In 2022, MB&F unveiled its first chronograph watch, dubbed the Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, boasting one movement with two chronograph complications. The independent watchmaker has taken that revolutionary watch and updated it to give us the MB&F LM Sequential Flyback, which as the name suggests, includes flyback functionality on the twin chronographs. Let’s dig into the details because like almost all MB&F watches, there’s a lot to take in here.
The Legacy Machine’s Duo of Chronographs Now Fly Back
As you may already know, chronographs come in a variety of styles one being the flyback chronograph whereby the moving chronograph hand can be sent back to the zero position to continue timing without having to stop it first. Essentially, the flyback mechanism stops, resets, and restarts the chronograph hand via a single press of one pusher rather than having to divvy up the three separate operations across two pushers. In other words, the chronograph hand “flies back” to its position. It’s quicker for the wearer to use (originally conceived for pilots in high-speed and high-stress situations) but more complicated for the watchmaker to build.
The original MB&F LM Sequential EVO, which took home the highly coveted Aiguille d’Or at the 2022 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, includes two independently operated chronographs inside one watch, each with its own large 60-second counter and a smaller 30-minute counter. Furthermore, the watch also includes a “Twinverter” switch to allow wearers to cycle through various timing modes such as independent timing, split-second, sequential (lap timer), and a never-before-seen cumulative “chess” mode.
The newer MB&F LM Sequential Flyback includes all of the above with the added benefit of flyback functionalities —on both chronographs.
Further Reading:
What is a Chronograph Watch?
MB&F LM Sequential Flyback Design
Whereas the earlier model was more sporty in design, featuring the brand’s EVO case in zirconium and fitted with dial plates in either orange or black, the newer flyback LM Sequential leans into MB&F’s more classic styling (well, as “classic” as the wild watchmaking brand gets.)
The MB&F LM Sequential Flyback features a 44mm platinum case that soars 18.2mm tall, complete with a dramatically domed sapphire crystal for an expansive view of the incredible dial. The dial is home to a sky-blue plate, as well as white lacquer subdials — including the tilted hour and minutes display at 6 o’clock.
The left chronograph has its seconds displayed at 9 o’clock and minutes at 11 o’clock on the dial while the start/stop pusher is placed at 10 o’clock and the reset/flyback pusher is located at 8 o’clock. Conversely, the right chronograph has its seconds displayed at 3 o’clock and minutes at 1 o’clock while the start/stop pusher is at 2 o’clock and the reset/flyback pusher is at 4 o’clock.
There’s also an additional pusher at 9 o’clock for the Twinverter mechanism and the power reserve indicator is positioned on the caseback side of the movement.
The Movement
The LM Sequential Flyback movement was developed by Stephen McDonnell, the same man behind the movement powering the original LM Sequential EVO watch and many other groundbreaking MB&F watches.
The fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system movement (with Twinverter switch for multiple timing modes) is manual-winding, complete with two mainspring barrels for 72 hours of power reserve. It comprises 619 components and 63 jewels, and, as expected from MB&F, is incredibly hand-finished and decorated. Thankfully, the movement can be admired from both the dial and caseback side.
LM Sequential Flyback Watch Specs
| Model | Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback |
| Reference | 10.PL.BU |
| Case | Platinum 44mm diameter 18.2mm thick Chronograph pushes at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock Twinverter pusher at 9 o’clock: |
| Dial | Sky-blue CVD White lacquer subdials Chronograph seconds displayed at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock Chronograph minutes displayed at 1 o’clock and 11 o’clock Hour and minutes display at 6 o’clock |
| Functions | Two flyback chronographs (left and right) Twinverter binary switch for different timing modes: independent timing, split-second, cumulative, and lap-timer Hours and minutes |
| Movement | Manual-winding Double mainsprings 619 components, 63 jewels 72 hour power reserve Hand-finished |
| Water-resistance | 30 meters |
| Strap | Leather |
| Limited | 33 pieces |
| 2024 Retail Price (MSRP) | 218,000 |
MB&F Is Flying High
This may not look like your typical pilot’s watch, however, MB&F is indeed positioning it as its first aviation watch. Then again, nothing MB&F does is typical and that is precisely why we’re big fans of this innovative independent watchmaker here at Luxury Bazaar.
Limited to only 33 pieces, the platinum LM Sequential Flyback ref. 10.PL.BU will retail for $218,000.
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