Description
The first legacy machine was introduced in 2011 – a whole new dimension to the brand which was, until then making only the very-conventional Horological Machines. The Legacy Machine was Max Busser’s love letter to the godfathers of mechanical watches such as Ferdinand Berthoud, Jules Verne, Gustave Eiffel and Antide Janvier among the other greats. Max Büsser teamed up with Kari Voutilainen and Jean-François Mojon to create the Legacy Machine 1 – a conventional timepiece in terms of case design, but a very unconventional representation of time and movement construction. Technically it was still an MB&F from outer space but in a traditional case. This caught the world off-guard.
It has been over a decade since then and we have seen the LM family evolve into 10 different models, each outperforming its predecessor.
The present reference is the 33pcs limited edition Legacy Machine Thunderdome launched in 2019, and the 7th model in the line-up.
Co-developed by Eric Coudray and Kari Voutilainen, this is an incredibly piece of horology. It features a three-axis, fastest and the largest regulator in the history of watchmaking, made by Eric Coudray. It has 3 cages, one turning at 20 seconds, the other at 12 seconds and the third one at 8 seconds – this magnificent micro-engineering can be witnessed right in the center of the dial. The combined weight of the multi-axis mechanism is a mere 1g.
Setting the background is the beautiful blue baseplate hand-guilloched by Kari Voutilainen using the 19th century techniques. Then there is a tiny domed-shaped white enamel dial displaying the time.
All this is housed under a 44mm platinum case. With the massive domed sapphire crystal, the height measures 22.2mm.
The caseback is equally stunning revealing the stunning manual movement with bevelled internal angles, Geneva stripes and hand-engravings. The power reserve on this beauty is 45hrs and the case offers a 30mtrs water resistance.Offered on a large-scale blue alligator strap and a platinum folding clasp.
MB&F – bio
Founded in July 2005 and based in Geneva, Switzerland.
They are known for their futuristic designs inspired by science fiction especially with The “Horological Machines” and the “Legacy Machines” collection.
They represents a collaborative effort between artisans, artists and professionals who collectively design unique horological masterpieces. All their “machines” are inspired by a either a vintage car design, spaceship or another imaginative vehicles from its founder’s mind.