The evolution of the chronograph has historically been a slow, incremental process, often defined by small refinements rather than wholesale reinvention, but the arrival of the MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback EVO marks a distinct departure from that traditional trajectory. This timepiece represents a convergence of high-concept mechanical art and genuine utility, bridging the gap between theoretical horology and practical application in a way that few other machines have managed to achieve. It is not merely a device for telling time or measuring intervals; it is a mechanical calculator for the wrist, capable of tracking complex, overlapping events through a system of binary logic that feels entirely alien to standard watchmaking yet intuitive in practice. The release of this model in 2026 signifies the maturation of a concept that began years prior, finally marrying the robust, daily-wear capabilities of the EVO line with the fully realized potential of Stephen McDonnell’s chronograph architecture, specifically the inclusion of the technically demanding flyback function.
Visually, the watch commands attention not through garishness, but through a complex architecture that immediately signals its mechanical depth to any observer. The use of an aquamarine dial plate provides a striking, vibrant backdrop that contrasts sharply with the industrial greys of the mechanical components, creating a visual depth that draws the eye inward toward the exposed gearing. The dial is an exercise in three-dimensional construction, where the sub-dials for the chronograph functions appear to float above the mainplate, suspended in a delicate balance that belies the robustness of the underlying mechanism. The time display itself, located at the six o'clock position, features a distinct tilt, an ergonomic adjustment inherited from previous Legacy Machine iterations that allows the wearer to read the time without having to rotate their wrist significantly—a small but thoughtful detail that emphasizes the driver-focused or active-wear nature of the piece.
Courtesy of MB&F
The case construction utilizes Grade 5 titanium, a material choice that is practically mandatory for a watch of these dimensions to remain comfortable for extended wear. Measuring 44 millimeters in diameter with a height of 18.2 millimeters, the case is substantial, yet the properties of titanium ensure it remains lightweight on the wrist, avoiding the top-heavy feeling that often plagues complex complications. The design eschews a traditional bezel, allowing the domed sapphire crystal to extend right to the edge of the case, effectively turning the entire face of the watch into a display case for the engine within. This "glass box" effect is a hallmark of the Legacy Machine aesthetic, but in the EVO configuration, it is bolstered by engineering designed to withstand the rigors of actual life. The screw-down crown and the integrated rubber strap are not just aesthetic choices; they contribute to the 80 meters of water resistance that allows this high-complication piece to be worn in environments where a standard perpetual calendar or split-seconds chronograph would never dare to venture.
One of the most critical, yet invisible, components contributing to this durability is the FlexRing, an annular dampener fitted between the case and the movement. In a standard mechanical watch, shocks are the enemy of precision, particularly for the balance wheel and the delicate pivots of a chronograph mechanism. The FlexRing acts as a shock absorber along both the vertical and lateral axes, isolating the 621-component movement from the jarring impacts of daily activities. This is a defining feature of the EVO philosophy: the idea that high horology should not be relegated to the safe or the winding box, but should be capable of accompanying the collector through an active life. It transforms the piece from a delicate object of art into a usable tool, reinforcing the brand's commitment to making kinetic art that functions in the real world.
The heart of this machine is the fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system, a mechanical marvel conceived by Stephen McDonnell. McDonnell, who previously solved the riddle of the perpetual calendar for MB&F, approached the chronograph with a similar desire to eliminate the inherent weaknesses of traditional designs. Standard chronographs often suffer from "flutter" when the seconds hand starts, or amplitude loss when the mechanism is engaged, due to the friction of the clutch. McDonnell’s solution involves internally jeweled vertical clutches, a sophisticated arrangement that sits within the main gear train. This placement and construction eliminate the jumpy start of the chronograph hand and ensure that the amplitude of the balance wheel remains stable regardless of whether the chronograph is running or stationary, maintaining the watch's precision across its entire 72-hour power reserve.
Courtesy of MB&F
The true genius of the movement, however, lies in the "Twinverter" binary switch, a mechanism that fundamentally changes how the user interacts with the chronograph. Located at the nine o'clock position, this fifth pusher acts as a logic gate for the two independent chronograph mechanisms. If both chronographs are stopped, pressing the Twinverter starts them both. If they are both running, it stops them. If one is running and the other is stopped, the Twinverter instantly inverts their states—stopping the runner and starting the stationary one. This simple logic opens up a variety of timing modes that are impossible with a standard chronograph, such as a "cumulative" mode for tracking time spent on two different projects, or a "sequential" mode for lap timing, where the end of one lap instantly triggers the start of the next while holding the first result for recording.
The addition of the flyback function in this 2026 edition addresses the one piece of the puzzle that was missing from the original 2022 release. A flyback mechanism allows the user to reset and restart a running chronograph with a single push of the reset button, bypassing the traditional stop-reset-start sequence. This function has historical roots in aviation, where pilots needed to instantly restart timing legs of a flight plan without the distraction of a three-step process. In the context of the LM Sequential, the flyback multiplies the utility of the independent chronographs. For instance, in a split-second scenario, the user can now flyback one of the timers to restart a count without disturbing the overall elapsed time being measured by the second mechanism. The engineering required to retrofit this into the existing architecture was immense, involving jeweled rollers to reduce friction and ensure the return-to-zero action is smooth and reliable, a testament to the years of prototyping required to perfect it.
The aesthetic presentation of the movement, visible through the sapphire display back, is as compelling as the dial side. The bridges and plates are treated with a dark NAC finish, creating a moody, technical look that contrasts with the bright aquamarine of the dial. The finishing is superlative, featuring internal bevel angles that can only be achieved by hand, polished bevels that catch the light, and Geneva waves that add texture to the darkened surfaces. The complexity of the gearing is laid bare, allowing the owner to trace the flow of energy from the double mainspring barrel through the gear train to the flying balance wheel oscillating at 3Hz. The balance wheel itself, suspended under a dramatic arch on the dial side, features traditional regulating screws and a Breguet overcoil, nodding to the history of precision chronometry while sitting atop a thoroughly modern engine.
The strap integration is another area where the EVO design language asserts itself. The white rubber strap is seamlessly integrated into the titanium lugs, creating a continuous line that wraps around the wrist. This integration is crucial for the comfort of a 44mm watch, as it eliminates the gap between the case and strap that can often cause larger watches to sit awkwardly or shift during wear. The strap is secured with a titanium folding buckle, ensuring that the watch remains securely fastened even during vigorous activity. The choice of rubber over leather is a deliberate signal of the watch's intent; it is resistant to sweat, water, and wear, ready for the pool, the gym, or the track, reinforcing the "aquamarine" theme of the dial plate with a material that is actually aquatic-friendly.
Courtesy of MB&F
It is worth pausing to consider the sheer density of engineering packed into this volume. With 621 components, the LM Sequential Flyback EVO movement is significantly more complex than most minute repeaters or grand complications. The fact that this density is achieved without making the watch unwearable is a credit to the spatial management of the design. Every millimeter of the case volume is utilized, from the positioning of the vertical clutches to the intricate levers of the flyback mechanism. The visual density is high, yet the dial remains legible due to the clever use of negative space and the skeletonization of the sub-dials, which allows the eye to distinguish between the various hands and scales without confusion.
The layout of the chronograph displays is intuitive once understood. The left chronograph features seconds at nine o'clock and minutes at eleven o'clock, controlled by pushers on the left side of the case. The right chronograph mirrors this, with seconds at three o'clock and minutes at one o'clock, controlled by right-side pushers. This symmetry is pleasing to the eye and essential for the mental mapping of the functions. When operating the Twinverter at nine o'clock, the physical sensation of the pushers is crisp and mechanical, providing tactile feedback that confirms the engagement of the levers. The coordination between the left and right hands, particularly when using the Twinverter to flip their states, creates a visual dance that is as entertaining as it is functional, a literal representation of kinetic art.
This timepiece also serves as a tribute to the partnership between Maximilian Büsser and Stephen McDonnell. Their collaboration dates back to the very inception of the brand, with McDonnell playing a key role in the assembly of the first Horological Machines. His return to the fold to create the Legacy Machine Perpetual and subsequently the Sequential demonstrates a unique synergy where Büsser’s imaginative, "blue sky" concepts are grounded and realized by McDonnell’s engineering rigor. McDonnell’s approach is often to look at traditional complications and ask why they fail or how they can be fundamentally improved, leading to inventions like the mechanical processor in the Perpetual and the inverted vertical clutch in the Sequential.
The historical context of the chronograph, derived from the Greek words for "time" and "writing," is honored here not by looking backward, but by pushing the format forward. Early chronographs were ink-droppers, physical writers of time. The LM Sequential is a writer of logic, allowing the user to impose structure on the flow of time in ways that a simple start-stop mechanism cannot. Whether it is timing two dishes cooking at different rates, measuring the laps of a race car, or tracking the cumulative time spent on a chess move, the watch adapts to the wearer’s needs. The flyback function returns the instrument to its roots as a tool for navigation and rapid decision-making, ensuring that no fraction of a second is lost to the fumbling of pushers.
Courtesy of MB&F
The "EVO" designation is not merely a marketing suffix but a comprehensive rethinking of the Legacy Machine platform. The removal of the bezel opens the dial up, making the watch feel larger and more expansive, yet the ergonomic curvature of the lugs makes it wear smaller than the dimensions suggest. The use of zirconium in other EVO models and titanium here speaks to a materials science approach that prioritizes strength-to-weight ratios. This is a watch designed for the 21st-century collector who does not live a sedentary life, offering the romance of a hand-wound mechanical movement with the resilience of a modern sports watch.
In the broader landscape of independent watchmaking, MB&F has carved out a niche as a concept laboratory, a place where the norms of the industry are routinely deconstructed. Since its founding in 2005, the brand has oscillated between the futuristic, sci-fi inspired Horological Machines and the historically respectful Legacy Machines. The Sequential Flyback EVO sits comfortably at the intersection of these two worlds. It uses the visual language of the past—round case, lacquered dials, blued hands—but powers them with an engine that is futuristic in its complexity and logic. It is a "Legacy" machine in name, but it is creating a new legacy rather than simply reciting an old one.
The practicality of the independent timing modes cannot be overstated. In a world dominated by digital devices, the ability to perform complex timing operations mechanically offers a distinct satisfaction. The "Independent Mode" allows for the timing of two completely separate events. The "Simultaneous Mode" acts as a split-second chronograph that can run indefinitely, unlike traditional rattrapante mechanisms which impose friction on the movement. The "Cumulative Mode" is a productivity tool, and the "Sequential Mode" is the ultimate lap timer. Each of these modes transforms the watch into a different instrument, giving the owner essentially four or five different watches in one chassis.
Finishing details extend to the smallest components, with the 63 jewels providing friction-free movement for the gear train and the flyback rollers. The balance frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) is a deliberate choice, often associated with traditional pocket watches, and it allows for a larger, more visually impressive balance wheel. A faster beat rate might offer theoretical precision benefits, but it would result in a smaller balance and higher wear; the 3Hz rate strikes a balance between chronometric performance and visual drama, allowing the leisurely oscillation of the balance to be a focal point of the dial.
Courtesy of MB&F
The aquamarine dial plate is a defining characteristic of this specific edition. It is a hue that shifts depending on the light, appearing almost neon in bright sunlight and settling into a deeper, cooler teal in the shade. This color choice, paired with the white strap, gives the watch a distinct "summer" or "resort" vibe, yet the serious mechanics underneath ensure it is never dismissed as a mere fashion accessory. It is a juxtaposition of playful aesthetics and serious horology that has become a signature of the brand's recent output.
For those interested in acquiring this pinnacle of chronograph engineering, the Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback EVO Ti is priced at CHF 168,000. Availability will naturally be limited by the extreme complexity of the movement and the rate at which the watchmakers can assemble and regulate the 621 components. It stands as a significant investment in contemporary horology, offering a unique combination of patented mechanics, robust wearability, and an aesthetic that is unmistakably MB&F.
Case: Grade 5 titanium construction measuring 44mm in diameter and 18.2mm in height; consists of 74 components and features a screw-down crown and a FlexRing annular dampener for shock protection; water resistant to 80m (8ATM).
Movement: Manual winding fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system developed by Stephen McDonnell with Twinverter switch; 621 components and 63 jewels; operates at 3Hz (21,600 vph) with a 72-hour power reserve via double mainspring; features a flying balance wheel with Breguet overcoil and darkened bridges with NAC finish.
Dial: Aquamarine dial plate with an inclined time display for hours and minutes at 6 o'clock; left chronograph seconds at 9 o'clock and minutes at 11 o'clock; right chronograph seconds at 3 o'clock and minutes at 1 o'clock.
Strap: Integrated white rubber strap with a titanium folding buckle.
Price: CHF 168,000
Notes: A 2026 release that incorporates a flyback function into the EVO collection for the first time; features the proprietary Twinverter binary switch that allows for multiple timing modes including split-second and lap-timer functions.