Introducing The MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Watch (And The Best Live Photos Of It You’ll See Today)

Introducing The MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Watch (And The Best Live Photos Of It You’ll See Today)

Arthur Touchot
By Arthur Touchot November 3, 2015

If, as Maximilian Büsser suggested last month, independent watchmakers are an “endangered species,” MB&F is one animal that is not waiting for anyone to save it. It is very much taking matters in its own hands. The release, earlier today, of the Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar, is its latest statement of intent. Intent to stay alive, stay relevant in collector’s mind, and ruffle a few feathers along the way with disruptive design and innovative answers to the challenges of micro engineering.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Feature

The fourth chapter of the Legacy Machine collection, one that celebrates classicism and tradition, is by far the most complicated watch developed by MB&F. Not by design – the Horological Machine collection retains that crown – but in terms of its mechanics. It’s been a great year for the perpetual calendar complication. The day, date, moon, month and leap year display has been interpreted beautifully by several brands, from Audemars Piguet to Hermès.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Dial

But none have done so quite as transparently as MB&F. The avant-garde brand may have gone with a surprisingly familiar display, composed of four sub dials, but has uncharacteristically made them float above the dial, something no brand had been able to achieve because of the size of the grand levier.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Day Indicator

Instead, the skeletonized subdials rest on hidden studs, designed by MB&F and Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell to expose all of the 581-components that make up this groundbreaking caliber.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Close Up 2

There’s no mistaking it; this new perpetual calendar bears the DNA of MB&F. From the signature suspended balance wheel to the 19th century style hand finishing and hand-made engravings, it has MB&F written all over it, literally.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Wrist 1

And it’s one of the reasons we love it, and hastily put it on the wrist. Measuring 44 mm x 17.5 mm, the new Legacy Machine mirrors the look and feel of previous models. It’s a miniature piece-of art, providing the perfect piece de resistance for 21st independent watchmaking.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Wrist 2

Besides the perpetual calendar display, the new Legacy Machine features a power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock, as well as a retrograde leap year indicator at 7 o’clock.

MB&F LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL Watch 2015 Power Reserve

The MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual launches with a limited edition of 25 pieces in 18K 5N+ red gold and 25 pieces in platinum 950.

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official MB&F website. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to catch all of the new releases as they happen.