MB&F launched the first Legacy Machine in 2011 as a new line, distinct from their more avant-garde Horological Machines, as a way of paying tribute to 19th-century watchmaking. Intended to convey what an MB&F watch would look like, had Max Büsser been born in the 19th century, as opposed to the 20th century. As this decade draws to an end, MB&F has unveiled its most audacious Legacy Machine to date. The culmination of a years-long collaboration between two of the watch industry’s most brilliant minds, Eric Coudray and Kari Voutilainen.

The Legacy Machine Thunderdome features a revolutionary ‘TriAx’ triple-axis rotating escapement, housed under an arched sapphire crystal. Instead of the rational (and cumbersome) system that associates one cage with each rotational axis, the TriAx defies logic with a three-axis, two-cage configuration that allows for unprecedented visibility of the Thunderdome’s beating, whirling heart. In addition, the Thunderdome houses an unusual Potter escapement, which utilises a fixed escape wheel in place of the mobile escape wheels seen in virtually every type of modern rotating escapement. Named after 19th-century watchmaker and inventor Albert H. Potter, this configuration allows for higher rotational speeds. The reverse of the Legacy Machine Thunderdome, with its smoothly rounded bridges, incorporating sharp hand-bevelled internal angles, is Kari Voutilainen at his finest. And for the first time in an MB&F creation, Kari Voutilainen has applied his proprietary style of finish onto the ratchet wheels. This technique imparts a serpentine shimmer to the circular surface, catching the light in sigmoid waves. This technique is a closely guarded secret in the Voutilainen workshops, requiring years of experience and special tools to execute.

The MB&F Legacy Machine Thunderdome is unprecedented in its ability to combine the technical brilliance of Eric Coudray with the artistic virtuosity of Kari Voutilainen; a real tour de force of complicated modern independent watchmaking. Limited to 33 in platinum 950, with a light-blue guilloché dial plate. In addition, for our 40th Anniversary, we'll be releasing 10 Commemorative Edition Legacy Machine Thunderdome watches: 5 with a dark-blue guilloché dial and 5 with Aventurine dials, both with tantalum cases (a first for MB&F).

Louis Vuitton worked with a watch brand for the first time to release a special edition of their Classic Monogram 8 Watch Case. Accompanying the MB&F LM Thunderdome The Hour Glass Commemorative Edition, Louis Vuitton presents the Monogram Eclipse 8 Watch Case; a timeless variant of the Monogram canvas in grey and black shadow tones, inspired by the Malle Courrier of the Louis Vuitton archives. With polished metallic rivets and corners, a monochromatic micro-fibre / natural-cowhide interior; the Monogram Eclipse Watch Case perfectly complements the avant-garde design of the MB&F LM Thunderdome.⁠⠀

Crafted like a trunk, the Louis Vuitton Watch Case is an ideal travel companion for the modern watch collector and frequent flyer. With space to hold 8 watches, the watch case – fitted with an S-lock with a key – effortlessly transforms from a secure travel case to a stylish display case when open. It also features a removable main tray, to hide other valuables and includes individually removable watch cushions. Combined, the MB&F LM Thunderdome The Hour Glass Commemorative Edition and the Louis Vuitton Monogram Eclipse 8 Watch Case represent the best in independent watchmaking and luxury accessories, it’s an unprecedented collaboration which we’re proud to be part of, in celebration of our 40th Anniversary. ⁠