Introduction
Released in 2014, just nine short years after MB&F's founding, the MB&F Legacy Machine 101 focuses on the fundamentals of watchmaking; telling the time, the power reserve and showcasing the timepiece's own beating heart, its escapement and balance wheel. Released after MB&F’s famously complex LM1 and LM2 collections, the LM101 was a 'back to the basics' move for the watchmaker with a counterintuitively complex design. Launched in 2021 as a new variant within the collection, the LM101 that we have here is made of stainless steel and features an electric blue dial that sits below the LM101’s two white enamel subdials that house an hour and minute display at 2 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. An incredibly unique piece of watchmaking, the LM101’s 14mm balance spring takes center stage atop the blue dial as MB&F celebrate the fundamentals of watchmaking, the timepiece’s escapement assembly and balance wheel. Of course, on the other side of the watch is the LM101’s movement, which has been finished to legendary watchmaker MB&F collaborator Kari Voutilainen’s movement aesthetics and finishing specifications.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$40,000 – $60,000
The Details
Brand
MB&F
Dimensions
40mm x 16mm
Model
Legacy Machine 101
Movement
Three-dimensional horological movement developed exclusively by MB&F
Reference
51.S1L.W
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2022
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Blue
![THE DIAL](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/j0ua8uvr/production/1edb8290307eb9c208635a597ead02ed296fea75-3150x3150.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
THE DIAL
While, strictly speaking, its two dials are the white enamel subdials at 2 and 6 o'clock that house the time display and power reserve indicator, respectively, the LM101's electric blue baseplate makes for a colorful and vibrant backdrop.
![THE CONSTRUCTION](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/j0ua8uvr/production/9515947bde0d4958a0b514ede11085a77a2f188b-2515x2515.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
THE CONSTRUCTION
While its 40mm stainless steel case might look rather unorthodox as a result of its large domed sapphire crystal, the LM101 rather neatly on the wrist thanks to its perfectly circular design featuring its crown at 4 o'clock and a thin bezel that keeps it rather compact.
![TIMING MACHINE READOUT](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/j0ua8uvr/production/967049884ec0906ea63b9b7123e67befd7d7bff4-750x750.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint condition. There are a couple of light scratches visible on the edge of the upper right lug side.
Our Perspective
Created as a celebration of watchmaking's purest expression, the LM101 takes the balance wheel, a part of the movement that is often just forgotten about, and makes it the main draw to the LM101's design in what is a masterfully executed timepiece that seems to defy logic.