Introducing: The MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT (Now Without Diamonds!)

February 24, 2020

It might be hard to believe, but it was less than a year ago that MB&F unveiled its first-ever women's watch, the Legacy Machine FlyingT. The watch met with an extremely positive reception, and for loads of good reasons. The movement, with its vertical architecture and prominently displayed flying tourbillon, is absolutely incredible; the case is lithe and elegant, even with the massive bubble-shaped crystal on top; the design language definitely feels like it leans toward the feminine, but not in the patronizing, rose-petals-and-pink way that so many watchmakers embrace. Put simply, it's a badass watch for women that's every bit as thought through and impressive as any of MB&F's more male-targeted watches. Funnily enough, though, MB&F got a load of feedback from male clients who wanted one for themselves, only with a more subdued strap and fewer diamonds. That's not too much to ask for, right? Well, MB&F is delivering just that, but with a caveat C?the FlyingT is still being offered up as a women's watch. These models, with their guilloch dial plates (made by Kari Voutilainen's Comblmine, of course), might be a little easier for most dudes to wear, but MB&F is not giving up on this being a watch designed for women. There are two new variations: one in platinum with a bright blue dial plate and one in red gold with a black dial plate. They both look fantastic, they both show off the wild FlyingT movement, and they're both limited to 18 pieces (each).? Initial Thoughts No reason to bury the lede here: When I first saw the FlyingT last year, my immediate reaction was "Oh damn ... I want one of these." I even started talking myself into the idea that if I had the coin, I could totally pull off a case with a slim ring of diamonds around the edge. That's probably not true, but it does speak to just how alluring this watch is. That massive bubble-shaped crystal seems to disappear once the watch is on your wrist, and all you see is the tower-like movement, with the flying tourbillon rotating on top. The angle of the dial is actually extremely practical, making the watch easy to read without having to dramatically swing your wrist (probably a good thing, since this watch will definitely attract attention if you're waving it around). I personally love the use of guilloch here (which you may recognize from the Thunderdome) and could see myself really enjoying either version.?To push things a step further, I like what this watch represents as much as I like the watch itself. I love that MB&F decided to go all-out on a dedicated women's watch and not just paint an LM101 pink (which is, to be honest, about what I expect from most watch brands these days). Furthermore, I appreciate their resolve in not calling these new editions "unisex" or "men's versions." They stuck to their guns and aren't going to water this down. Some women want diamonds, some don't. Some men will wear a "ladies' watch" and some won't. You do you. These are watches we're talking about: Whatever makes you smile is the right choice, labels be damned. The Basics Brand: MB&FModel: Legacy Machine FlyingTDiameter: 38.5mmThickness: 20mm (including the bubble-shaped crystal)Case Material: Platinum or red goldDial Color: White lacquer dial over a black or blue guilloch dial plate (produced by Comblmine)Indexes: Roman numeralsLume: NoneWater Resistance: 30 metersStrap/Bracelet: Calf or alligator leather strap with platinum or red gold pin buckle The Movement Caliber: FlyingTFunctions: Hours, minutes, flying 60-second tourbillonPower Reserve: 100 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 2.5 Hz (18,000 vph)Jewels: 30Total Components: 280 Pricing & Availability Price: $105,000 (red gold); $116,000 (platinum)Availability: ImmediatelyLimited Edition: 18 pieces eachFor more, click here.