Introducing: The MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO

October 13, 2020

According to several of the top Google results for "15th-anniversary metal," the traditional gift for a 15th anniversary is crystal. For MB&F's 15th, they opted to include some zirconium between two slabs of sapphire in creating their latest limited edition stunner, the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO. A decidedly youthful take on the brand's incredible perpetual calendar, the EVO is sporty, colorful, and very, very limited.? Initial Thoughts When it comes to MB&F's Legacy Machines, the general methodology is to interpret classical watchmaking through the eye of a modern outfit like MB&F. As such, many of the LM creations lean more toward the general realm of haute horology and less toward the world of true sport watches. With the new Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO, MB&F appears to be splitting the difference with a sport-themed interpretation of what it established in 2015 with the release of the lovely Legacy Machine Perpetual.? Much like with just about any car that gets an "evo" version, the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO has some special modifications when compared to the standard model. With the EVO, we find a zirconium case, a rubber strap, a screw-down crown, and a version of MB&F's QP movement that has been fitted with a new monoblock shock protection system called "FlexRing." Described as "an annular dampener fitted between the case and the movement," the FlexRing helps protect the 581 components of this very complicated movement from the rigors of a more active lifestyle.? While not commonly seen in watchmaking, this is not MB&F's first time using zirconium, a metal both lighter than steel and harder-wearing than titanium. MB&F used the material in the exceedingly cool HM3 Poison Dart Frog, a 10-piece limited edition from 2012. From the case material to the shock protection and the rubber strap, MB&F says that the EVO is "the most robust Machine ever to emerge from MB&F."? The 44 x 17.5mm sizing is retained from the EVO's precious metal siblings, but the EVO features a new bezel-free design. While the standard LM Perpetual has a curved bezel where the crystal meets the case, the EVO's crystal flows directly into the case edge, allowing additional light into the depths and edges of the three-dimensional movement configuration. That extra light is well worth the effort of thermally bonding the case to the crystal as the movement is something to behold, especially for those lucky enough to land one of the more colorful versions.? Finally C and I glossed over this earlier C the LM Perpetual EVO has a screw-down crown and 80 meters of water resistance. This is a first for any MB&F (the Aquapod was water-resistant to 50 meters), and when you consider the complexity of offering considerable water resistance in a case fitted with multiple correctors for the perpetual calendar, I think this is a notable decision on MB&F's part and one that ensures the EVO is more than just a new color or treatment on a current model.? Of all of the watches that MB&F could have tuned for a more sporty appeal, the Legacy Machine Perpetual must have represented one of the larger challenges, and the end result, from ethos to execution, feels so within the spirit of MB&F and how far it has come since 2005. Seeing as the total production is only 45 units and each carries a price tag of $167,000, the EVO is a fitting and collector-ready salute to the sunshine and smiles that MB&F has brought to the watch industry over the past 15 years. I only hope that those fortunate enough to get an EVO won't be afraid to get a little sporty.? The Basics Brand: MB&FModel: Legacy Machine Perpetual EVODiameter: 44mmThickness: 17.5mm Case Material: Zirconium Dial Color: Orange, blue, or blackLume: YesWater Resistance: 80 metersStrap/Bracelet: Rubber strap with titanium buckle The Movement Caliber: MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Functions: Hours, minutes, day, date, month, retrograde leap year, and power-reserve indicatorsPower Reserve: 72 hoursWinding: Hand-woundFrequency: 18,000 vphJewels: 41 (581 components) Additional Details: FlexRing shock projection system.? Pricing & Availability Price: $167,000 Limited Edition: Yes, 15 pieces in each color.?For more, click here.