The Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, conceived by Stephen McDonnell, was MB&F’s first-ever chronograph. A ground-breaking dual chronograph that not only fixed the inherent flaws of conventional chronograph design but also offered a combination of timing modes that was unique. Now comes the new MB&F LM Sequential Flyback where Stephen McDonnell decided to go above and beyond by adding a Flyback function via the pusher at 8 and 4 o’clock respectively.
In his mind, the unprecedented combination of timing modes with an independent, split-second, lap-timer, and cumulative was not quite complete without an additional option of a Flyback mode. The new LM Sequential Flyback Platinum is released in a limited edition of 33 pieces and equipped with an LM case measuring 44 mm in diameter.
For those not familiar with Flybacks, pressing the flyback button while the chronograph is running will stop the chronograph, return to zero, and start it again, all in one go. A single press of the button rather than fumbling through three separate clicks on two different buttons. The flyback was originally developed in the 1930s for airplane pilots, to allow accurate timing of flight paths from waypoint to waypoint. It was found that the time to stop, reset, and restart a chronograph took so long that errors in navigation would result, which would be compounded as these accumulated throughout a journey with multiple legs.
Equipped with a sky blue CVD dial with white lacquer rings and a time display at 6 o’clock, the left chronograph displays the seconds at 9 o’clock and the minutes at 11 o’clock with a start/stop pusher at 10 o’clock and reset/flyback at 8 o’clock. Meanwhile, the right chronograph displays the seconds at 3 o’clock and the minutes at 1 o’clock with a start/stop pusher at 2 o’clock and a reset/flyback at 4 o’clock.
Each of these chronograph displays can be started, stopped, and reset completely independently of each other, using the start/stop and reset pushers on their respective sides of the case. These make up the four chronograph pushers you would usually associate with having two chronograph mechanisms in one watch.
However, there is a fifth pusher, located at the 9 o’clock position referred to as the “Twinverter”. This pusher is the secret that elevates the functionality of the LM Sequential Flyback beyond any existing chronograph wristwatch. It controls both chronograph systems, operating as a binary switch that inverts the current start/stop status of each chronograph.
This means that if both chronograph displays happen to be stopped —at zero position or otherwise—, pressing the Twinverter will cause both of them to start simultaneously. If they are both running, the Twinverter makes them stop. If one is running and the other is stopped, the Twinverter stops the one that is running and starts the one that is stopped.
A particularly practical function when you are dealing with successive predefined times, and you need to stop and restart the chronograph instantly —typically flight legs for aviators, for whom flybacks were created in the 1920s. Stephen has not only added this Flyback extra functionality to the impressive capabilities of his Sequential calibre, but has also made sure it is executed in a perfectly efficient way, using patented jeweled rollers to ensure the Flyback action runs smoothly.
But there’s much more: the switch function that comes with the ‘Twinverter’ allows LM Sequential Flyback to do things that no chronograph wristwatch, no matter how complicated, has been able to accomplish so far. Here are a few things that the LM Sequential Flyback can do, that existing chronographs cannot:
Independent Mode can be used for instance in the preparation of a meal, where different things need to be cooked for different periods of time, at different points in time. You would operate the two chronograph mechanisms via their respective pushers —for instance, starting one when you put your pasta into boiling water and starting the other when the vegetables go in the oven. This comes in handy in all areas of personal productivity. At the gym, for example, when trying to optimize your physical workout routine, one chronograph can be set to time your entire session whilst the second is used to record your time at each station, or the downtime in between.
Simultaneous Mode is used for example in a race involving two competitors, starting simultaneously. The ‘Twinverter’ allows to start both chronographs at exactly the same time, but the different endpoints can be easily recorded by pressing each chronograph’s individual start/stop pusher. To note, the duration of the events can exceed 60 seconds, which is the limit for the vast majority of split-second chronographs on the market.
Cumulative Mode occurs frequently in the work environment, where you might want to know how much time you spend on two separate projects as you switch between them throughout the day. By starting one chronograph when you begin working on one task, and then using the ‘Twinverter’ when you shift focus to the second task —switching again when you go back to the first—, you can easily track the amount of time you cumulatively spend on each task. Another example of this usage is the timing of a chess match.
Sequential Mode —or lap mode— has its greatest relevance in competitive sports, where it can be used to measure individual lap times. Starting one chronograph at the beginning of an event and using the ‘Twinverter’ upon the completion of a lap instantly launches the second chronograph in order to time the next lap, while the first chronograph is stopped, allowing ample time for the timing result to be noted down. The stopped chronograph can then be reset to zero, ready to be relaunched with the ‘Twinverter’ for the following lap. Thanks to its minutes’ totalizers, LM Sequential Flyback can be used effectively in sporting events with average lap times of over a minute —which includes the vast majority of lap-racing sports.
The Movement
Now with a flyback function, the new MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback is powered by a fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system movement developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, featuring Twinverter switch allowing multiple timing modes. This 619-part manual wound movement with double mainspring barrels and flying balance wheel with regulating screws at 12 o’clock, provides a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound. The movement features a power reserve indication with the letters ‘F’ and ‘E’ in red on the back.
On the Wrist & Price
In contrast to the 2022 launch editions that were executed in our sportier EVO case, this new LM Sequential Flyback Platinum adopts the more classic Legacy Machine style with its domed dials in stretched white lacquer, blued hands, sky blue dial plate, platinum case with screwed lugs and a leather strap. You’ll also notice that the hours and minutes dial has been tilted towards the wearer thanks to conical gears, offering more 3-dimensionality and legibility. On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size but remarkably well. Despite its platinum construction, the watch has a total weight of only 151.7 grams. Lastly, the new LM Sequential Flyback Platinum comes in a limited edition of 33 pieces.
Sticker Price USD 218,000. For more info on MB&F click here.
