Since its introduction in 2014, the Legacy Machine LM101 has been one of the most instantly recognisable of the brand’s offering. Its 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 marked 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.S1L.W combines several details favoured by LM101 enthusiasts – it pairs a blue dial with a stainless steel case.

The brand first produced the watch in stainless steel as part of a limited series of 10 pieces in collaboration with Hodinkee. It followed this with a 33-piece limited series, matching a platinum case with a lustrous blue dial. Then came the 15-piece collaborative effort in 2020 between MB&F and H. Moser & Cie. with a stainless steel case and a ‘Funky Blue’ dial. The popularity of the pairing of a white metal case with a blue dial resulted in the brand issuing the 51.S1L.W in 2021.

The case is 40mm across and the 16mm profile 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 metal mark and serial number. 

The 21mm lugs come furnished with a leather strap in a shade of coffee, and blue leather lining. The strap is secured by the brand’s signature titanium spring-loaded double deployant clasp, topped with a signed stainless-steel detail.

The sunburst dial, in a rich, new shade of blue, is ever changing in tone and mesmerising to behold. The gleaming lacquer subdials – housing the time display and the power reserve indicator – appear as if 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. Notably absent from the dials of this generation of the LM101 are the words “Legacy Machine” that were previously engraved and silvered.

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. As was first seen in LM101 that resulted from the collaboration between MB&F and H. Moser & Cie., the 2021 edition of the watch features a balance with twin hairsprings. Produced by Precision Engineering AG, the sister concern of H. Moser & Cie’s that MB&F sources its balance springs from, the Straumann double spring offers advantages related to precision and isochronism. This is because the two springs, tethered in opposition to each other, help negate the effect of the displacement of the point of gravity when they expand during the normal functioning of the balance. 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 231-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 2021, comes as a full set complete with outer and inner boxes and warranty paperwork. The reference 51.S1L.W presents the latest streamlined aesthetic and technical upgrades to a much beloved combination of the LM101.

A Collected Man is a Pre-Owned Approved partner of MB&F, a relationship which stems from 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.

Closer look

Condition

This MB&F LM101 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear and likely worn on only a handful of occasions. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. The engravings on both the caseback and buckle are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. MB&F has additionally offered a complimentary service to the future owner which can be exercised within the first six months of purchase, extending the warranty by a further two years from the date of completion.