Category: MB&F

Swiss independent watchmaker MB&F expands its celebrated Legacy Machine collection with the new MB&F LM Perpetual Chromatic editions, bringing vibrant gemstone details and colorful accents to one of the brand’s most technically impressive creations.

The new series consists of three limited editions, each based on the award-winning LM Perpetual platform first introduced in 2015. While the mechanical architecture remains unchanged, the Chromatic editions introduce a more expressive aesthetic through the use of colored sapphires, rubies, and matching dial elements.

A Bold Interpretation of the LM Perpetual

All three watches feature the familiar oversized Legacy Machine case measuring 44 mm in diameter and 17.50 mm thick. Two versions are crafted in white gold, while the third arrives in red gold. The generous proportions are essential to accommodate the highly complex in-house perpetual calendar movement and the collection’s signature suspended balance wheel positioned above the dial.

The defining visual element of the Chromatic editions is the gemstone-set bezel. Each watch is adorned with 48 baguette-cut stones, with blue sapphires and purple sapphires featured on the white gold models, while the red gold version receives matching rubies.

MB&F continues the color theme throughout the dial layout by applying matching PVD coatings to the various display hands. The blue and purple editions receive coordinating blue or purple accents, while the red gold model adopts warm red-gold-toned details.

Complex Perpetual Calendar Architecture

The dial layout retains the unconventional arrangement that defines the LM Perpetual collection. The hours and minutes are displayed on a subdial positioned at 12 o’clock, while the day indication appears at 9 o’clock and the date display at 3 o’clock. The month indicator is placed at 6 o’clock, accompanied by the leap year display at 7 o’clock and the power reserve indicator at 5 o’clock. Dominating the center of the dial is the suspended balance wheel, one of the collection’s most recognizable features, seemingly floating above the movement.

Stephen McDonnell’s Award-Winning Movement

Powering the watch is the LM Perpetual calibre developed by renowned watchmaker Stephen McDonnell specifically for MB&F. The movement features an openworked architecture, operates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, and delivers a power reserve of up to 72 hours.

Unlike traditional perpetual calendar mechanisms that rely on modular constructions, McDonnell’s movement was engineered entirely from the ground up. Its innovative mechanical processor simplifies date calculations while improving reliability and reducing the risk of damage during adjustment.

The innovative calibre earned the LM Perpetual the Calendar Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2016, establishing it as one of the most technically impressive perpetual calendar watches of the modern era.

Limited Availability

The MB&F LM Perpetual Chromatic editions are produced in extremely limited quantities, with only eight pieces available for each color variant. Pricing is set at CHF 228,000 before taxes, reinforcing the exclusivity of a collection that combines avant-garde design, high complications, and gemstone craftsmanship in typical MB&F fashion.

Read more here.

General Specifications:

Brand: MB&F

Model: Legacy Machine LM Perpetual Chromatic Edition

Dial: Openworked

Lume: No

Case Material: 18k red gold, 18k white gold

Case Dimensions: 44 mm Diameter, 17.50 mm thickness

Crystal: Sapphire Glass

Case Back: Sapphire Glass

Water Resistance: 30 Meters

Strap: Alligator leather strap with a matching case material folding clasp

Caliber: MB&F LM Perpetual calibre

Functions: Hours, minutes, day, date, month, leap year, power reserve indicator

Winding: Hand-wound

Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 Vph)

Jewels: 41

Componentes: 581

Power Reserve: 72 Hours

Price: CHF 228,000 plus VAT

Availability: Now

Limited Edition: Yes, 8 pieces each