16.5 mm. Features a screw-down crown, 80m water resistance, and MB&F's patented "FlexRing" shock protection system. High domed sapphire crystal on top and box sapphire on back.
Movement: Manually-wound in-house MB&F calibre with finishing specifications by Kari Voutilainen. 60-hour power reserve, 18,000bph/2.5Hz frequency, 23 jewels, and 233 components. Features a 14mm bespoke balance wheel with a Straumann® double hairspring.
Dial: Available with a salmon or peacock green CVD dial plate. Two black subdials for hours/minutes and power reserve. Dominated by the large, suspended balance wheel held by polished arches.
Strap: Integrated grey or white rubber strap with a matching titanium folding buckle.
Price: CHF 62,000
Notes: The first MB&F calibre developed entirely in-house receives the "EVO treatment," making it suitable for an active lifestyle. The power reserve has been significantly increased from 45 to 60 hours compared to the original LM101.