MB&F Releases the New LM Split Escapement EVO, Dedicated to its LAB in Taipei

MB&F, a rising independent watchmaker, has unveiled the LM Split Escapement EVO Taipei Edition, celebrating its success in the luxury watch world. This timepiece features a titanium case, a striking black base plate, and a captivating green dial. One can choose fresh white or dark grey rubber straps to complement the base plate. 

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MB&F's enduring partnership with its long-standing retail partner, Swiss Prestige, has been pivotal in recognising Max Büsser's passion project right from the beginning. GMT India examines the latest timepiece on offer.

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EVO-lution 

In 2015, master watchmaker Stephen McDonnell created the LM Perpetual, featuring a unique 'Split Escapement' for a foolproof perpetual calendar. MB&F introduced the LM Split Escapement in 2017, a manual-winding movement with 298 components, double barrels, and user-friendly date change. The LM Split Escapement transitioned to the EVO case in 2020, offering enhanced durability and design innovation. In 2022, two new LM SE EVO editions arrived, showcasing a fusion of contemporary design and traditional hand-finishing.

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Additionally, in 2015, Swiss Prestige opened the first MB&F M.A.D.Gallery in Asia, reflecting a shift from being primarily a distributor. Fast forward to 2023, and MB&F's Taipei M.A.D.Gallery is now ready with a limited edition of the LM Split Escapement EVO, with only 20 pieces on offer.

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LM Split Escapement EVO

The Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO comes in two captivating versions. The first, a Ti version, boasts a resilient grade 5 titanium case, complemented by a pastel blue baseplate and striking dark grey dial. The second version, the Beverly Hills edition, is a rare gem, limited to just 25 pieces, featuring the same grade 5 titanium case but with a black base plate and blue dials. For the discerning few, there's the Taipei edition, a limited run of 20 timepieces, adorned with grade 5 titanium, a black base plate, and eye-catching green dial. 

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At its heart, the EVO is powered by a movement crafted by Stephen McDonnell, offering a split escapement mechanism with the balance wheel gracefully suspended above the dial while the anchor resides beneath the movement. Manual winding, double mainspring barrels and a bespoke 14 mm balance wheel, adorned with traditional regulating screws, showcase the timepiece's horological excellence. 

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Hand-finished in 19th-century style and featuring bevelled internal angles, polished bevels, Geneva waves, and intricate engravings, the EVO spells sophistication. Its FlexRing provides shock protection along both vertical and lateral axes. With Super-LumiNova on numerals and hands, a screw-down crown, and a power reserve of 72 hours, this watch comprises 298 components. 

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Functional yet refined, the timepiece offers hours, minutes, date, and power-reserve indicators, with a convenient push-button for quick date adjustments. Encased in grade 5 titanium, measuring 44 mm x 17.5 mm, and boasting an impressive water resistance of 80 metres, the EVO's sapphire crystals on both the top and the display back are treated with anti-reflective coating. 

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Completing the ensemble is an integrated rubber strap, paired with a titanium folding buckle, adding a touch of comfort and practicality to this watch.

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