One of the coolest “normal’ watches in MB&F’s stable now gets the flyback treatment with the introduction of the Sequential Flyback EVO in Titanium
A sequential flyback chronograph is possibly one of the engineering marvels of the watch world. The ability to time two events at once, and with the added function of the flyback on each at different times, makes this a rare complication indeed. When the LM Sequential EVO debuted in 2022, it marked several firsts for MB&F: its first chronograph, its 20th calibre, and one of the most ambitious chronograph constructions ever put on the wrist. Designed by Stephen McDonnell, the movement introduced two fully independent chronograph mechanisms within a single watch, linked by a shared oscillator and controlled by the now-famous Twinverter binary switch.
That single pusher fundamentally changed how a chronograph could be used, enabling independent timing, split-style timing, cumulative timing, and true lap timing — all without increasing complexity for the wearer. The industry responded accordingly, awarding the watch the GPHG ‘Aiguille d’Or’ in the same year.
In 2024, MB&F expanded the concept with the LM Sequential Flyback, housed in the more traditional Legacy Machine case. Now, in 2026, that flyback capability arrives in the EVO collection for the first time.
EVO, With Added Functionality
As with all EVO models, this version is designed for more active wear. You get 80 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap, and MB&F’s proprietary FlexRing shock-absorption system, which isolates the movement from vertical and lateral impacts.
The LM Sequential Flyback EVO is housed in a 44mm grade 5 titanium case with an aquamarine dial plate, giving it a more technical and contemporary presence than the classic LM models. It also uses a tilted time display, improving legibility without disrupting the dial’s balance.
It’s still unmistakably a Legacy Machine – just one that’s far more forgiving on the wrist. Having tried on the “standard” Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback, in platinum, mind you, I can say that it is one of the coolest watches I’ve had on my wrist (and I’ve had a lot!) and even at 44mm, it wears incredibly well.
Interestingly, the flyback function was part of McDonnell’s original Sequential concept. The movement architecture was designed from the outset to accommodate it, but perfecting the system proved far more complex than expected. The flyback alone required months of prototyping and multiple redesigns. With so many untested elements already present in the original Sequential, McDonnell ultimately decided it would be unwise to release everything at once. That decision now looks like the right one.
So, How Does It Work?
At the heart of the Sequential calibre are internally jewelled vertical clutches, which are key to maintaining energy efficiency and precision. Even with two chronographs running simultaneously, it is still energy efficient. Introducing flyback functionality required additional jewelling, including a jewelled roller within the flyback mechanism to minimise friction and prevent the return-to-zero from blocking.
No supplier produced such a component, so McDonnell created it himself for the prototype. This solution is now part of one of five patented elements within the movement. The watch features two chronograph displays: The left chronograph, with seconds at 9 o’clock, minutes at 11, and the right chronograph, with seconds at 3 o’clock, minutes at 1
Each chronograph can be started, stopped, reset, or flyback independently. The Twinverter, positioned at 9 o’clock, acts as a binary switch that instantly inverts the running status of both chronographs. This enables a range of genuinely practical timing modes: independent timing, simultaneous or split timing, cumulative timing, sequential lap timing, and flyback timing — either on its own or combined with the other modes. It’s a chronograph designed to be used, not just admired.
Initial Thoughts
This is one watch I’ll be trying to get my hands on to try later this year when in Geneva. As said, I’ve tried on the LM Sequential Flyback in platinum, and it was love at first sight. This was the platinum model, which is a little heavier on the wrist, and one leather too, so it was a little more classic, if I can say this. The EVO collection with the integrated rubber strap and in titanium means that it hugs the wrist better, is lighter and an all-round better everyday watch. Which is exactly the idea.
The LM Sequential Flyback EVO isn’t about adding a complication for the sake of it. It’s the completion of an idea that began nearly a decade ago, executed only once it could be done properly. In EVO form, the Sequential Flyback becomes not just one of the most technically advanced chronographs ever made, but also one of the most wearable. That combination remains rare, even at this level of watchmaking, and one reason why the brand has been so successful – daring to do the things others can’t.
MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback EVO Ti
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44mm diameter × 18.2mm thick
- Case: Grade 5 titanium
- Dial: Full openworked dial, aquamarine dial plate
- Crystal: Sapphire front and back with anti-reflective coating
- Movement: Manually wound, fully integrated dual chronograph flyback calibre developed by Stephen McDonnell. Beating at 3Hz (21,600 vph), pivoting on 63 jewels and comprising 621 components
- Functions: Hours and minutes (inclined dial), Dual chronographs with independent start/stop and flyback, Twinverter binary switch and Power reserve indicator (caseback)
- Modes: Independent mode, Simultaneous or split-second mode, Cumulative mode, Sequential mode (or lap-timer mode), Flyback mode
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Water resistance: 80 metres / 8 ATM
- Strap: Integrated rubber strap with a titanium folding clasp