Introduction
The Legacy Machine Split Escapement represents an important evolution of the ideas MB&F first established with the Legacy Machine 1 in 2011. Rather than the science-fiction-inspired architecture of its Horological Machines, the Legacy Machine family imagined what MB&F might have created within the traditions of nineteenth-century watchmaking. The Split Escapement, introduced in 2017, developed this concept around the remarkable movement architecture created by independent watchmaker Stephen McDonnell for the LM Perpetual, retaining its enormous dial-side balance while simplifying the indications to hours, minutes, date and power reserve.
This 2019 edition gave the Split Escapement a markedly different personality. Limited to 33 pieces (this is number 24), it combines a Grade 5 titanium case with a sunray-brushed green CVD dial that can shift towards turquoise depending on the light. Suspended prominently above it is the large 14mm balance wheel, while the remainder of the escapement is hidden on the movement side, the defining technical idea behind the Split Escapement name. Beneath the theatrical display is a manually wound, 314-component movement developed by McDonnell, running deliberately slowly at 18,000 vibrations per hour and delivering 72 hours of power reserve.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty card, wallet and cards
Est. value range
$50,000 – $75,000
The Details
Brand
MB&F
Dimensions
44mm x 17.5mm
Model
Legacy Machine Split Escapement
Movement
Manual-wind MB&F movement developed by Stephen McDonnell
Reference
Green
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2021
Condition
Near mint
Material
Grade 5 Titanium
Included
Box, warranty card, wallet and cards
Dial Color
Green
THE DIAL
The sunray-brushed dial receives a green CVD treatment that shifts towards turquoise under changing light. Three white-lacquered displays indicate hours and minutes, date and power reserve, accompanied by blued hands. Above them, the oversized balance wheel is suspended beneath a dramatically arched and mirror-polished bridge.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 44mm case is fashioned from lightweight Grade 5 titanium with alternating polished and brushed surfaces and topped by the dramatically domed sapphire crystal characteristic of the Legacy Machine family. The crown sits at two o'clock, while a corrector at eight allows rapid adjustment of the date. A sapphire case back reveals the movement architecture beneath.
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 overall near-mint condition. The titanium case shows light signs of careful wear and some very light surface scratches. The dial elements and hands are like new. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and titanium deployant clasp showing light surface marks. Comes with outer card box, inner tripod box, warranty card, wallet and cards.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The Split Escapement is a particularly good example of MB&F turning a technical solution into part of a watch's visual identity. By separating the enormous dial-side balance from the anchor and escape wheel beneath, Stephen McDonnell created the illusion that the balance is operating almost independently above the dial. Limited to 33 pieces, this titanium edition combines that unusual architecture with one of the most striking colour treatments of the early Legacy Machine series.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
