Perpetual Machine

MB&F surprised all its followers when it brought out the first Legacy Machine, with its balance wheel impressively suspended above the movement. Was the world of classic watchmaking about to be invaded by enthusiasts of futuristic contraptions? Well, no, but the new Legacy Machine Perpetual shows that the iconoclastic MB&F, in company here with Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell, has done more than just master the traditional perpetual calendar complication. It has redesigned it from top to bottom, replacing the conventional and cumbersome grand levier system with a mechanical processor. The result is that, rather than scrolling swiftly through the 29, 30 and 31 before stopping on the 1, the default month length has been set at the minimum 28 days, with additional days being added as required. No more skipped dates or jammed gears from changing the date at the wrong time! The integrated complication is entirely visible on the open dial, underneath the miraculously suspended balance. We’ll be back for a closer look.

Source: Europa Star December/January 2016 Magazine Issue