Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback
Overview
The LM Sequential EVO, released in 2022, was MB&Fs’ first chronograph and 20th calibre; it featured significant technical innovations and an unprecedented combination of timing modes thanks to its “Twinverter” binary switch: independent timing, split-second, cumulative and lap-timer modes. It won the GPHG ‘Aiguille d’Or’, the most coveted prize in watchmaking. The new Flyback edition goes further than the previous EVO editions: on top of the previous timing modes typically associated with motor racing, it adds the flyback function originally conceived for pilots, bringing the Sequential into the world of aviation.
Conceived by Stephen McDonnell, one of the original MB&F Friends and the mastermind behind the 2015 LM Perpetual, the LM Sequential EVO was one of those timepieces that was so profoundly useful that it made you wonder why no one had thought of it before.
But if the LM Sequential EVO wasn’t mind-blowing enough, there was another feature that Stephen and MB&F were keen to include: the flyback function.
What's so special about this machine?
A Flyback mode, exclusive internal jewelling and a classic style - bringing the Sequential into the world of aviation in the sleekest form.
INTERNAL JEWELLING
The internal jewelling of the vertical clutches is the key to the whole Sequential chronograph, and the new flyback system also requires jewelling, without which it would not work. The system is very subtle, and a great deal of work went into reducing all the friction to a minimum so that the flyback did not cause the return-to-zero to block. To achieve this, McDonnell incorporated a special jewelled roller into the flyback mechanism. Such a component is unavailable directly from any supplier of jewels, so for the first prototype, McDonnell made the jewel himself in order to prove the concept of this ground-breaking mechanism (one of five patented elements).
CLASSIC STYLE
The new Flyback edition with sky blue dial plate comes in the more classic Legacy Machine styling, in a platinum case with screwed lugs and white lacquered dials – including a tilted hours and minutes dial – on a leather strap.
FLYBACK MODE
There are situations when one needs to stop a running chronograph, reset it to zero, and start it again as quickly as possible. The flyback does exactly that: stop, reset and restart in a single press on the reset pusher, rather than fumbling through 3 clicks on 2 separate buttons. Combining the new flyback function with the other timing modes of the Sequential calibre offers even more functionality. For example, a pilot can keep track of overall flight time on one chronograph, while using the other chronograph to accurately time each leg with the flyback function.
Machine in action
Combining the new flyback function with the other timing modes of the Sequential calibre offers even more functionality.
THE MACHINE
There are situations when one needs to stop a running chronograph, reset it to zero, and start it again as quickly as possible.
Conceived with Stephen McDonnell, who previously presented the award-winning LM Sequential EVO with an unprecedented combination of timing modes thanks to its “Twinverter” binary switch: independent timing, split-second, cumulative and lap-timer modes..
20th Anniversary Limited Edition: 20 pieces in stainless steel with black sub dials
- Material: platinum or stainless steel (Longhorn edition)
- Dimensions: diameter 44mm x height 18.2mm
- Water resistance: 30m / 3ATM / 90 feet
- Fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, featuring Twinverter switch allowing multiple timing modes.
- Manual winding with double mainspring barrels.
- Flying balance wheel with regulating screws at 12 o’clock, Breguet overcoil.
- Superlative hand finishing
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- 619 components / 63 jewels
- Time display (hours/minutes) at 6 o’clock
- Left chronograph : seconds displayed at 9 o’clock and minutes at 11 o’clock; start/stop pusher at 10 o’clock and reset/flyback at 8 o’clock
- Right chronograph : seconds displayed at 3 o’clock and minutes at 1 o’clock; start/stop pusher at 2 o’clock and reset/flyback at 4 o’clock
- Twinverter pusher at 9 o’clock: binary switch that inverts the current start/stop status of both chronographs
- Both chronographs are equipped with a flyback
- Power reserve indication at the back of the movement.
Discover the models available for this collection
20th Anniversary LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn
2025 marks the 20th Anniversary of an adventure that started in 2005 when Maximilian Büsser started putting together a network of “Friends”, on the basis of a drawing that we know now as Horological Machine No.1.
Following the LM Sequential EVO - first released in 2022 and awarded with the coveted Aiguille d’Or - The Sequential Flyback piece goes even further than the EVO edition as, on top of the previous timing modes, typically associated with motor racing, it adds the flyback function originally conceived for pilots, bringing the Sequential into the world of aviation.
Now adorned with long horns, blued hands and glossy black sub dials, this limited edition of 20 pieces is part of MB&F’s 20th birthday celebration.
Inspiration
Stephen’s original prototype of the LM Sequential EVO movement was actually designed with a flyback system on the left-hand chronograph and provisions for it were built into the LM Sequential EVO. But it was extremely complicated to perfect with the watch taking nine months of prototyping, four of which were dedicated to the flyback function alone. Add to this six different re-designs, and all the work and components that went with them, and McDonnell felt that it would be unwise – reckless even – to release the watch with a flyback when there were so many unproven elements in play.
But the dream was there, right from the very beginning, and everything was designed to be able to incorporate it at a later date. The chronographs could have been conceived in several different ways, but only one of these configurations would allow the inclusion of a flyback, changing the fundamental way the chronographs were designed.
Continue to
Legacy Machine Sequential EVO
Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO
PERPETUAL CALENDAR
Hours, minutes, day, date, month, and leap year can be set independently by manually pressing the correctors. No need for special tools or complicated date setting!