That is a good question. In terms of MB&F’s history with the “performance art” pieces this one is very mild. Rather than radically alter an existing watch, the change to the LM1 is relatively minor. In fact, it would not be odd for a collector to think that the LM1 wasn’t changed enough for this limited edition. Xia Hang is an impressively prolific artist in his compositions and vision, so for him to add just a taste of his character to the watch (or for MB&F to allow only this much) is an interesting choice. It feels less like a Xia Hang designed LM1 and more like an LM1 watch in honor of Xia Hang.
By that I mean that I don’t know how much “Xia Hang creativity” is involved in the watch. The small figurine is more a less miniaturization of an existing work rather than a new creation designed specifically for this watch. MB&F took something that Hang made and implemented into the watch, rather than work with Xia Hang to create something unique. The result is something that Xia Hang fans will recognize as being related to the artist, but it isn’t something that I would consider as being “new art.” While the LM1 Xia Hang is satisfying as an MB&F, I think they could have gone a bit further and taken the opportunity to showcase more of Hang’s creative skills as applied to the world of high-end watches and MB&F – that would have been most interesting.
On the wrist, the Legacy Machine No. 1 continues to look and feel spectacular. The 44mm wide case is offered in 18k white or rose gold, and wears very comfortably. The large, domed sapphire crystal has an excellent amount of AR coating which really helps legibility as well as giving it a high-end feel. The 18k white gold model with the blue dial is also offered on the standard LM1 collection pieces. The gray dial on the 18k red gold piece is however new. It happens to be quite striking and is among my favorite looks for the LM1.
In addition to the watch itself each LM1 Xia Hang comes with a pair of Mr. Up and Mr. Down polished steel statues. These complete the theme and offer another tangible element that connects the timepieces with Mr. Hang’s artistic work. The watches will be limited to 12 pieces each for a total of 24 MB&F LM1 Xia Hang watches. Retail price is $107,000. Which is a modest premium over the non-limited model. mbandf.com
Tech Specs from MB&F
ENGINE
– Three-dimensional horological movement developed exclusively for MB&F by Jean-François Mojon /Chronode with aesthetics finishes specified by Kari Voutilainen
– Manual winding with single mainspring barrel
Power reserve indicator: a little man designed by Chinese artist Xia Hang
– Power reserve: 45 hours
– Balance wheel: bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws floating above the movement and dials
– Balance spring: traditional Breguet curve terminating in mobile- stud holder
– Balance frequency: 18,000bph/2.5Hz
– Number of components: 274
– Number of jewels: 23
– Chatons: gold chatons with polished countersinks
– Fine finishing: superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th century style; internal bevel angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings
FUNCTIONS
– Hours and minutes; completely independent dual time zones displayed on two dials; unique vertical power reserve indicated by a highly-polished little man in aluminum
– Left crown at 8 o’clock for setting time of left dial; right crown at 4 o’clock for setting time of right dial and winding
CASE
– Available in 18k red gold or 18k white gold
– Dimensions: 44mm wide x 16mm high
– Number of components: 65
SAPPHIRE CRYSTALS
– High domed sapphire crystal on top and sapphire crystal on back with anti-reflective coating on both sides
STRAP & BUCKLE
– Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with gold tang buckle to match case
