Description
The Legacy Machine Sequential EVO: MB&F Breaks the Mold (Again)
MB&F, the brainchild of the inimitable Maximilian Büsser, has always been about pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, not just in technical complexity but in pure, unadulterated imagination. Their Legacy Machines are typically cherished for their almost architectural, often vintage-inspired haute horlogerie. But with the Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, MB&F has ignited a new spark, taking their revered Legacy Machine aesthetic and injecting it with a dose of audacious modernity and radical functionality.
For those familiar with MB&F, the “Legacy Machine” designation usually conjures images of beautifully complex, often visually complex dials with flying balances and intricate bridges. The Sequential EVO, however, takes a sharp turn. It retains the core DNA of the Legacy Machine, namely its commitment to showcasing the mechanical artistry in a captivating, layered display, but strips away the overtly classical ornamentation to embrace a more robust, athletic, and frankly, disruptive presence.
The Sequential Chronograph: A Masterclass in Mechanical Choreography
At the heart of the Sequential EVO lies its standout feature: a groundbreaking double-returning-to-zero chronograph complication. This isn’t just any chronograph; it’s a testament to mechanical ingenuity, developed in collaboration with the legendary Stephen McDonnell, the mastermind behind MB&F’s HM3 Frog and HM10 Bulldog. McDonnell has engineered a system that dramatically simplifies the traditional chronograph’s complexity, offering an intuitive and visually stunning operating experience.
The beauty of the Sequential EVO lies in its ability to execute two independent chronographs simultaneously. With two distinct column wheels and three individual hammers, the wearer can time two different events with precision. The true magic, however, is in the “sequential” aspect. This allows for lap timing in its purest form. Start the first chronograph, stop it to record a lap. Then, simultaneously restart the first chronograph while starting a second one to time the next lap. This intricate dance of levers and cams is not just functional; it’s a mesmerizing spectacle to behold through the openworked dial.
A Dial That Defies Convention
The dial of the Sequential EVO is a radical departure from MB&F’s usual intricate arrangements. Instead of a central focus, we see a trio of rotating discs dominating the composition. Two of these discs are dedicated to the chronograph functions: one displaying the elapsed minutes, the other the elapsed seconds. These discs, finished in vibrant colors like the signature “Chemical Blue” or a fiery “Molten Red,” are incredibly legible. The third disc, perched at the 9 o’clock position, serves as the running seconds indicator.
Above these discs, suspended by elegant bridges, sits the star of the show: the large, free-sprung balance wheel, a signature of the Legacy Machine series. This beats at a leisurely 2.5 Hz (18,000 vph), a deliberate choice to emphasize the visual poetry of its oscillation rather than raw speed. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos, a futuristic cockpit laid bare, where every component has a purpose and a visual presence.
The EVO Treatment: Robustness Meets Refinement
The “EVO” in the name signifies a significant shift in MB&F’s approach to case design. Moving away from the often complex, multi-component cases of their earlier Legacy Machines, the Sequential EVO sports a more integrated and robust architecture. The case, available in materials like titanium and precious metals, is designed for both comfort and durability. The prominent crown and pushers, intuitively placed for the chronograph functions, are integrated seamlessly into the case’s flowing lines.
Crucially, the Sequential EVO also introduces a significant degree of versatility. The integrated strap system allows for effortless swapping of different materials, from sporty rubber to luxurious leather, enabling the wearer to adapt the watch to their personal style and the occasion. This element of user-friendliness, while perhaps unexpected from MB&F, makes the Sequential EVO a more accessible yet equally captivating proposition.
A New Era for MB&F?
The Legacy Machine Sequential EVO is more than just a new watch; it’s a statement of intent. It demonstrates MB&F’s willingness to evolve, to challenge their own established aesthetic while remaining true to their core philosophy of “Horological Machines.” It’s a bridge between the vintage-inspired artistry of their Legacy Machines and a more contemporary, performance-oriented approach to watchmaking.
For collectors who appreciate MB&F’s unique blend of mechanical brilliance and audacious design, the Sequential EVO offers a compelling new chapter. It’s a watch that demands attention, not just for its groundbreaking technical prowess, but for its sheer refusal to conform. It’s a Legacy Machine remixed, reimagined, and ready to conquer the modern wrist with unparalleled style and horological ingenuity.
