MB&F are celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2025 so they’re taking this opportunity to update one of their most popular models from over a decade ago: 2014’s LM101. With the designation 101, it’s all about going back to basics and the fundamentals of watchmaking, albeit with MB&F’s signature over-the-top style and flying balance. The revamp is called the MB&F LM101 EVO, the EVO series being the name given to the brand’s updated watches with a sportier edge.
That ‘sportiness’ comes from an improved water resistance rating of 80m, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap and a FlexRing shock absorber system, the standard array of improvements seen across all EVO models. They’re general quality-of-life updates that you’re not likely to notice day-to-day but that will make a big difference all the same – which is exactly what you want from a quality-of-life update. However, the LM101 EVO actually goes a step further by introducing a range of aesthetic and technical updates alongside the generic EVO improvements.
On the technical side, the power reserve has been increased from 45-hours to 60-hours. This is great because it extends beyond a two-day power reserve, meaning that you can put the watch down on Friday evening and it should still be ticking on Monday morning. This change is visually reflected in the updated power reserve indicator which naturally now goes between 0 and 60 instead of 45.
Coincidentally, the power reserve indicator also displays one of the other purely aesthetic updates, which is the addition of a silver ring around the edges of its display. This change is also seen around the periphery of the hour and minute subdial that also has completely new hands. They’re thicker with lumed arrow tips that help you read the watch in low light conditions, further leaning into that EVO sportiness and daily convenience.
Other changes include the removal of the bezel to allow the sapphire glass to be as wide as possible, giving you the best view of the display possible. The signature flying balance has also had a visual reinvention with slimmer arches holding it in place above the dial and a reshaped escape wheel echoing MB&F’s double battle-axe motif.
There are two colours of the 40mm watch being produced, the first in green and the second in salmon. The colours are applied via chemical vapour deposition on the radial, spiral brushed dial. They’re both attractive but personally the rich tone of the emerald green really appeals. Both versions are priced at CHF 62,000 + VAT (approx. £57,450) with limited annual production. Considering that the LM101 was already one of the most refined Legacy Machines around, this modernisation and update makes it feel even sleeker.
Price and Specs:
More details at MB&F.
