MB&F LM101 Limited Edition For HODINKEE – 10 Pieces

A watch brand, a creative house, and a self-proclaimed 'artistic concept laboratory', MB&F isn't one to play by the rules. Respecting tradition but not directed by it, Maximilian Büsser heads up MB&F and specialises in getting lost in the magical wonder of horological possibilities with unlimited creative boundaries. Founded in 2005, MB&F (Maximilian Büsser & Friends) creates revolutionary mechanical timepieces that challenge the status quo with radically distinctive concepts and sources of inspiration. Having cut his professional teeth at Jaeger-LeCoultre and a stint as the CEO of Harry Winston, Maximilian Büsser and trusted partners established the brand, which has gone on to produce over 20 bespoke calibres. Creativity is one of the leading principles of MB&F, and it ensures the brand upholds the 'F' aspect of its name by working closely and collaborating with talented horological professionals.

Debuting in 2014, the LM101 was the inaugural creation to feature an in-house calibre, co-created with Kari Voutilainen. Celebrating the essence of mechanical timekeeping, the LM101 suspends the beating heart of any mechanical watch with two imposing bridges centre of the dial – the escapement & balance wheel. Despite its complex construction and visual presence, the LM101 has clear functionality. Nevertheless, its forthright preference has ensured its become the brand's signature model, with various editions coming to fruition. One of the earliest and perhaps most recognisable editions came in 2015, when the goliath of the watch media world, HODINKEE, released a ten-piece run of the LM101. Not only did this limited edition mark the first time the online watch destination worked with a brand on a watch, but it was also the first time an MB&F was realised in stainless steel. It took just five hours for all ten watches to sell out at retail, and with these pieces seldom appearing on the secondary market, their scarcity reflects their desirability and lust.

The Watch

One of just ten examples ever produced, the MB&F LM101 Limited Edition for HODINKEE isn't just an important timepiece to reflect the growth of HODINKEE, but it also is significant to MB&F, as it remains the most limited serially produced reference of the LM101. Carrying an individual brown metallic dial to contrast with the bright shine of the stainless steel exterior, this LM101 is a touch more lowkey than its precious metal counterparts, a characteristic aligning with the approachable charm of HODINKEE. MB&F has a penchant for the unorthodox, and the LM101 is no different. It's a timepiece that's beauty is achieved through the synergy of mechanics and sophisticated advancement, with its 40mm externals offering a classic yet restrained structure. Brushed on the case's flanks with a contrasting polished finish for the bezel and lugs, this robust steel exterior is a masterclass in balance.

Ben Clymer, the founder of HODINKEE, contextualises stainless steel on this piece: "The ultimate luxury is not having to worry about the scratches that come with the softness of gold while still wearing one of the finest hand-made watches in the world."

The lasting consequence is a true achievement of refined watchmaking while simultaneously acknowledging how pieces like this fit into every day.

To further extend the narrative of wearable and versatile luxury outlined by the case, an equally sleek dial in the form of a rich metallic chocolate brown base sets the mood. Not as severe as black nor as traditional as silver, the warmth achieved by the brown radial sunburst tones greatly enhance this special edition's distinction. The watch is adorned with unmatched dial architecture fundamental to its function yet, in equal measure, its character. Two small traditional dials sit in the two and six o'clock positions. Both are white lacquer, slightly domed, feature blued-gold hands, and sit above the base dial as if floating. At two o'clock, the hours and minutes are presented, with a set of thin Roman numerals along with the MB&F signature. At six o'clock, a smaller power reserve indicator dial informs the wearer when the supersized balance wheel begins to run low on its power source. Securely positioned below the high domed crystal and measuring 14mm, the three-dimensional "flying" balance wheel beats at 18,000 vph and is profoundly suspended above the centre of the dial by its arching balance bridge. The escapement wheel and anchor sit beneath the commanding balance and are held by a bridge mirroring the one for the balance on a smaller and flatter scale. 'Legacy Machine' is freehand engraved at the lower right-hand portion of the dial by Kari Voutilainen as a forward-facing feature which marks the joint partnership between Kari and MB&F.

This LM101 Limited Edition is notable for numerous reasons, but considering it remained the only stainless steel LM101 until the Steel Blue of 2021, this unassuming and highly refined collaboration is a piece wrapped in significance and individuality.

The Movement

In their own words, the movement is a three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house by MB&F. This manually wound, single mainspring barrel movement offers 45 hours of autonomy and is an amalgamation of 229 components with a selection of its 23 jewels being set in high polished gold chatons. The hand finishing of this movement honours techniques and appearances of 19th-century style with Geneva striping, beautifully polished and deep chamfers, and impressive bridge structures. Furthermore, engraving isn't just restricted to the front of the watch, as the movement of this piece features further Kari Voutilainen engraving to celebrate his involvement and assistance in creating this now legendary model.

How It Wears

On paper, the LM101 measures 40mm in width and a substantial 16mm in height, but that thickness is more manageable in the metal. With a good chunk of its height attributed to the domed crystal and the low-case flank placement, this is an MB&F with a sensible yet wildly particular wrist presence. The balance wheel, bridges, and two dials are celebrated and accentuated further thanks to its warming chocolate brown dial. There is no confusing this piece for anything other than an MB&F, and its neutral sunburst face has an overwhelming unisex quality in abundance. HODINKEE limited editions have become a crucial part of their advancements as a brand, and as a celebration of the art of timekeeping, it doesn't get much better than this. It wouldn't be out of place to call this exceptionally exclusive stainless steel expression of independent watchmaking ahead of its time. 

Condition

This MB&F LM101 Limited Edition for HODINKEE dates from 2015 and is complete with its full box and original papers. The watch comes with 2 custom Mr Watchley Straps. It has also recently been serviced by MB&F in December 2022 and remaining in unworn condition since.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium 

No stock kept on site

* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *