MB&F Celebrates 15 Years, Unveils Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo

 

Today, in honor of its 15th anniversary, independent brand MB&F introduces the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO watch — a timepiece destined for everyday life here on Earth. No space, no cars, no frogs, owls or jelly fish — simply an every da wear. However, there is nothing simple about the new watch. Taking inspiration from its now-coveted Legacy Machine Perpetual watch released in 2015 (4 years after the first round Legacy Machine watch was unveiled) and  made in collaboration with Stephen McDonnell, MB&F has made some structural and technical changes that render the new Evo timepiece highly wearable. The brand even turns to zirconium for the case.

 

The MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo

The LM Perpetual Evo is sleeker in case height and is crafted from high-performance zirconium … a material very few watch brands have ever used. In fact, it was first seen in the watch world when Max Busser was in charge of watches for Harry Winston and the brand unveiled zirconium timepieces. The material is lighter than steel, more durable than titanium and is hypo-allergenic — making it the perfect material for a watch case. MB&F had already used Zirconium years ago when it released the HM3 Dart Frog in 2012.

The LM Perpetual Evo also boasts double-sprung pushers for the perpetual calendar functions that are recessed into the case sides so they don’t protrude, and an integrated rubber strap …. something we definitely are not used to seeing on MB&F watches. Another thing we have never seen before on an MB&F watch that we are witnessing with Evo: an 80-meter water resistant case thanks to a screw-down crown. Even the beloved jellyfish watch was not this water friendly; it could only go to depths of 50 meters.

Thanks to a specially made “FlexRing” shock absorption system that features a steel dampener between the case and the movement, the incredibly complicated 581-part caliber inside is protected from sudden jarring of the wrist – making it highly wearable any time or place. The LM Perpetual Evo watch still measures 44mm in diameter, but the bezel is gone and the domed sapphire crystal has been reconfigured to work with the zirconium case, and has a lower profile. Without a bezel, the entire open-worked caliber and many of its components  — including the raised balance wheel — are even more visible. The Evo is created in three different color ways thanks to a PVD process on the dial:  blue, white and — a new hue for MB&F: Atomic orange. Just 15 pieces of each will be made for the 15^thanniversary. Each retailing for $167,000.

 

Impressions of the MB&F LM Perpetual Evo

As mentioned, the newest Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo watch is designed to be an evolution of the brand’s round Legacy Machine – a shape that almost didn’t happen in the MB&F lineup, but that has become a beloved series for the brand. Remember, Max Busser was all about watches that are three-dimensional journeys into the imagination, space, super cars and more. Round was too traditional. Until he found a way to make it untraditional.

One of the main things that makes the Evo stand out from the previous Legacy Machine Perpetual is its chapter rings. For the Legacy Machine Perpetual, the chapter rings around the perpetual calendar indications were white — offering a subdued look. In the new LM Perpetual Evo, those chapter rings are black with white print — making them bolder and more “in your face.”  It also makes this watch sportier and perhaps one of the busiest looking MB&F watches to date. It definitely is made to appeal to the today’s active customer who wants a highly wearable sporty looking timepiece.

More importantly, though, to me, it begs the question: “Is an MB&F Chronograph next up on the drawing board?”. The look of this watch, coupled with a recent post by Max showcasing a specific Stingray corvette (a car that begs for a chronograph), leads me to believe we may be seeing his mind’s eye chronograph of the future.

MB&F: 15 Years In The Blink Of An Eye

For me, and I am sure for MB&F, it’s really hard to believe that the brand is celebrating 15 years in business. I remember when Max called me back in 2005 (maybe even the year before) and asked me to meet with him so he could show me what he was working on. I’ve known Max for decades – ever since his Harry Winston Opus days – and was eager to say hello again and curious about his new direction.

All he had at that point in time was a prototype  – but I remember being blown away. It was the same ingenious Max ideas that I was familiar with, and it was one of my most memorable meetings in Geneva that year. In fact, to this day, I remember it like it was yesterday. I knew his new fledgling firm, MB&F – Max Busser and Friends – would be a great success.

Those 15 years went by in the blink of an eye. Today, 15 years later, MB&F is one of the strongest and most beloved independent watch brands on the market — regularly unveiling watches that are three-dimensional journeys into the imagination, space, super cars and more. Bravo.