A bold evolution of the Legacy Machine, the LM101 EVO blends MB&F’s signature artistry with everday wearability. With two stunning new colours, this is a fitting 20th-anniversary statement piece that brings high horology into daily life!
MB&F, a brand that is born to defy the conventions of watchmaking, now reimagines its iconic Legacy Machine 101 with the EVO treatment. This transformation not only enhances the durability and wearability of the timepiece, but also reinforces MB&F’s vision of mechanical art that is built for real world use. By blending avant-garde design with practical evolution, the LM101 Evo stands as a statement that innovation and tradition can perfectly co-exist in harmony.
The Legacy Machine 101 (LM101) was first launched in 2014. It featured a 40mm case diameter, making it ideally suited for modern wearability, whilst still packing incredible technicality inside. The LM101 is considered the smallest and thinnest of MB&F’s Legacy Machines featuring as we know a very three-dimensional movement, regulated by a monumental 14mm “flying” balance wheel that floats above the movement.
As the name of the timepiece (“101”) suggests, it showcases the essentials of the mechanical wristwatch: the balance wheel which regulates the precision/accuracy of the timekeeping, the power reserve and of course the time itself on a smaller sub-dial. The LM101 movement was the first calibre to be developed entirely in-house by the watchmakers and engineers at MB&F, with the movement going on to winning several awards.
Over the last few years, MB&F have released the LM101 in several variations, which include white, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel and even palladium cases! These various materials were combined with stunning dial colours that made the model elevate from a technical masterpiece to one that is also aesthetic.
Now, to mark MB&F’s 20th anniversary in 2025, the brand is finally debuting the LM101 EVO in two editions with striking dial colours and straps. This release is one that collectors and enthusiasts have been frequently asking for in the last few years, so by bringing it to life, MB&F not only answers to years of anticipation, but also the promise of constant innovation. The LM101 EVO is a fitting tribute to MB&F’s horological artistry and also serves as a thank you to the brand’s most loyal fans.
“The EVO treatment includes a set of design and engineering enhancements that are applied to certain Legacy Machine models, transforming them into timepieces that are better equipped for everyday wear and an active lifestyle. Key features of the EVO models include a water resistance of 80 metres, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap, and MB&F’s patented FlexRing shock absorber that is fitted between the case and the movement to protect the watch during active use. To further enhance resistance and wearability, the models employ advanced materials such as zirconium and titanium.”
MB&F on the EVO Treatment
Case Design
The two new LM101 EVO editions are presented in a lightweight but robust titanium case that measures 40mm in diameter and 16.5mm in thickness (with a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm). The case itself is made up of 42m components, and as we know with the LM101 series, it features the signature high-domed sapphire crystal. The fact that such a technical piece as this comes with 80 meters of water resistance, thanks to the screw-down crown, is a testament to MB&F making these timepieces suited for daily use.
At the heart of the durability of the case is MB&F’s patented “FlexRing” shock protection system. This is an annular dampener machined from a single block on stainless steel, which sits between the case and the movement, providing exceptional resistance against shocks both vertically and horizontally. Completing the sporty aesthetic of this new collection, MB&F presents the models in three rubber straps (white and grey as standard and an additional third black option).
Dial Design
In celebration of MB&F’s 20th anniversary, the brand is releasing the two LM101 EVO models in new salmon and peacock green dial colours. It’s not just a simple shade of colour either. The dial plates are produced using CVD (Chemical vapor deposition), a technique used for its technical advantages, forms an integral part of the movement.
The two colours present their own unique aesthetic. I particularly like the salmon shade as it presents a more vibrant and “summer” aesthetic that immediately catches the eye. In the sunlight, the salmon dial also glistens beautifully. The peacock green dial is also captivating, for different reasons however. While it presents a slightly darker aesthetic to the salmon dial, it stands out for it’s multicoloured effect, much like a peacock! The peacock green dial shifts hues from green, blue to purple as light refracts across its surface.
These new EVO models also have new details compared to the standard LM101 editions. For example. the black sub-dials that hover just above the dial plate are now framed in finely circled borders. The hour and minute hands for the time dial have been newly designed in white gold hands. . The escapement wheel has also undergone a refined redesign, inspired by the recurring battle-axe motif found in MB&F timepieces.
Movement
Powering the new LM101 Evo models is the brand’s iconic three-dimensional horological movement. Although this signature movement is retained, it isn’t without it’s upgrades. The power reserve of the LM101 EVO calibre has been increased from the previous 45 hours to now 60 hours, increasing the wearability of the timepiece! For the movement architecture itself, it has also gone through a refined design, such as the elegant twin arches suspending the flying balance wheel which now feature a more fluid and refined base. The escapement wheel shown on the dial has also been upgraded, inspired by the recurring battle-axe motif found in MB&F timepieces. A StraumannÒ double hairspring and a reliable slipping mainspring barrel are also integral features of the manually-wound LM101 EVO movement.
The case back reveals the beauty of the darkened hand-finished movement, which includes finishes such as undulated Geneva waves, hand polished bevels, gold chaton’s, countersunk blued screws and sensually curved plates and bridges. These intricate details pay homage to the style and design found in historic pocket watches.
Initial Thoughts
The new LM101 EVO timepieces show exactly why MB&F continues to stand out in independent watchmaking. While these new models stay true to the instantly recognisable DNA of the Legacy Machine line, the EVO treatment adds practicality and resilience that makes these watches not just showpieces, but a great daily wearer. The titanium case, FlexRing protection, and the 80 meters of water resistance elevate the LM101 EVO far beyond just being a horological artwork, and into a timepiece that is built to endure the real-life conditions.
Visually, this new release feels fresh and exciting. My personal favourite, the striking salmon coloured dial, alongside the playful peacock green dial bring a vibrant new personality to the LM101 series. Pair this with the refined movement architecture and extended power reserve, this new LM101 EVO collection stands as one of the most complete and versatile interpretations of MB&F’s vision to date. The LM101 EVO is a fitting tribute to the brand’s 20th anniversary, balancing heritage and forward-thinking watchmaking in a way only MB&F can achieve.
Specification: MB&F LM101 EVO Salmon Dial
- Dimensions: 40mm x 16.5mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium with “FlexRing” shock protection system
- Dial: Salmon CVD dial plate
- Water Resistance: 80m (8 Bar)
- Movement: Three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house by MB&F
- Bracelet/Strap: White rubber strap with matching titanium folding buckle.
International Recommended Retail Price: CHF 62,000
Availability: Limited production. Available through MB&F boutiques and retailers. Head to MBandF.com for more information
Specification: MB&F LM101 EVO Ti Green
- Dimensions: 40mm x 16.5mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium with “FlexRing” shock protection system
- Dial: Salmon CVD dial plate
- Water Resistance: 80m (8 Bar)
- Movement: Three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house by MB&F
- Bracelet/Strap: White rubber strap with matching titanium folding buckle.