MB&F LM101 MB&F x H. Moser Funky Blue

MB&F and H. Moser collaborate to create four stunning new models of the Legacy Machine 101

MB&F x H. Moser & Cie

Maximillian Büsser, founder of MB&F and Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie have been friends for over ten years. This 2020 collaboration is the fruit of more than just two men in the same industry and is really a story of two men with the same values and a shared delight in building and sharing. Both of these watch companies are independent brands run by two very passionate and knowledgeable personalities who both saw the potential in collaborating, even in these challenging times.

A Two-Way Street

Maximillian contacted Edward to take part as a “friend” on his latest Performance Art Piece. For those not yet in the know, the F in MB&F stands for friends. Maximillian Büsser says: “When I called Edouard to tell him that I wanted to collaborate on a creation, I mentioned that I really liked the double balance-spring, the Moser fumé dials, and the Concept watch series. Edouard immediately told me that he would let me borrow these features, but on condition that he could also reinterpret one of my machines. After an initial moment of surprise, I gave it some thought. Being 50% Indian and 50% Swiss, I am firmly convinced that mixing DNA creates interesting results, so why not try the experiment in watchmaking? I therefore agreed and suggested the FlyingT model, which is particularly dear to my heart.”

They decided to jointly create two models, available in several versions and all issued in a 15 piece limited edition. Coincidently or maybe not so much, both MB&F and H. Moser & Cie are celebrating 15 year anniversaries this year – MB&F turns 15 this year, and Edouard relaunched H. Moser exactly 15 years ago.

Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser & Cie Funky Blue

For this collaboration, MB&F has taken a “back to basics” approach, and the first thing you will notice is that they have decided to forego the logo on the dial, and only the movement is signed. This was how it was done at the origins of horology. The floating doomed subdials usually seen on the Legacy Machine to display the hours and minutes, as well as the 45-hour power reserve, have been abandoned to further intensify the understated spirit. The hands are placed directly on the main dial.

The funky blue fumé dial is borrowed from H. Moser, and the large suspended balance wheel is given center stage above it. This beating heart has been redesigned for this collaboration to allow maximum viewing of the fumé dial. The balance wheel has been fitted with a double hairspring produced by Precision Engineering AG, a sister company of H. Moser & Cie. Through the curved sapphire crystal on the case back, the LM 101 movement is entirely visible, a slightly more contemporary finish than usual added to enhance its beauty.

Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser & Cie – Other versions

There are four versions in this special edition:

• Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser & Cie Funky Blue fumé dial, featured above
• Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser & Cie Red fumé dial, featured below
• Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser & Cie Aqua Blue fumé dial, featured below
• Legacy Machine 101 MB&F x H. Moser & Cie Cosmic Green fumé dial, featured below