The release of the first LM Perpetual EVO pieces in 2020 marked a significant departure from the norm at MB&F. It was their first timepiece designed to be an everyday watch. Maximilian Büsser, the “MB” in MB&F, even promoted it as a watch for those with an active lifestyle.
The LM Perpetual EVO was initially launched in three limited editions in zirconium, followed by a titanium edition with a green CVD dial plate. This year MB&F introduces a new LM Perpetual EVO with an icy blue dial-plate in the same highly-resistant titanium case as previous models. It features a closely-fitted, integrated rubber strap for a ‘smooth on the wrist’ wearing experience.
The 44mm titanium case, a modern metal with properties surpassing that of stainless steel, houses a specially developed monobloc shock-absorbing system called “FlexRing” that makes for the most robust Machine ever to emerge from MB&F. The LM Perpetual Engine, designed by Stephen McDonnell, is an award-winning perpetual calendar that replaces traditional constructions with an innovative mechanical processor.
The new EVO case design features a no-bezel construction, with the domed sapphire crystal fused directly to the case. The increased openness of this design improves the legibility of the watch’s calendar indications. It also allows a better appreciation of the engine components – surmounted by the iconic hovering balance wheel.
The more expansive presentation of the engine required new geometrical calculations for the sapphire crystal to achieve the mechanically opposing aims of maintaining structural strength and decreasing its height-to-diameter ratio. Freeing LM Perpetual EVO from the bezel also necessitated the use of a sophisticated thermal bonding system between the sapphire crystal and the case.
The previously circular pushers, for adjusting the perpetual calendar mechanism, have been enlarged into double-sprung oblong actuators, boosting the tactile comfort and ease of adjustment. The LM Perpetual EVO is rated at 80m of water resistance.
Another new element of the LM Perpetual EVO is the FlexRing: an annular dampener fitted between case and movement. It provides shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes. Machined from a single block of stainless steel, the dampener imparts exceptional robustness to the perpetual calendar.
When Stephen McDonnell set out to redesign the perpetual calendar for MB&F, he proposed a system that rethought the entire mechanical basis of the complication. The LM Perpetual uses a “mechanical processor” consisting of a series of superimposed disks. This revolutionary processor takes the default number of days in the month at 28 — because, logically, all months have at least 28 days — and then adds the extra days as required by each individual month.
This ensures that each month has exactly the right number of days, and removes the possibility of the date jumping incorrectly. An inbuilt safety feature disconnects the quickset pushers during the date changeover, so that even if the pushers are accidentally actuated whilst the date is changing, there is no risk of damage to the movement.
Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO has thus far been presented in five versions. The Zirconium editions comprise three limited editions of 15 pieces each with a choice of orange CVD dial plate, blue CVD dial plate or black PVD dial plate. The Titanium case has been presented with a green CVD dial plate, which is now joined by the icy blue CVD dial plate.