MB&F Legacy Machine N°1 EVO: Specs, Prices And Our Take

Fifteen years ago, MB&F shook up the horological landscape with the release of the Legacy Machine N°1 (LM1). Conceived as an alternate-universe thought experiment, asking what a 19th-century horological master might create if unconstrained by convention, the LM1 introduced a round case, traditional architecture, and a mesmerizing three-dimensional aesthetic that earned it both the Public Prize and the Best Men's Watch Prize at the 2012 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. Now, the iconic timepiece makes a triumphant return, infused with the high-performance durability and modern aesthetic of the brand's acclaimed EVO collection in the form of the Legacy Machine N°1 EVO. To know about the MB&F Gorilla Sharpener, click here. 

Two Times, Zero Compromises

At the heart of the LM1 EVO's visual appeal remains its signature architecture, which showcases two completely independent time zones displayed on separate subdials. Unlike conventional GMT or dual-time complications tied to a single master movement, the LM1 EVO allows each dial to track hours and minutes entirely on its own. This independence frees the wearer from standard one-hour offsets, making it fully functional in regions where local time zones differ by 30 or 45 minutes, or alternatively allowing one of the subdials to double as an elapsed-time indicator while the other maintains home time. Perched majestically at the center of this display is the colossal, signature 14mm balance wheel fitted with a Straumann® double hairspring and traditional regulating screws, which hovers directly above the movement to offer an unfiltered, mesmerizing view of mechanical rhythm in action.

Re-Engineered for Real Life

While the original LM1 was a masterpiece of classical horology, the EVO collection is designed with an active, modern lifestyle in mind, prompting the LM1 EVO to bridge this gap with several key updates. The watch is equipped with MB&F’s patented FlexRing: an annular dampener fitted between the case and the movement to absorb shocks and protect fragile mechanics during active wear alongside a screw-down crown and a robust 80 meters of water resistance. Furthermore, the manual-winding movement offers an upgraded 60-hour power reserve up from the original 45 hours, granting greater freedom away from the winding crown while replacing the vertical power reserve indicator with a sleek, inclined dial integrated neatly into the lower part of the composition. Enhanced with integrated rubber straps featuring quick-change interchangeable mechanisms at both the case and clasp, the LM1 EVO transitions effortlessly from formal settings to high-activity environments.

The manual-winding movement offers an upgraded 60-hour power reserve up from the original 45 hours

Haute Horlogerie Meets High-Tech Sport

True to MB&F form, the movement’s technical execution is as breathtaking as its exterior, developed in-house alongside horological masterminds Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen. Comprising 270 components, the calibre is a masterclass in 19th-century style hand-finishing featuring gold chatons with polished countersinks, hand-made engravings, Geneva waves, and striking internal bevel angles. To match its modern persona, the movement bridges are treated in a dark NAC finish, lending a contemporary, technical edge to traditional craftsmanship.

Editions and Availability

The Legacy Machine N°1 EVO launches in two distinct configurations consisting of a Grade 5 Titanium version paired with a rhodium dial plate priced at CHF 82,000 excluding taxes, and an exclusive 5N+ Rose Gold version paired with a striking green dial plate limited to 33 pieces priced at CHF 102,000 excluding taxes. By fusing the historic poetry of the original LM1 with the rugged, everyday resilience of the EVO line, MB&F has successfully rewritten the rules of high-end independent watchmaking, proving that traditional masterpieces are built to be lived in rather than locked away behind glass cases.

All in all the Legacy Machine N°1 EVO achieves a rare feat in watchmaking: it transforms a celebrated, classic into a genuinely wearable daily companion without losing an ounce of its poetic soul. By marrying the brilliant dual-time independence and architectural majesty of the 2012 original with the robust resilience of the EVO line, Maximilian Büsser and his circle have redefined what high horology looks like in motion. To know more about the MB&F SP One Pave, click here. 

What is the Legacy Machine N°1 EVO?
It is a modern, high-performance evolution of MB&F's iconic 2012 Legacy Machine N°1, combining the original's independent dual-time architecture with the rugged, shock-resistant, and waterproof features of the brand's EVO collection.

What are the key upgrades compared to the original LM1?
Key updates include an increased 60-hour power reserve, MB&F's patented FlexRing shock protection system, 80 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, an inclined power reserve indicator, and quick-change integrated rubber straps.

What materials and prices are available for this release?
It is available in two versions: a Grade 5 Titanium model with a rhodium dial plate priced at CHF 82,000, and a limited-edition 5N+ Rose Gold model with a green dial plate (limited to 33 pieces) priced at CHF 102,000.