Full disclosure: I’ve been a big fan of these watches even before they were launched. Observant readers will know that I have a significant soft spot for MB&F — the brand, its products and the people. I don’t believe it’s possible to discuss contemporary watchmaking in a meaningful way without bringing up MB&F, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in thinking this. Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO is part of the sporty EVO sub-collection that falls under the larger LM family, launched in 2020 with the LM Perpetual EVO (the Legacy Machine collection itself premiered in 2011).
The first time we saw the LM SE EVO was last year, in the form of a limited edition to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). MB&F and Max Büsser have had a special relationship with this region since the earliest days of the brand, with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons of Dubai among the first five retailers to support the very first MB&F creation (Horological Machine N°1). Naturally, the occasion of the UAE’s 50th anniversary was well worth commemorating in the eyes of the brand.
This year, the LM SE EVO makes its official appearance in the MB&F catalogue, in a titanium case and pastel-blue dial plate with dark-grey dials. LM SE EVO is distinguished from the non-EVO version in a few significant ways, and one of them is the orientation of the movement. Instead of having the crown at the 2 o’clock position, LM SE EVO has its crown at the 4 o’clock position, a clockwise rotation of 30° that gives the watch an asymmetric look similar to that of LM 101 (in my opinion a seriously underappreciated piece that I expect will soon be recognised for its true significance).
In accordance with the EVO philosophy, the LM SE EVO is also fitted with a FlexRing shock absorber that is able to buffer the movement against shocks in more than one direction. The screw-down crown, integrated rubber strap and 80m of water resistance makes the watch a true companion throughout an active life. Speaking of active lifestyles, there was another version of LM SE EVO released at Geneva Watch Days (GWD) 2022, linked with the global mecca of fitness and lifestyle trends — Los Angeles.
The Beverly Hills Edition, released in conjunction with influential Los Angeles retailer Westime, features a black dial plate with metallic-blue dials, a nod to the corporate colours of Westime. Remember how I said right at the beginning that I’m a big fan of these releases? I’m particularly enthusiastic about this one, due to my great appreciation of Westime and the people there — having known them for over 10 years now and seeing what they’ve done for modern independent watchmaking in the US.
This year, 2022, is the year of the MB&F LAB, a concept similar to the M.A.D. Galleries with which we’re familiar, but with a stronger focus on retail and MB&F creations. There are LABs planned for Singapore, Paris and Los Angeles, and Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO is exclusively for the MB&F LAB managed by Westime as part of their Rodeo Drive group of retail spaces.
Says President of Westime Greg Simonian, “Westime is proud to partner with MB&F in bringing the first MB&F LAB to the Americas. We have supported Max since day one of his amazing journey, and as the second generation of the Simonian family to carry on this relationship, I could not be happier to see Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO Beverly Hills Edition take its place at Rodeo Drive.”
