Personally, I continue to be impressed by massively interesting LM2 and the very beautiful LM1–which continues to be by far my favorite of the Legacy Machine models. So yes, I have a favorite. Not only do I like the larger size of the LM1, but I also prefer the symmetrical dial. MB&F couldn’t just offer a reduced size LM1, so the LM101 is really the logical option given that with a new size they also needed a new movement and dial design.

While visually very similar, the LM101 has a totally new movement that has been completely designed in-house by MB&F. Having said that, you’ll notice that the movement lacks the name of Jean-Francois Mojon (as the LM1 and LM2 have) but retains the name of Kari Voutilainen. What does that mean? Mojon’s name is absent because MB&F themselves designed the movement, while Kari’s shop is still in charge of their beautiful decoration and finishing.

The manually wound movement has a power reserve of 45 hours and once again operates at 2.5 Hz (18,000). The reason for this more moderate movement frequency is that it allows for a more attractive view of the large balance wheel’s operation. In addition to the balance wheel being on the dial, the LM101 also has the anchor and escapement there.

Notice that the power reserve indicator moves in the opposite way than most people are accustomed. The white lacquer dials and blue steel hands of both dials are as nice as ever and make for a lot of legibility, even though they are partially covered by the balance wheel (especially the dial for the time). For this LM101 model especially, the bridge for the balance wheel is impressively polished with thick round arms.

MB&F will once again offer this Legacy Machine model in two different gold metals. There will be an 18k red gold version as well as an 18k white gold model. Each will have a slightly distinct face color as well as matching strap (brown alligator for the red gold model and black alligator for the white gold model). Build quality, as well as fit and finish are simply top notch (as always) for an MB&F product.

There are two different ways to look at the Legacy Machine 101. The first is as being the first affordable (or wearable) MB&F watch that perhaps you’ve been waiting for, given their slew of amazing, but rather large or loud timepieces. However, existing MB&F fans might see the LM101 from a different angle, as being an effort to be more mainstream by MB&F and find less appeal here than some of their more elaborately conceived models. True enough, as MB&F has matured they have attempted to supplement their more wild products with those that have more immediate marketability.

At aBlogtoWatch, we prefer to see the LM101 as a product aimed at a new market versus something existing MB&F fans will want to gobble up with immediacy. What is also interesting is that Urwerk, a high-end Swiss brand MB&F is very friendly with and has worked with before (they produced the C3H5N3O9 brand together) also released a very similarly priced “entry-level” product this year with the UR-105M (hands-on here). So there must be something to this price point.

How much is the MB&F Legacy Machine 101? According to MB&F this non-limited watch will receive a limited production of about 30 pieces per year and be priced at $59,000 for either version. mbandf.com

LM101 Tech specs from MB&F

ENGINE

– Three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house by MB&F
– Aesthetic design and finish specifications: Kari Voutilainen
– Manual winding with single mainspring barrel
– 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: 229 components
– 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, minutes and power reserve indicator. Large suspended balance wheel over dial

CASE
– Available in 18k red gold or 18k white gold
– Dimensions: 40mm wide x 16mm high
– Number of components: 35

SAPPHIRE CRYSTALS
– High domed sapphire crystal on top and box sapphire crystal on back, both with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

STRAP & BUCKLE
– Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with gold tang buckle to match case