Horological innovator Max Büsser and his brand, MB&F, have unveiled their second launch of 2021, the Legacy Machine X. Known in shorthand as the LMX, the new watch celebrates 10 years of the collection first launched in October 2011, and comes on the heels of the captivating HM9 “Sapphire Vision” which the iconoclastic brand introduced in January.
The LMX serves as the ninth watch launched within the LM series, and follows-up on the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO, Thunderdome, and Flying T, among many others. At its core, the LMX is an interesting, high-luxury dual-time timepiece, reading the time to the wearer in the brand’s signature mechanically sculptural fashion.
This new haute horologerie creation comes in a 44-mm case, 21.4 mm thick, made of either polished 18k rose gold or grade 5 titanium. The case is reminiscent of previous Legacy Machines, which upon first glance feature a relatively traditional silhouette, but upon closer inspection showcase expertly executed design, manufacturing, and finishing. Positioned in the two upper corners of the case are two crowns, the right-side one for setting the time on the right subdial and bearing an engraving of the MB&F battle-axe rotor, the left-mounted one at 10 o’clock (engraved with a globe to acknowledge the potential use of a second time zone) to set another time on the left subdial.
The highly domed sapphire crystal covers the three-dimensional, partially openworked dial, produced in the sculptural style for which MB&F has become well known and available in either green CVD or black NAC treatment. Prominently, the mechanical happenings of the design catch your eye immediately; among them are a floating balance wheel at the center of the dial suspended by two arched bridges, a battle-axe-shaped escapement bridge, and three large wheels — one for each winding crown, the third for their shared seconds wheel.
While the mechanical elements on the dial are captivating, the watch does feature more traditional timekeeping elements as well. Most evident of these are the dual subdials found in the bottom corners of the dial, each of which is slanted slightly to enhance readability for a user taking a quick glance at his wrist. Signature to the LMX, each of the subdials tell time independently of one another, and because of their slanted design require specially developed conical gears to better transfer energy from horizontal to vertical planes. Another timekeeping element on the dial is toward the traditional 12 o’clock position, where an unusual hemispherical power reserve is located, displaying either the user’s choice of weekday or 7-day indication, and rotating when the watch is wound to showcase the preferred display.
Behind the LMX’s sapphire exhibition caseback we can see the highly symmetrical engine of the watch, which like all MB&F movements bears the same name as the watch it resides within. The movement, by design, is “deeply symmetrical,” working to recall “a perfectly balanced X.” Accordingly, we most notably see three barrels placed around the center, each accentuated by côtes de Genève finishing.
As for its technical features, the movement beats at a frequency of 18,000 vph, is made up of 367 components, and contains 41 jewels. Additionally, it features a seven-day power reserve, which is maintained via manual winding of the three aforementioned mainspring barrels. In addition to its functionality, the entire mechanism is intricately hand-finished, using gold chatons with diamond countersinks, beveled edges, mirror polishing, various engravings, and Geneva waves.
The MB&F LMX is available now, with the rose-gold edition limited to 18 total pieces and priced at $ 128,000, and the titanium version limited to 33 pieces and priced at $112,000. Both models are available via inquiry directly through the brand’s Mad Gallery online store, with approval from the wait list needed before purchase.
To learn more, you can also visit MB&F’s website, here.
