Celebrating MB&F’s 20th Anniversary, the avangarde Swiss Haute Horlogerie Maison gives the iconic LM101 the EVO treatment.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: MB&F LM101 EVO
The MB&F LM101 EVO retails at CHF 62,000 before taxes. (eqv SGD 99,306.70)
Commentary
Celebrating 20 years of Maximilian Büsser & Friends, the avant-garde Swiss haute horlogerie maison has given one of its icons a fresh lease of life: the LM101 now receives the EVO treatment. For those unfamiliar, EVO is MB&F’s way of making their wildly imaginative machines a little more… wearable. Think 80 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, an ergonomic case seamlessly paired with a rubber strap, and their patented FlexRing shock absorber to cushion the movement. The case architecture also dispenses with a bezel, giving the dial more real estate to shine under light. EVO models often explore advanced materials such as zirconium and titanium therefore this is not an ordinary facelift.
What immediately struck us with the LM101 EVO is how MB&F has resisted the temptation of a simple colour swap. Yes, there are new dial plates in salmon or green, housed in titanium cases but the real treasure lies under the hood. The movement now boasts a 60-hour power reserve, up from 45. It’s not a headline-grabbing spec on its own, but as any collector who rotates their watches will tell you, that extra buffer makes a world of difference. A small yet meaningful improvement, and one that even the eagle-eyed will notice on the updated power reserve indicator.
There are also more subtle evolutions. The twin arches that suspend the balance have been re-sculpted, and the balance wheel itself is reimagined with echoes of MB&F’s familiar double battle-axe motif. Meanwhile, the two black subdials now sit within fine circled borders, and the time is marked by newly designed white gold hands. To us, it’s this blend of the familiar and the refreshed that keeps MB&F’s Legacy Machines exciting.
The LM101 has always been one of MB&F’s “entry points”, if such a word can even be used for an independent that thrives on the extraordinary. With the EVO treatment, it feels less like a museum piece and more like something you can actually strap on daily, whether in the city or even poolside. That, to us, is the most significant change: MB&F isn’t diluting its DNA, it’s simply making sure that their watches can live on the wrists of collectors rather than in safes.
Production, of course, remains limited. So if the LM101 EVO speaks to you, hesitation may mean a long wait or perhaps disappointment.
Release information
The quintessential LM101 receives the EVO treatment
The Legacy Machine 101 (LM101) series was first launched in 2014. With its 40mm case diameter, the LM101 is among the smallest and thinnest of all the Legacy Machines, featuring a nonetheless very three-dimensional movement, regulated by a monumental 14mm “flying” balance wheel that floats above the movement.
As its “101” name implies, the timepiece focuses on the essentials of a mechanical wristwatch: the balance wheel, which regulates precision; the power reserve, showing how much energy remains in the mainspring and when it needs to be wound; and, of course, the display of time itself.
The LM101 movement was the first calibre entirely conceived by MB&F’s in-house engineering team. Award-winning, independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen played a pivotal role in the design and finishing specifications, ensuring that its architecture and 19th century style hand-finishing techniques met the highest standards of traditional haute horlogerie and respected the codes of historical watchmaking.
Over the last decade, the reference has seen many stunning iterations in white, rose and yellow gold, platinum, palladium and stainless steel – along with a plethora of striking dial colours and finishes, each as desirable as the next.
The LM101 is now one of MB&F’s most coveted creations, and over the last few years, collectors and enthusiasts have frequently expressed their desire for an EVO edition. To mark MB&F’s 20th anniversary in 2025, the brand has finally decided to answer this request with the debut of the LM101 EVO – a fitting tribute to two decades of horological artistry and a thank you to the model’s most avid fans.
What is the EVO effect?
The EVO series was introduced in 2020 with the LM Perpetual EVO – an evolution of the award-winning LM Perpetual. This was followed by the LM Split Escapement EVO and the LM Sequential EVO in 2022.
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.
In terms of design, the EVO models stand out thanks to their ergonomic case design and integrated strap; but also by forgoing a traditional bezel, offering an unobstructed view of the Super-LumiNova enhanced displays through their domed sapphire crystals. On the movement side, EVO models feature darkened treatments, amplifying their sporty, contemporary aesthetic.
The 20th Anniversary LM101 EVO Editions
In celebration of MB&F’s 20th anniversary in 2025, two LM101 EVO editions are introduced in titanium, available with either a salmon or peacock green dial plate. These dial plate colours are produced using CVD, short for chemical vapor deposition – a technique chosen for its technical advantages as the dial plate forms an integral part of the movement. The peacock green version is particularly captivating as shifting hues of green, blue, and purple light refract across its surface. The salmon version is just as noteworthy as it is a relatively rare colour for MB&F.
Those with a keen eye will also notice a host of new details in these EVO editions. The two black subdials, hovering just about the dial plate, are now framed by finely circled borders. At the top right, the highly legible hours and minutes are displayed by newly designed white gold hands. The power reserve indicator, positioned in the lower subdial, reveals a significant improvement: the power reserve of the LM101 EVO calibre has been increased from the previous 45 hours to 60 hours, in keeping with the sportier theme.
The elegant twin arches suspending the flying balance wheel continue to catch the eye. Milled from a single block of metal, they require many hours of hand finishing to achieve their mirror-like lustre. In this EVO version, they feature a more fluid and refined base, further distinguishing this model from the classic LM101 version. The escapement wheel has also undergone a refined redesign, inspired by the recurring battle-axe motif found in MB&F timepieces.
A Straumann double hairspring and a reliable slipping mainspring barrel are integral features of the manually-wound LM101 EVO movement. New for this LM101 edition is the innovative proprietary FlexRing which comes with the EVO package. Each timepiece is finished with a box sapphire crystal on the back, revealing the beauty of the darkened hand-finished movement beneath. Undulating Geneva waves, hand polished bevels, gold chatons, countersunk blued screws and sensually curved plates and bridges all pay homage to the style found in high quality historic pocket watches and testify to the respect accorded to historical legitimacy.
Completing the look, wearers can choose between a sleek white or grey rubber strap. Although not formally a limited edition, the collection can only be crafted in a limited quantity of a few dozen pieces per year, based on capacity.
LM101 EVO – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LM101 EVO launches in two editions:
titanium with a choice of salmon CVD dial plate, or green CVD dial plate.
Engine
Three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house by MB&F
Movement aesthetics and finishing specifications: Kari Voutilainen
Manual winding with single slipping mainspring barrel
Power reserve: 60 hours
Balance wheel: Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws floating above the movement
Balance spring: Straumann® double hairspring
Balance frequency: 18,000bph/2.5Hz
Number of components: 233
Number of jewels: 23 jewels
Chatons: gold chatons with polished countersinks
Fine finishing: superlative 19th century-style hand finishing throughout; internal bevel angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings, NAC black bridges.
Functions
Hours, minutes and power reserve indicator
Large balance wheel suspended above the dial
Case
Material: Titanium with “FlexRing” shock protection system
Diameter: 40.0 mm
Height: 16.5 mm
Number of components: 42
Lug-width: 17 mm
Lug-to-lug: 49 mm
High domed sapphire crystal on top and box sapphire crystal on back, both with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Water-resistance: 80m / 8ATM / 270 feet
Screw-down crown
Strap
Grey or white rubber strap with matching titanium folding buckle.
‘FRIENDS’ RESPONSIBLE FOR LM101 EVO
Concept: Maximilian Büsser / MB&F
Product design: Eric Giroud / Eric Giroud Design
Technical and production management: Serge Kriknoff / MB&F
Movement design and finish specifications: Thomas Lorenzato / MB&F
Movement development: Thomas Lorenzato / MB&F
R&D: Thomas Lorenzato and Robin Cotrel / MB&F
Methods and laboratory: Yannick Journoud, Nicolas Herail, Maël Mendel and Anthony Mugnier / MB&F
Wheels, bridges, pinions and axis: Paul-André Tendon / Bandi, Marc Bolis / 2B8, Arnaud Olivier / Le Temps Retrouvé / Rui Da Costa / D-CoJoux, Olivier Roudeau / Roud’Hor SA
Balance wheel: Sébastien Jeanneret / Atokalpa
Springs and jumpers: Alain Pellet & Julien Bosson / Elefil Swiss
Barrel: Alberto Sicco / Général Ressort
Rubies: Pierhor / Crelier / La Pierrette
Hand-engraving of movement: Glypto
Hand-finishing of movement components: Giuseppe Antonio Donato and Denis Garcia / C-L Rochat and Florent Bolis / DSMI Electronics SA, Victor Calçada / CV Décor / Mjaku Gafurr / MBG Watch Décor and Jorge Da Costa / DC-Polyjoux
PVD/CVD-treatment: Pierre-Albert Steinmann / Positive Coating / Stephane Greco / Rhodior
Movement assembly: Didier Dumas, Georges Veisy, Anne Guiter, Emmanuel Maitre, Mathieu Lecoultre, Amandine Bascoul, Loïc Robert-Nicoud, Michelly Sales, Clément Erard, Michel Pappalardi and Oliver Maric / MB&F
Case and movements components: Giuseppe Di Stefano / STG Création
After-sales service: Antony Moreno / MB&F
In-house machining: Alain Lemarchand, Jean-Baptiste Prétot, Yoann Joyard, Stéphanie Cavalho, Arsène Phouthone and Kubilay Korkut / MB&F
Quality control: Cyril Fallet, Jennifer Longuepez, Adeline Kundig and Simon Douère / MB&F
Case decoration: Giuseppe Di Stefano / STG Création
Dial and Super-LumiNova on the dials: Metalem
Buckle: Giuseppe Di Stefano / STG Création
Crown and correctors: Yves Niklaus / Boninchi
Hands: Isabelle Chillier / Fiedler
Sapphire crystals: Alexandre Gros / Novocristal
Anti-refection treatment for sapphire crystals: Anthony Schwab / Econorm
Strap: Multicuirs
Presentation box: Olivier Berthon / Soixanteetonze
Production logistics: Ashley Moussier, Thibaut Joannard, Maryline Leveque, Emilie Burnier, David Gavotte, Jean-Luc Ruel, Caroline Ouvrard and Etienne Marcadet / MB&F
Marketing & Communication: Charris Yadigaroglou, Vanessa André, Arnaud Légeret, Paul Fresse and Talya Lakin / MB&F
Graphic design: Benoît Rochat / MB&F
M.A.D.Gallery: Hervé Estienne and Louan de Peretti / MB&F
Sales: Thibault Verdonckt, Cédric Roussel, Baptiste Uhl, Augustin Chivot, Richard Réocreux, Jean-Marc Bories, Virginie Marchon and Claire Jamet / MB&F
Texts: Sophie Furley
Product photography: Neftali Notario, Alex Teuscher and Renaud Kritzinger
Film: Manouil Karapetsis / Brosky Media, Marc-André Deschoux / The WatchesTV
Portrait photography: Eric Rossier / MB&F
Website: Talya Lakin / MB&F, Stéphane Balet / Idéative
MB&F – GENESIS OF A CONCEPT LABORATORY
Founded in 2005, MB&F is the world’s first-ever horological concept laboratory. With over 20 remarkable calibres forming the base of the critically acclaimed Horological and Legacy Machines, MB&F is continuing to follow Founder and Creative Director Maximilian Büsser’s vision of creating 3-D kinetic art by deconstructing traditional watchmaking.
After 15 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian Büsser resigned from his Managing Director position at Harry Winston in 2005 to create MB&F – Maximilian Büsser & Friends. MB&F is an artistic and micro-engineering laboratory dedicated to designing and crafting small series of radical concept watches by bringing together talented horological professionals that Büsser both respects and enjoys working with.
In 2007, MB&F unveiled its first Horological Machine, HM1. HM1’s sculptured, three-dimensional case and beautifully finished engine (movement) set the standard for the idiosyncratic Horological Machines that have followed – all Machines that tell the time, rather than Machines to tell the time. The fiercely unconventional Horological Machines have explored themes as diverse as space and science fiction, aviation, supercars, the animal kingdom and architecture.
In 2011, MB&F launched its round-cased Legacy Machine collection. These more classical pieces – classical for MB&F, that is – pay tribute to nineteenth-century watchmaking excellence by reinterpreting complications from the great horological innovators of yesteryear to create contemporary objets d’art. Certain Legacy Machines have also given birth to EVO editions, featuring increased water and shock resistance compatible with collectors’ active lifestyles. MB&F generally alternates between launching contemporary, resolutely unconventional Horological Machines and historically inspired Legacy Machines.
As the F stands for Friends, it was only natural for MB&F to develop collaborations with artists, watchmakers, designers and manufacturers they admire.
This brought about two new categories: Performance Art and Co-creations. While Performance Art pieces are MB&F machines revisited by external creative talent, Co-creations are not wristwatches but other types of machines, engineered and crafted by unique Swiss Manufactures from MB&F ideas and designs. Many of these Co-creations, such as the clocks created with L’Epée 1839, tell the time while collaborations with Reuge and Caran d’Ache generated other forms of mechanical art.
To give all these machines an appropriate platform, Büsser had the idea of placing them in an art gallery alongside various forms of mechanical art created by other artists, rather than in a traditional storefront. This brought about the creation of the first MB&F M.A.D.Gallery (M.A.D. stands for Mechanical Art Devices) in Geneva, which would later be joined by the M.A.D.Gallery in Dubai – along with MB&F Labs, which showcase a more compact selection of artists in locations like Singapore, Taipei, Paris, Beverly Hills and Silicon Valley.
There have been distinguished accolades reminding us of the innovative nature of MB&F’s journey so far. To name a few, there have been no less than 9 awards from the famous Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, including the ultimate prize: the “Aiguille d’Or”, which rewards the best watch of the year. In 2022, the LM Sequential EVO was awarded the Aiguille d’Or, while the M.A.D.1 RED won the ‘Challenge’ category. In 2021, LMX won the Best Men’s Complication and the LM SE Eddy Jaquet ‘Around The World in Eighty Days’ was awarded in the ‘Artistic Crafts’ category. In 2019, the prize for Best Ladies Complication went to the LM FlyingT; in 2016, LM Perpetual won the Best Calendar Watch award; in 2012, Legacy Machine No.1 was awarded both the Public Prize (voted for by horology fans) and the Best Men’s Watch Prize (voted for by the professional jury). In 2010, MB&F won Best Concept and Design Watch for the HM4 Thunderbolt. In 2015 MB&F received a Red Dot: Best of the Best award – the top prize at the international Red Dot Awards – for the HM6 Space Pirate.
