Introducing The MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT Without Diamonds

Around this time last year, my good friends over at MB&F unveiled their first women’s watch: LM FlyingT. While I loved the watch, I was very vocal about the fact that I wished they had done a non-diamond version for those of us women who love mechanics over bling. Max Busser, whom I have known for decades, assured me that my wishes would be met soon enough. Well, today, MB&F unveils the newest Legacy Machine FlyingT watches — without diamonds. If I loved the first version, these two new models — an 18-karat 5N rose gold version for $105,000, and a platinum edition for $116,000 — take love to new levels.

With it s unique architecture and strong mechanical dimensions, the Legacy Machine FlyingT (for tourbillon)is a masterpiece — one of the more intriguing watches for women unveiled of late.  According to Busser, the idea was to create a watch with diamonds to indicate it is for women. (He was also inspired by his wife and mother to add the diamonds to the first versions.) However, one of the great things about the LM FlyingT is the fact that it could easily be a gender-free watch. It is the perfect size for both women and men, and its space-age three-dimensional appeal makes it a sought after look no matter who you are.

In the watch, “A soaring flying tourbillon projects, column-like, from the dial plate of LM FlyingT, driven by energy generated by the sun-shaped rotor. A diamond flashes atop the upper tourbillon cage. Dynamism and precisely engineered motion characterise LM FlyingT, which debuted in three white gold diamond-set editions: one with a simple halo of brilliant-cut gems on the bezel and lugs, one fully paved with brilliants and one fully paved with baguette-cut stones. This powerful articulation of feminine horology, the first of its kind from MB&F, was awarded the Prix de la Complication pour Dame at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.”

The new LM FlyingT watches feature a guilloche dial plate created by master artisan Kari Voutilainen, who has partnered many times with MB&F.  The platinum version features a sky blue manipulate, while the rose gold model has a rich midnight colored plate. Each watch is set with a white lacquer dial at 7:00 that indicates the hours and minutes. Each also features a 3D sun-shaped rotor with sculpted rays. The 280-part automatic movement offers 100 hours of power reserve.

MB&F LM FlyingT TECHNICAL DETAILS

After the diamond-set launch editions, Legacy Machine FlyingT is now offered in two limited editions of 18 pieces each: 18k red gold case with black guilloché dial (Night) and platinum 950 case with sky-blue guilloché dial (Day).

Engine

Three-dimensional vertical architecture, automatic winding, conceived and developed in-house by MB&F

Central flying 60-second tourbillon, with a diamond at the top of the flying tourbillon cage

Power reserve: 100 hours

Balance frequency: 2.5Hz / 18,000bph

Three-dimensional sun winding rotor in 18k 5N+ red gold, titanium and platinum.

Number of components: 280

Number of jewels: 30

Functions/indications

Hours and minutes displayed on a 50° vertically titled dial with two blued serpentine hands.

Two crowns: winding on left and time-setting on right

Case

Material: 5N+ 18k red gold and platinum 950

High domed sapphire crystal on top with anti-reflective coating on both sides, sapphire crystal on back.

Dimensions: 38.5 mm x 20 mm

Number of components: 17

Water resistance: 30 m / 90’ / 3 atm

Strap & buckle

Calf or alligator leather straps with red gold or platinum pin buckle matching the case.