The LM Sequential Flyback EVO represents something increasingly rare in contemporary watchmaking: a timepiece conceived not from commercial calculation, but from a genuine desire to expand what a mechanical chronograph can accomplish. Housed in grade 5 titanium with an aquamarine dial plate, this release consolidates four years of engineering refinement into a watch that feels less like a product refresh and far more like the realisation of a delayed vision.
When Stephen McDonnell conceived the original Sequential calibre in 2022, the flyback function was present from the outset. Nine months of prototyping, with four dedicated solely to the flyback mechanism, demonstrated the complexity of integrating this feature without degrading the chronograph’s core precision. McDonnell’s prudence in withholding the flyback function speaks to an integrity that has become almost conspicuous by its absence in contemporary horology. Now, four years later, that vision arrives complete.
The dial architecture mirrors the LM Sequential EVO‘s established configuration, presenting two entirely independent chronographs positioned symmetrically across the face. The left chronograph displays seconds at nine o’clock and minutes at eleven; its counterpart mirrors this arrangement at three and one o’clock respectively. Both chronographs operate with complete autonomy through dedicated pushers, rendering the Twinverter switch at nine o’clock: a binary mechanism capable of inverting both chronographs’ start/stop status simultaneously.
It is a genuine innovation rather than a complication for its own sake. The dial plate benefits from an aquamarine finish that moves beyond aesthetics into functional territory: Super-LumiNova boosting ensures legibility across all display zones. Critically, the time display tilts at six o’clock, a geometry optimisation that improves readability without imposing visual compromise.
The movement embodies principles that separate genuine horological innovation from superficial complexity. The fully integrated dual chronograph flyback system comprises 621 components across 63 jewels, each element positioned with purpose. The internal jewelling of the vertical clutches represents the chronograph’s mechanical foundation, whilst the flyback system introduces a jewelled roller that McDonnell manufactured personally during the prototype phase. No supplier offered this component ready-made; its creation became essential to proving the mechanism’s viability.
This detail deserves emphasis: a single custom jewel safeguards the entire flyback function, reducing friction sufficiently to prevent return-to-zero blockage. The movement runs at three hertz with a Breguet overcoil and flying balance positioned at twelve o’clock, whilst a three-day power reserve derives from dual mainsprings. Surface finishing extends across polished bevels, internal bevel angles that underscore handcraft, Geneva waves, and hand-engraved elements throughout. The NAC darkened bridge treatment imparts the contemporary sportive character the EVO collection demands.
The case itself measures 44 mm in diameter and 18.2 mm in height, proportions that communicate presence without imposing burden. Grade 5 titanium was selected deliberately: its lightness complements the watch’s technical ambition whilst its strength provides robust platform for active use.
The screw-down crown ensures seal integrity to 80 m, which is sufficient for shallow water work without pretence of deep-diving capability. The FlexRing annular dampener positioned between case and movement absorbs shock along vertical and lateral axes, protecting the 621 components from sudden impact. Sapphire crystals front and back, both treated with anti-reflective coating on both surfaces, eliminate the compromise between clarity and glare management. An integrated rubber strap with titanium folding buckle completes the case architecture.
The Sequential Flyback EVO emerges as a corrective measure against the industry’s tendency toward redundant complexity. Four separate pushers manage two chronographs precisely because independent timing: launching lap-timers simultaneously with split-second recording that serves practical utility. The Twinverter’s ability to invert both start/stop states addresses real-world chronograph usage that conventional designs simply cannot support. This is not decoration masquerading as function; it is mechanical language articulated with uncommon clarity.
The result represents watchmaking as problem-solving rather than mere feature accumulation. MB&F demonstrates again that function can dress in (un)expected beauty. The theatrical presentation, I would rather say normality for MB&F – since the independent made extreme creativity (visual and mechanical) a usuality, is highly desirable and makes from the LM Sequential Flyback EVO an every day enjoyable companion.
MB&F LM Sequential Flyback EVO Technical Specifications
Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback EVO is released in a titanium edition with an aquamarine dial plate – CHF 168’000.- Excl. taxes (VAT)
Functions
- Inclined 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 function.
- Power reserve indication at the back of the movement.
Engine
- 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.
- 72 hours (3 days) power reserve.
- Flying balance wheel with regulating screws at 12 o’clock, Breguet overcoil.
- Superlative hand finishing; internal bevel angles highlighting handcraft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings, darkened bridges (NAC finish).
- Inclined dial for the hours and minutes
- Balance frequency: 3Hz (21,600 vph)
- Number of components: 621
- Number of jewels: 63
Case
- Material: grade 5 titanium
- Dimensions: diameter 44mm x height 18.2mm.
- Number of components: 74
- Water resistance: 80m / 8ATM / 270 feet.
- Screw down crown.
- FlexRing annular dampener fitted between case and movement, providing shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes.
- Sapphire crystals on top and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
Strap & buckle
- Integrated rubber strap with titanium folding buckle.
