Introducing the MB&F LM Split Escapement EVO
In the watch community, it seems like MB&F simply doesn’t miss. From their Horological Machines to their interpretation of traditional watchmaking in Legacy Machines, there are few other brands with such singularly positive fanfare. Fortunate for all of us, this year’s release at Geneva Watch Days is another stellar example to add to MB&F’s catalog – the Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO.
Released (very quietly) earlier this year in a limited 10 piece run to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UAE, this is the Split Escapement EVO’s first global release in icy-cool light blue dial plate and gray subdials. Though functions and complications may vary, this release bears the emblem of all Legacy Machine timepieces – the suspended balance wheel on the dial. Beating at a traditional 2.5Hz, the Split Escapement conceals the anchor and escape wheel are concealed on the opposite side of the movement, almost 12mm below. This arrangement creates the effect that the balance wheel oscillates completely on its own, detached from any visible intake of energy. This horological wizardry comes from the mind of Stephen McDonnell, the same watchmaker that designed MB&F Perpetual.
What makes this timepiece exceptional is that it’s the first LM Split Escapement with an EVO case. First coming to life in 2020 in the form of the LM Perpetual EVO and more recently showcased on the LM Sequential EVO, the case features 80m water resistance, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap, Super-LumiNova on the display and bezel-free design. In this specific release, we meet the brand’s first “FlexRing” shock-absorbing system that suspends the movement and dampens common vertical and horizontal shocks that occurs from everyday wear-and-tear as well as more adventurous lifestyles.
In addition to the EVO treatment, the LM Split Escapement EVO features another modification compared to the original LM Split Escapement: the entire mechanism is rotated clockwise by 30 degrees, radically changing the symmetry of the watch and giving it a totally new character. The manual-winding, 298-component calibre is driven by double barrels providing 72 hours of power reserve, and features a user-friendly, foolproof rapid date-changing system.
We’re sure that all the future owners of the LM Split Escapement EVO are going to be as amazed as we were when we put our hands on it in Geneva.
Technical Specifications
Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO is available in two versions:
- Ti version: grade 5 titanium case with pastel blue baseplate and dark grey dials.
- Beverly Hills edition: limited edition of 25 pieces in grade 5 titanium case with black baseplate and blue dials.
Engine
Movement developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell.
Split escapement with the balance wheel suspended above the dial and the anchor under the movement.
Manual winding with double mainspring barrels.
Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws visible on top of the movement.
Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th-century style; bevelled internal angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings.
FlexRing: an annular dampener fitted between case and movement, providing shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes.
Super-LumiNova on numerals and hands.
Screw down crown.
Power reserve: 72 hours
Balance frequency: 2.5Hz / 18,000bph
Number of components: 298
Number of jewels: 35
Functions & indications
Hours, minutes, date and power-reserve indicators.
Push-button next to the date dial for quick adjustment of the date.
Case
Material: grade 5 titanium
Dimensions: 44 x 17.5mm
Number of components: 52
Water resistance: 80m / 8ATM / 270 feet
Sapphire crystals
Sapphire crystals on top and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
Strap & buckle
Integrated rubber strap with titanium folding buckle.