MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1


MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1

Max Büsser & Friends is launching a new line of watches called Legacy Machines. Büsser says they will be designed as if MB&F existed 100 years ago. Legacy Machine No. 1 combines classic elements like a round case and a superlatively finished movement with MB&F’s trademark over-the-top horological creativity (or at least an over-the-top balance wheel). Find several images, wallpaper, pricing, technical specifications, and a link to the movie inside.

With its monumental central balance, completely independent dual time displays and three-dimensional power reserve indicator, Legacy Machine N°1 (LM1) pays tribute to the great innovators of traditional watchmaking, yet it is unmistakeably an MB&F Machine. At 44x16mm, the watch will fit a broader range of collectors.

Max Büsser says Legacy Machine N°1 was conceived when he asked himself “What would have happened if I had been born in 1867 instead of 1967?” The answer? He would still want to create wild, three-dimensional machines for the wrist, but there would have been no Star Wars or fighter jets to inspire him. Instead, he would have looked to pocket watches, the Eiffel Tower and Jules Verne. “What might my 1911 machine look like? It has to be round and it has to be three-dimensional: Legacy Machine N°1 was my answer.”

Legacy Machine N°1’s in-house movement reflects the talent of its creators. Jean-François Mojon and his team at Chronode (winners of the Best Watchmaker Prize at the 2010 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) started with a blank sheet, while acclaimed independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen took responsibility for the aesthetic design and for ensuring respect for tradition and fine finishing. The movement of Legacy Machine N°1 bears the names of both creators, and is the first caliber other than Voutilainen’s own to bear his name.

Below L to R, Jean-François Mojon, Maximilian Büsser and Kari Voutilainen.
Max Büsser & Friends

Most watches displaying two time zones allow only the hours to be set. The twin displays of Legacy Machine N°1 are fully independent, so each display can be set to show any time. Büsser says this has not been done before.

Legacy Machine No. 1

In white gold…
MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1

The swooping, curving bridge supporting the massive balance wheel was inspired by the Eiffel Tower.

MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1
MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1
MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1

The movement has been constructed in such a way that many observers fail to note the lack of a balance wheel.

MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1
MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1

The Legacy Machine No. 1 is available in 18k white gold or 18k rose gold, and it is priced at $92,000.

Click here to view the 4:45 Legacy Machine No. 1 film.

Technical specifications appear below.

Engine
Three-dimensional horological movement developed for MB&F by Chronode and created by Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen
Manual winding with single mainspring barrel
Power reserve: 45 hours
Balance wheel: Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws floating above the movement and dials
Balance spring: traditional Breguet curve terminating in mobile stud holder
Balance frequency: 18,000bph/2.5Hz
Number of components: 279
Number of jewels: 23
Chatons: gold chatons with polished countersinks
Fine finishing: superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th century style; internal bevel angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings

Functions
Hours and minutes; completely independent dual time zones displayed on two dials; unique vertical power reserve
Left crown at 8 o’clock for setting time of left dial; right crown at 4 o’clock for setting time of right dial and winding

Case
Available in 18k red gold or 18k white gold
Dimensions: 44mm wide x 16mm high
Number of components: 65
Sapphire crystals:
High domed sapphire crystal on top with anti-reflective coating on both sides; sapphire crystal on back with anti-reflective coating on single side

Strap & Buckle
Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with gold tang buckle to match case
“Friends” responsible for Legacy Machine No. 1
Concept: Maximilian Büsser / MB&F
Product design: Eric Giroud / Eric Giroud Design Studio
Technical and production management: Serge Kriknoff / MB&F
Movement development: Jean-François Mojon / Chronode
Movement design and finish specifications: Kari Voutilainen

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