For more than two decades, the boundless energy, raw creativity, and cultural influence of New York City have fueled the creative fires of the avant-garde horological laboratory, MB&F. Now, the brand marks a monumental milestone in its North American journey by establishing a permanent flagship sanctuary: the brand-new MB&F Lounge in Manhattan, located on prestigious Madison Avenue.
To celebrate the inauguration of this luxury space, the brand has unveiled a highly collectable piece of mechanical art: the MB&F LM101 EVO NYC Edition. This dazzling reimagining of the iconic Legacy Machine 101 series is crafted in a strictly limited run of only 25 pieces, available exclusively to visitors of the new New York location.
A Bold Contrast: 5N+ Rose Gold and Deep Black Radial PVD
This special edition commands immediate attention by introducing a refined 5N+ rose gold case that forms a dramatic contrast against a deep black, radially brushed PVD dial. This masterfully chosen colorway adds immense visual depth to the piece, emphasizing the striking three-dimensional architecture that defines the Legacy Machine family.
Visually, the entire canvas is dominated by MB&F’s signature majestic 14mm suspended balance wheel, which appears to float effortlessly above the movement. Beneath the dramatically vaulted sapphire crystal dome, the essential indications are displayed with elegant simplicity:
- Top Right Sub-dial: Displays the hours and minutes with newly sculpted gold hands.
- Bottom Sub-dial: Houses the optimized power reserve indicator, showcasing an enhanced 60-hour power reserve.
Turning the watch over reveals a covert, sentimental nod to the occasion: a clean «MB&F NYC» engraving on the caseback, permanently linking each of the 25 rare pieces to the birth of this new chapter in the Big Apple.
The “EVO” Treatment: Built for an Active Lifestyle
While standard Legacy Machines lean heavily into traditional execution, MB&F’s EVO designation completely transforms these kinetic sculptures into robust, daily-wear companions tailored for an active lifestyle. The LM101 EVO NYC Edition inherits a suite of cutting-edge structural upgrades designed for superior comfort and shock resistance:
- The FlexRing System: A patented, internal monobloc shock-absorbing system placed between the case and the movement to cushion the caliber against real-world impacts.
- Go-Anywhere Durability: Equipped with a secure screw-down crown that guarantees an impressive water resistance of up to 80 meters (8 ATM).
- Bezel-free Ergonomics: By removing the traditional bezel, the watch maximizes the view of the open mechanics under the sapphire dome and pairs naturally with an integrated rubber strap.
Despite its sporty resilience, the heart of this timepiece remains an uncompromising triumph of classical finishing. Originally engineered by MB&F’s internal team, the movement features hand-decorations specified by legendary independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, honoring 19th-century aesthetics. The contemporary dark NAC-treated bridges provide a sleek contrast to the traditional mirror-polished bevels and internal angles.
The Fuller Building: Art Déco Heritage Meets High Horology
The choice of location for the new Lounge is a story in itself. Nestled on the 5th floor of the historic Fuller Building(595 Madison Avenue), the space occupies a landmark 1929 Art Déco masterpiece. Designed by Voltige Design & Architecture, the lounge shuns the cold feel of traditional watch boutiques. Bathed in natural light and filled with warm wood accents, it acts as an intimate salon where the American “Tribe” can discover mechanical art at a leisurely pace.
Technical Specifications: MB&F LM101 EVO NYC Edition
| Component / Feature | Official Manufacture Specification |
|---|---|
| Collection / Edition | Legacy Machine 101 EVO NYC Edition (New York Lounge Exclusive) |
| Availability | Strictly limited to 25 pieces worldwide, exclusive to the NYC Lounge |
| Engine / Caliber | Three-dimensional manual-wind mechanical movement developed in-house by MB&F |
| Movement Design | Structural architecture and hand-finishing specifications by Kari Voutilainen |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours (driven by a single mainspring barrel with a slipping spring system) |
| Regulating Organ | Custom-built 14mm balance wheel with 4 traditional regulating screws, suspended above the dial |
| Balance Spring | Double Straumann® hairspring assembly |
| Frequency | 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) |
| Components & Jewels | 233 components // 23 jewels set in gold chatons with polished countersinks |
| Movement Finishing | Internal bevels, hand-engravings, polished bevels, Côtes de Genève, and dark NAC-treated bridges |
| Case Material | 5N+ Rose Gold built with an integrated FlexRing shock-absorbing system |
| Case Dimensions | Diameter: 40 mm // Thickness: 16.5 mm |
| Lug Measurements | Lug width: 17 mm // Lug-to-Lug height: 49 mm |
| Crystals | Highly domed box sapphire crystal on front; sapphire display back (both with double-sided AR coating) |
| Water Resistance | 80 meters / 8 ATM / 270 feet, featuring a screw-down crown |
| Dial Plate | Black PVD treatment with a radial-brushed finish and floating sub-dials with concentric rings |
| Strap & Clasp | High-grade rubber strap fitted with a matching titanium folding buckle |
The MB&F LM101 EVO NYC Edition acts as the ultimate bridge between 19th-century horological purism and bold, 21st-century architectural geometry—a true holy grail for the brand’s most dedicated transatlantic collectors.
