The LM Split Escapement launch editions featured very traditional finishing with hand-frosted dials. The burnished surface finish is closely associated with watch movements from the 18th and 19th century. Frosting was originally functional as well as decorative, providing an oxidised matte surface that resisted tarnish and gave off a subtle and even sheen, prized by antique collectors and enthusiasts. Traditional methods of creating the frosted finish are no longer practicable, due to its hazardous nature (the procedure involved heating metal over an open flame before dipping it in concentrated nitric acid). To achieve the same effect, MB&F works with specialist craftsmen to recreate the texture and sheen of frosting without the use of chemicals.
The surface to be frosted is hand-worked with a wire brush, creating minute indentations one small area at a time. Each time, the wire brush must meet the metal surface with exactly the same angle and the same amount of pressure, and the indentations have to be evenly distributed over the entire surface in order to create the desired finish. For the LM Split Escapement, a wider, more diffuse frosted finish was used, to accommodate the larger area and to draw attention to the hand-worked process. The surfaces were then PVD treated to colour them — blue, ruthenium, red gold or yellow gold.
After decades conforming to the rules of corporate watchmaking, Max Büsser broke the chains and started a rebellion in 2005; a rebellion called MB&F - Maximilian Büsser & Friends.
MB&F is an artistic concept laboratory based around a simple idea: to assemble collectives of independant watchmaking professionals to develop radical watches - Horological or Legacy Machines. By nurturing teams of talented individuals, harnessing their passion and creativity and crediting each person's essential role, MB&F uses their synergy to become much greater than the sum of its parts. Respecting tradition, but never constrained by it, MB&F reinterprets traditional, high-quality watchmaking into three-dimensional kinetic sculptures.
The LM Perpetual was the first MB&F to utilise the split escapement, although the attention then was rightfully focused on the groundbreaking new perpetual calendar. In 2017, MB&F launched the LM Split Escapement: the time to focus on its eponymous feature had arrived.
After decades conforming to the rules of corporate watchmaking, Max Büsser broke the chains and started a rebellion in 2005; a rebellion called MB&F - Maximilian Büsser & Friends.
MB&F is an artistic concept laboratory based around a simple idea: to assemble collectives of independant watchmaking professionals to develop radical watches - Horological or Legacy Machines. By nurturing teams of talented individuals, harnessing their passion and creativity and crediting each person's essential role, MB&F uses their synergy to become much greater than the sum of its parts. Respecting tradition, but never constrained by it, MB&F reinterprets traditional, high-quality watchmaking into three-dimensional kinetic sculptures.
The LM Perpetual was the first MB&F to utilise the split escapement, although the attention then was rightfully focused on the groundbreaking new perpetual calendar. In 2017, MB&F launched the LM Split Escapement: the time to focus on its eponymous feature had arrived.
Movement developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell;
Split escapement with the balance wheel suspended above the dial and the anchor under the movement;
Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws visible on top of the movement;
Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th-century style; bevelled internal angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made frost and engravings.
Balance frequency: 2.5Hz / 18,000bph.
314 components, 35 jewels.
18K white gold
Water resistance: 30m / 3 ATM / 90 feet
Spherical construction, high domed sapphire crystal on top and sapphire crystal on back with anti-reflective coating on both sides
44 x 17.5 mm
Hours, minutes, date and power-reserve indicators;
Push-button next to the date dial for quick adjustment of the date.
72 hours
Manual winding with double mainspring barrels
Brown hand-stitched alligator strap with white gold folding buckle matching the case
Limited edition of 18 pieces
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