Important Watches
Important Watches
MB&F
Reference 03.WL.B Legacy Machine Perpetual | A white gold split escapement perpetual calendar wristwatch with power reserve and retrograde leap year indication, Circa 2017
Auction Closed
December 7, 07:12 PM GMT
Estimate
60,000 - 120,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: grey
Caliber: mechanical, 41 jewels
Case: 18k white gold, sapphire crystal display back secured by eight screws
Case number: 03'W63'202
Closure: 18k white gold MB&F double folding buckle
Size: 44 mm diameter
Signed: case and dial signed MB&F, movement signed MB&F and Stephen McDonnell
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: MB&F presentation box with outer packaging, International Warranty Validation dated March 6, 2017, operating instructions booklet, and leather bi-fold
We are pleased to note that MB&F has graciously offered a complimentary movement service to the buyer within the first six months after the sale. The cost of shipping, new strap and any desired case work to be borne by the new owner. The new owner can either deliver the watch to an MB&F authorized dealer or contact MB&F directly for the service. The process may be different depending on the country of residence of the new owner, so MB&F requests the buyer contact them prior to submission. Once serviced, the watch will have an additional 2 year warranty.
The perpetual calendar is hailed as one of the most revered yet intricate functions in watchmaking history. While it impeccably tracks the day, date, and month, even accounting for leap years, it also poses a delicate challenge. Any attempt to adjust the date during a transition can potentially harm its delicate mechanism. In 2015, MB&F, in collaboration with the highly skilled independent Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell, embarked on a mission to redefine this classic complication.
McDonnell designed the manually wound perpetual calendar movement inside of the Legacy Machine Perpetual from the ground up as a fully integrated new perpetual calendar mechanism totally distinct from everything else out there. While the construction of the calendar makes it more robust, it has a built-in safety function that disengages the buttons on the case when the date is changing across midnight. This means pressing the buttons during the date change has no effect, safeguarding the movement from harm. Alongside the easily accessible raised buttons on the case, that requires no stylus, the Legacy Machine Perpetual also boasts a leap year indicator that can be set directly. This deviates from conventional calendars, which necessitate advancing the month to adjust the leap year.
McDonnell ensured a seamless thematic integration with the Legacy Machine's established aesthetic, as envisioned by Jean-Francois Mojon and Kari Voutilianen. Yet, the movement of the Legacy Machine Perpetual exudes a distinctly modern feel. Housed in a 44 mm white gold case, the dome-shaped sapphire crystal offers an enchanting perspective of the intricate micro-components and provides a captivating window into the high level of technical expertise involved.