The MB&F Legacy Machine 2 in Palladium

The 2013-released Legacy Machine 2, also known as the LM2, is regarded as one of MB&F’s rare Legacy Machines. The MB&F Legacy Machine 2, which appears to be simpler than the perpetual calendar and chronograph Legacy Machines created by brilliant designer Stephen McDonnell, merely displays the minutes and hours. Nonetheless, the LM2 is a highly intricate and precise watch because of its stunning dual regulators hovering over the dial. An 18-piece special edition of the LM2, which marks its 10th year, is back in a priceless palladium casing with a seductive aquamarine dial.

Photo: MB&F

Max Büsser’s homage to a number of the finest horological advancements and great watchmakers of the 18th and 19th centuries may be seen in the MB&F Heritage Machines. By situating the balancing wheel on the dial, Büsser embraced conventional manufacturing norms with a distinctive MB&F dynamic twist, marking a significant shift from the company’s celestial muses.

As homage to the legendary dual regulator and the brains responsible for one of the rare systems in the watchmaking industry (Berthoud, Breguet, and Janvier), MB&F debuted the Legacy Machine 2 or LM2 in 2013 after the original Legacy Machine was launched in 2011. In contrast to Breguet and Janvier, whose dual regulators featured independent motions and depended on resonance to average the speed of both balances, the range between the balancing wheels of the LM2 was intended to prevent this occurrence.

Photo: MB&F

A 3D double regular movement created specifically for MB&F by Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen is the basis of the MB&F Legacy Machine 2. The 241-part manual wound movement has a power reserve of about 45 hours and a speed of 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz). It also has two entirely independent flying balancing rotors and escapements. 

Photo: MB&F

A variation that conveys the frequency to one gear line for enhanced precision balances out the speeds of the two balancers. Moreover, a dual arc mirror-finished bridge featuring three gems at six o’clock reinforces the planetary difference.

Exquisite V-shaped curved bridges sustain the extended white-coated dial featuring Roman numbers and blued indexes. On the other hand, the hanging 11mm balance rotors nearly brush the high convex sapphire crystal glass when they oscillate over it.

In addition, the most recent version of the LM2 features a stunning aquamarine movement disk with a carefully etched sunray design that captures the light at specific angles. It is housed in a 44mm palladium casing, a metal that is typically difficult to deal with.

Furthermore, the historical accuracy of the décor is the exclusive responsibility of independent designer Kari Voutilainen, just as it is with each edition of the Legacy Machine 2. These finishings include mirror-finished bevels, hand-engravings, Geneva ripples, gold chatons with refined countersinks, and bridges with inner beveled angles. Moreover, Mojon and Voutilianen’s initials are inscribed on the back as a token of appreciation for their contributions. Anthracite NAC treatments are also featured on this LM2 Palladium version.

Lastly, a dark brown hand-made alligator leather band featuring an 18k white gold foldable clasp completes the new palladium version of the MB&F LM2. By choosing a brown strap over a black one, the company was able to draw attention to a number of the aquamarine dial’s light green hues.