MB&F Legacy Machine LM101, Steel

The LM101 is the result of a partnership between MB&F and master independent watchmaker, Kari Voutilainen. The latter’s uncompromising attention to detail and craftsmanship, is evident in the finishing of the LM101’s movement; the very first developed entirely in-house by MB&F. The Legacy Machine LM101 in stainless steel, is limited to only 10 pieces, designed and sold exclusively by Hodinkee, in New York. It's the most exclusive of the LM101s made to date.

The goal of the Legacy Machine LM101 was to create a tribute to fine and antique watchmaking of the past, and combine it with the forward-facing, creative finesse of MB&F. The nod to the past was largely achieved through the classical, round shape of the case, sized at 40mm, and the finishing of the movement. The engravings, Genevan waves, internal beveled and polished angles and countersunk blued screws all highlight the superlative hand-finishing of traditional, 19th-century watchmaking.

Almost at perfect juxtaposition, MB&F’s progressive, avant-garde style is most apparent, through the solo central balance-wheel, found at the front of the watch, floating above the movement and dial. The LM101, much like its predecessor, the LM1, displays a large, 14 mm “flying” balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws, separating itself from the manual-winding, single mainspring barrel movement beneath. The unique architecture of the Legacy Machine LM101 is further emphasised through the high-domed sapphire crystal, coated with anti-reflective material. Adding to this, two pristine, white sub-dials are placed underneath: at the top right, hours and minutes are displayed by blued-gold hands, while the 45-hour power reserve indicator is displayed in a smaller, but similar, subsidiary below. This limited edition LM101 for Hodinkee features a metallic brown dial, only ever used for this example of the LM101 series.

Collaboration is very much in Max Büsser and friends’ (MB&F’s) DNA. The company’s fruitful relationship with many of haute-horology’s finest independent movement makers, coupled with careful choosing of its suppliers, has led to the development of visionary modern timepieces, celebrated equally for their exceptional design and mechanical brilliance. The Legacy Machine LM101’s entirely in-house caliber, designed by Kari Voutilainen, rivals the very best the industry has to offer, and represents a key inflection point in the brand’s evolution.

The watch has a power reserve of 45 hours and comes with three original, fully hand-made, hand-stitched leather straps (dark brown crocodile, tan calfskin, and shell cordovan), with a corresponding steel tang buckle.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	MB&F
Model:	Legacy Machine LM101 Hodinkee (X/10)
Movement:	mechanical manual-winding
Functions:	time-only: hours, minutes, power reserve display
Features:	display back, metallic brown dial
Case:	40 mm steel
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Bracelet:	dark brown crocodile, tan calfskin, and shell cordovan
Box & papers:	full set box, papers