MB&F Celebrates a 10th Anniversary With a New LM2 in Palladium

The MB&F Legacy Machine No.2 is the cream of the crop in the watchmaking world. First introduced in 2013, it was one of the most forward-thinking mechanical watch designs.

MB&F Celebrates a 10th Anniversary With a New LM2 in Palladium

MB&F first released the Legacy Machine No.2 in 2013 in 18k red gold, 18k white gold, and an 18-piece limited platinum edition. In 2017, an 18-piece titanium edition followed; in 2018, a 12-piece limited white gold edition with a purple dial was released, and 12 red gold blue limited editions in 2019.

MB&F LM2 Red Gold Blue
MB&F LM2 Red Gold Blue

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the LM2, MB&F reintroduces this unique horology model in a 44 mm palladium case with an aquamarine sunray dial in mild green, grey, and blue tones. Palladium is one of the most precious metals and is very difficult to work with. This new Legacy Machine N°2 delivers the same spectacular view of its entrancing engine in a subtle and exquisite case and is limited to 18 pieces.

MB&F LM2 Palladium
MB&F LM2 Palladium

Legacy Machines are remarkable reinterpretations of legendary watchmakers’ innovations. LM2’s twin balance wheels oscillate high, inspired by the dual regulator. Rarer even, Legacy Machine No.2’s twin regulators’ average rates are transferred through a differential to a single-gear train, when most had two movements.

Legacy Machine No. 2’s dial is a lesson in symmetrical simplicity under a domed sapphire crystal cupola. The big, raised difference at 6 o’clock balances the white lacquered sub-dial at 12 o’clock with its blued hour and minute hands. The two flying balances and escapements are mirror copies from left to right. Legacy Machine No.2’s true heart is the large planetary differential, an incredible feat of micro-engineering. A planetary differential allows the two balances to beat at their natural pace and provide the average of the two entirely independent frequencies. 

MB&F LM2 Palladium
MB&F LM2 Palladium

Jean-François Mojon and Chronode designed the Legacy Machine No.2’s movement, and Kari Voutilainen, an independent watchmaker, ensured that the movement’s aesthetic style was in line with the high-quality traditional timepieces of the 19th century and specifying the superlative hand-finishing. Both of their names are hand-engraved on the case back.

The Legacy Machine No.2 Dial Side

While Legacy Machine No.2 seems to be a standard round timepiece on the surface, its three-dimensional construction provides aesthetic pleasures on numerous levels. For example, what appears to be the main dial is really the movement’s top plate, which has been elegantly engraved, plated, and hand-engraved with Legacy Machine below the differential.

The hour-minute subdial is slightly elevated above the surface, its gold ring accentuating the flawless white lacquered dial, which is made by applying and heating many layers of lacquer, forcing them to smoothly and firmly cover the dial. 

MB&F LM2 Palladium
MB&F LM2 Palladium

The white stands out beautifully against the vivid blue hands. The hands are gently curved to match the subdial’s somewhat convex surface. An innovative attachment underneath eliminates the need for visually obvious screws, ensuring the aesthetic purity of the dial and its classic Roman numerals.

A captivating double-arc mirror-polished bridge supports the planetary differential. The complex differential is the crucial component in the double regulator system, and elevating it slightly above the motions allows us to better understand the process.

MB&F LM2 Palladium
MB&F LM2 Palladium

The two oscillating bespoke balancing wheels are positioned above the sub-dial and the differential. The twin balances feature Breguet overcoils and four fully working timing screws. Because the two balances are mirror pictures of one another, they react differently to various forces. The distance between the balancing wheels has been carefully determined to eliminate resonance, which would interfere with regulation. 

The LM2 Caliber: Historical Accuracy and Fine Finishings

Kari Voutilainen, an independent master watchmaker, was tasked with guaranteeing the historical accuracy of the movement, as well as determining the finishings of the Legacy Machine No.2 movement.

MB&F LM2 Palladium
MB&F LM2 Palladium

A delicately etched sunray pattern on the top of the movement plate (dial side) captures the eye discreetly at certain angles without drawing attention away from the clean white sub-dial, flying balances, and increased differential. Voutilainen has achieved perfect historical fidelity, which can be admired in the style and finish of the bridges and plates seen through the display on the back of the movement.

Price & Availability:

The MB&F LM2 Palladium will be available at MB&F retailers and on the MB&F eShop.

Retail Price: 172,000 USD

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