A Sequel to the Sequence: MB&F LM Sequence Flyback EVO
A sweeping upgrade.
MB&F adds an aquamarine-colored timepiece to its EVO collection. This watch retains the ingenious dual chronograph function designed by Stephen McDonnell and, for the first time, features the flyback function derived from the classic Legacy Machine Sequential. The Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback EVO is a robust and durable titanium chronograph, its shock-resistant and waterproof case and supple rubber strap making it easy to handle the challenges of everyday wear.
MB&F has achieved tremendous success in recent years. While the rise of independent watchmaking has driven the development of most mainstream brands, the exceptional quality and originality of MB&F's products have also played a significant role. Although the brand rarely ventures into traditional complicated watchmaking, its initial two pieces—the LM Perpetual and the Sequential (both designed by Stephen McDonnell)—are leaders in their respective fields. The Sequential, in particular, is one of the most creative and fun chronographs on the market.
replica MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Evo
Richard Mille RM 67 replica watches
This latest model incorporates the latest upgrades to the movement, particularly the flyback function, into the sporty titanium Legacy Machine EVO case, enhancing its shock resistance and water resistance. Despite these significant upgrades, the EVO Sequential's size is nearly identical to the more formal precious metal Legacy Machine series watches. This is undoubtedly a good thing, as the watch itself exudes a powerful presence and is almost eye-catching when worn.
One advantage of the EVO case compared to the classic LM case is the inclusion of a FlexRing shock absorber, providing a degree of cushioning between the case and the movement, allowing the movement to move slightly in any direction to dissipate shocks.
This sporty color scheme complements its functionality, but the exclusive rubber strap is arguably a limitation of the EVO case. Another drawback of the EVO case is its impressive 80-meter water resistance, which necessitates a screw-down crown (which can be cumbersome for a manually wound watch). However, this watch boasts a power reserve of at least 72 hours, indicated by a power reserve indicator on the case back (or, in this case, empty/full).
Even with these two shortcomings, this latest Sequential watch is arguably the best it has ever made, and its price is comparable to the recently launched stainless steel LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn, although its manufacturing costs may be slightly higher. Furthermore, it features a rare light blue color scheme, typically used on the brand's palladium watches, adding to its luxurious feel.
Evolution
In 2022, MB&F launched its first chronograph (and its 20th in-house movement) – the LM Sequential EVO. Developed by Stephen McDonnell, the creator of the brand's perpetual calendar, the Sequential EVO integrates two independent chronograph functions into a single movement – a rarity in pocket watches and unheard of in wristwatches.
The allure of the Sequential watch lies in its Twinverter mechanism, a clever mechanical device that simultaneously drives two column wheels with the press of a dedicated button. Activating the Twinverter allows both chronographs to start from a standstill or stop both currently running. If one chronograph is running while the other has stopped, pressing the device will stop the running chronograph and start the stopped one, giving it a function similar to a chess timer.
Historically, stopwatch manufacturers like TAG Heuer offered "multi-sequence chronographs," connecting three stopwatches together to record lap times, with a single lever to start one, stop another, and reset the third. In contrast, McDonnell's modern design is more elegant and compact.
Two years after the Sequential's debut, MB&F added a flyback function to its movement, allowing both chronographs to restart during operation. While flyback is typically associated with sports chronographs, its first application to the classic LM case seems somewhat incongruous. Furthermore, it adopts LM's signature slanted dial, a design absent in the original EVO watch.
The hands of the EVO Sequential Flyback watch have also been slightly upgraded, featuring three-dimensional polished protrusions that match the high-end decoration of the movement. As a sports watch, all seven hands are coated with luminescent material, and interestingly, the power reserve hand on the back of the movement is also luminescent.
This watch uses a double-barrel movement—both barrels are wound simultaneously—each barrel has a clearly visible jewel-bearing vertical clutch on the fourth wheel, driving the chronograph function. The dial offers a clear view of the operation of all the chronograph mechanisms, from the clutch to the return hammer, leaving nothing out. It is extremely rare to witness the operation of the vertical clutch, as it is usually obscured by one or two plates.
This movement is impressive in both its mechanical structure and hand-finishing. For example, the towering balance bridge on the front is mirror-polished, while the elegant finger-shaped bridges on the back are adorned with wide chamfers to secure the fourth wheel. Almost all the gemstones visible from the back are set in polished gold gemstone settings, contrasting sharply with the NAC-treated bridges.
The craftsmanship goes far beyond the usual beveling. For example, the engravings of the country of origin and the number of gemstones—legally mandated markings rarely incorporated into design—are hand-engraved in a small workshop in Le Locle. Stephen McDonald's name is also engraved on the dial, a detail that reflects MB&F's transparency. While it's common for independent watchmakers to outsource movement design, few brands are as open and transparent as MB&F.
MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Evo
Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 18.2 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance: 80 meters
Movement: Flyback chronograph movement developed by Stephen McDonnell
Functions: Hours, minutes, power reserve indicator, and double flyback chronograph function
Winding: Manual winding
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Strap: Integrated rubber strap with titanium folding clasp
Comments
Post a Comment