MB&F Legacy Machine 2 Red Gold Blue
It was six years ago in 2013 that MB&F unveiled its first Legacy Machine No.2, which included a model crafted in 18-karat rose gold. Now, the brand unveils its second rose gold LM2 — this time with a stunning blue dial. The LM2 Red Gold Blue will be the last LM2 to be crafted in 18-karat 5N rose gold.* If that isn’t disappointment enough, the brand is making just12 pieces of this new limited edition with deep blue dial that is achieved via a chemical vapor desposit (CVD) process.
Legacy Machine 2 with deep blue dial and 5N rose gold case is the last MB&F LM2 in rose gold to be made.
As with all LM2 watches, the distinguishing features of the new LM2 are the dual “flying” balance wheels suspended above the dial via four arms. These are secured by newer rounded, polished bridges that were introduced on the most recent LM2 editions. The watch is equipped with two independent regulating systems that beat at their own rate, but that rate is averaged out by a central planetary differential. The complex movement, which, again, is not new, was conceived of for MB&F by award-winning watchmakers Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen. In fact, via the sapphire crystal casebook, one can view both of their signatures.
Kari Voutilainen and Jean-Francois Mojon created the movement of the LM2.
A tour of the dial of this three-dimensional masterpiece with multiples layers totes movement showcases the fact that the main dial is actually to movement top plate. Raised slightly above the surface is the offset white lacquer hour/minute dial, Roman numerals and a gold outline. The 18-karat gold hands are blued to match the backplate. The planetary differential — the key factor in the double regulator system — is raised above the rest of the movement, supported by a double-arc mirror-polished bridge. Also suspended above the dial are the two oscillating balance wheels, each of which react differently to different forces. As mentioned, just 12 pieces will be made, each retailing for $156,000.
Technical Specifications: MB&F LM2 Red Gold Blue:
Edition limited to 12 pieces
ENGINE:
Three-dimensional horological movement developed exclusively for MB&F by Jean-François Mojon at Chronode and Kari Voutilainen
Manual winding with single mainspring barrel
Power reserve: 45 hours
Differential: Planetary differential comprising 3 gears and 5 pinions
Balance wheels: Two bespoke 11mm balance wheels with four traditional regulating screws floating above the movement and dials
Balance spring: traditional Breguet curve terminating with stud holder
Balance frequency: 18,000bph / 2.5Hz
Number of components: 241
Number of jewels: 44
Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th century style; polished internal bevel angles highlighting handcraft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; gold chatons with polished countersinks; hand-made engravings
FUNCTIONS:
Hours and minutes
Planetary differential transmits the average rate of the two regulators to the single gear train.
CASE:
Materials: 18k red gold, 18k white gold, platinum 950, or grade 5 titanium.
Dimensions: launch and white gold editions: 44mm × 20mm; redesigned editions in titanium and red gold (blue face) edi- tions: 44mm × 19mm
Number of components: 45 (launch and white gold editions), or 41 (redesigned editions in titanium and red gold)
Water resistance: 30 m / 90’ / 3 atm
SAPPHIRE CRYSTALS:
High domed sapphire crystal on top and sapphire crystal on back with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
STRAP & BUCKLE:
Black, brown or blue hand-stitched alligator strap with 18k gold, platinum or titanium tang buckle matching the case.
Kari Voutilainen and Jean-Francois Mojon created the movement of the LM2.
- DISCLAIMER: MB&F calls its 5N rose gold metal Red Gold, but due to the continuing lawsuits involving Solid 21 on behalf of Chris Aire, who has used the Red Gold (R) trademark since 1989, against those who infringe on the trademark, I do not use the term Red Gold except when writing about Chris Aire. When brands use the term Red Gold, I refer to it as 5N rose gold.
