Since its introduction in 2014, the Legacy Machine LM101 has been the most instantly recognisable of the brand’s offering. It’s aesthetic, centred around the flying balance and the exaggerated and sculptural twin-armed bridge that anchors it, represented a novelty while remaining true to the key tenets of fine and traditional watchmaking. It represented an inflection point in the brand’s evolution, created by drawing on MB&F's strong relationships with the community of independent watchmakers.
The reference 51.PL.W, produced in a series of 33 examples, was one of the most vibrant iterations of the original LM101 range. It paired a shimmering blue dial with a 40mm platinum case, a metal that the brand employs only sparingly. The popularity of this combination has resulted in the brand issuing another version in 2021, this time pairing a blue dial with a stainless steel case.
The 16mm profile of the LM101 case is mostly due to the remarkably domed sapphire crystal. The dimensions are minimised by the concave form of the minimal bezel. The bezel has a flat profile where it meets the case, and is evenly high polished. The horizontal satination of the midcase offers contrast, while the lugs that originate from this part, are vertically brushed in profile. The lugs are fractionally stepped from the midcase, the points of separation visible on top and in profile. Their curved down form is adorned with high polishing on top; they also have a marginal facet to them. The knurled crown, with the MB&F signature, is at 4 o’clock. The bezel around the display caseback is also concave, with laser engraved details such as the precious metal hallmarks and serial number out of 33.
The 21mm lugs come furnished with a two options in alligator-grained leather. They include a shade of granite, with aquamarine lining, and a more subdued black option. The straps are secured by the brand’s signature titanium spring-loaded double deployant clasp, topped in this case with a signed platinum detail.
The sunburst dial, ever changing in tone, is mesmerising. The gleaming lacquer subdials – housing the time display and the power reserve indicator – appear almost as celestial bodies on a cerulean sky. Both displays are framed by thin lips of the underlying metal. This base is brushed in profile. The time display register features a printed chapter of minute dots, followed by a full Roman chapter of hours. The feuille-style hands that ply it are heat-blued, as is the one arcing the 45 hours of reserve in the mainspring. The second register, proportionally smaller, has an Arabic scale, with the numerals marginally italicised. The words “Legacy Machine”, engraved and silvered, complete the adornments on the dial.
Central to the dial side view is the large, 14mm wide flying balance wheel. Situated within the form of the black polished and rounded balance bridge is the V-shaped escape bridge, vertically brushed and noticeably flatter. The action of the Swiss lever escapement, together with the motion of the balance wheel, lend dynamism to the dial side that lack a seconds indication.
Through the exhibition caseback is visible the manually wound calibre that Kari Voutilainen helped MB&F develop. The bridges are visually reminiscent of pocket watch calibres. Set against the baseplate adorned with perlage, the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève, the form of the stripes lining up precisely. The 229-component, single barrel calibre offers 45 hours of autonomy and the balance on the dial side beats at 18,000 beats per hour. It is beautifully detailed, with fine anglage and calligraphic engravings noting the jewel count, country of origin and the “MB&F’ and ‘K. Voutilainen’ marks.
This example, which first retailed in 2020, comes as a full set complete with outer and inner boxes and warranty paperwork. The reference 51.PL.W represents a positively precious and unusual combination of MB&F’s signature aesthetic and watchmaking philosophy.
A Collected Man is a Pre-Owned Approved partner of MB&F, a relationship which stems from our shared values and the deep appreciation we have for the work of Maximillian Büsser and his friends. We are pleased to note that MB&F has graciously offered a complimentary service to the buyer within the first six months after the sale.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this MB&F Legacy Machine 101 will be subject to 20% VAT
