MB&F has updated its EVO line with an aquamarine version of Stephen McDonnell’s ingenious double chronograph, freshly upgraded with the flyback functionality first seen in the classic Legacy Machine Sequential. The Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback EVO is a tough titanium timer suited to the rigours of daily wear thanks to its shock-protected and water resistant case and supple rubber strap.

Initial thoughts

MB&F has enjoyed enormous success over the last few years, and while the rising tide of interest in independent watchmaking has lifted most major brands, it helps that MB&F’s products are excellent and original. While the brand rarely dabbles in traditional complicated watchmaking, its first two forays – the LM Perpetual and Sequential, both designed by Stephen McDonnell – are standouts in their categories. The Sequential in particular is among the most interesting and creative chronographs on the market.

This latest iteration applies the movement’s latest upgrades, principally the flyback function, to a sporty, titanium, Legacy Machine EVO case, which comes with enhanced shock and water resistance. Despite these tangible upgrades, the EVO Sequential is no larger than its dressier precious metal Legacy Machine counterparts. That’s a good thing, since the watch has a commanding, almost overwhelming presence on the wrist as it is.

One of the benefits of the EVO case, compared to that of the classic LM, is the presence of a FlexRing shock absorber that provides a degree of cushioning between case and calibre, which allows the movement to move slightly in any direction to dissipate shocks.

This sporty livery is a good fit for the functionality, but the proprietary rubber strap is arguably a limitation of the EVO format. Another trade-off with regard to the EVO case is the robust 80 m of water resistance, which unfortunately entails a screw-down crown (which can be tedious on a manually wound watch). That said, the watch at least has an extended 72-hour power reserve tracked by an up/down indicator – or, in this case, empty/full – on the back.

Even with those two caveats, this latest iteration is arguably the best the Sequential yet, and costs no more than the recent stainless steel LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn, despite presumably being slightly more expensive to manufacture. It also comes in an unusual aquamarine colourway more often associated with the brand’s palladium watches, giving it an even more de luxe feel.

EVO-lution

MB&F launched its first chronograph (and 20th proprietary movement overall) in 2022 with the LM Sequential EVO. Developed by Stephen McDonnell, the man behind the brand’s foolproof perpetual calendar, the Sequential EVO combined two discrete chronographs in one movement – rare in pocket watches and previously unheard of in a wristwatch.

Key to the appeal of the Sequential is the Twinverter, an ingenious mechanism that advances both column wheels with a single press of a dedicated pusher. Activating the Twinverter starts both chronographs from a stop, or stops both if they’re already running. Pressing it while one chronograph is running and the other is stopped will stop the former and start the latter, giving it functionality akin to a chess timer.

Historically, stopwatch manufacturers such as Heuer offered ‘multi-sequence timing boards’ which connected three stopwatches together for tracking lap times so that a single lever would start one, stop another, and reset a third. By comparison, McDonnell’s modern approach is far more elegant and compact.

Two years after the debut of the Sequential, MB&F updated the movement with a flyback function, allowing either chronograph to be restarted while running. Flybacks are normally associated with sports chronographs, however this feature debuted in the classic LM case, a somewhat odd fit. It also added the usual LM inclined dial, absent on the original EVO.

The EVO Sequential Flyback’s hands also get a slight upgrade, with three dimensional polished bosses that match the high-end decoration of the movement. As befits a sport watch, all seven hands are lumed, including, amusingly, the power reserve hand on the back of the movement.

A coddled calibre

The watch uses a two-train movement – both barrels wind together – with a visible jewelled vertical clutch on the fourth wheel of each train to drive each chronograph. The dial puts all of the chronograph works on full display, from the clutches to reset hammers. It extremely rare to be able to see a vertical clutch in action, as it is normally buried under a plate or two.

The movement is impressive in both its mechanical architecture and hand-applied decoration. Take the soaring balance bridge on the front, which is specular polished, or the graceful finger bridges on the back, decorated with broad chamfers, that secure the fourth wheels. Nearly all jewels visible from the back sit in polished gold chatons, which pop against the NAC-treated plates.

The hand work extends beyond the usual anglage. For example, the engravings for the country of origin and jewel count, legally mandated markings often given little design consideration, are free-hand engraved by a small studio in Le Locle. Stephen McDonnell‘s name is engraved as well, a notable inclusion that speaks to the transparency of MB&F. While it’s common for independent watchmakers to outsource movement design work, few brands are so open about it.

Key facts and price

MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Evo

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 18.2 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 80 m

Movement: Flyback chronograph movement developed by Stephen McDonnell
Functions: Hours, minutes, power reserve indicator and twin flyback chronograph function
Winding: Hand-wound
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Integrated rubber strap with titanium folding buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: At MB&F retailers and MAD Galleries
Price: CHF168,000 excluding taxes

For more, visit MBandF.com.