When MB&F's LM Sequential EVO claimed the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève's Aiguille d'Or in 2022, it validated what serious collectors already understood: Stephen McDonnell had redefined chronograph capability in a manner both intellectually rigorous and practically transformative. The twin-chronograph architecture, governed by the ingenious Twinverter binary switch, delivered independent timing, split-seconds, cumulative, and lap-timer functions within a single 44 mm case—functionality that made one wonder why conventional chronographs had settled for so little.
Things to Know About the Watch
Yet McDonnell's original vision encompassed more. His prototype movement actually incorporated a flyback system, though perfecting this feature took 9 months of development, including six complete redesigns. The complexity proved too great to include alongside so many unproven innovations. That ambition found realization in 2024 with the LM Sequential Flyback in the classic Legacy Machine case, and now, arrives within the sportier EVO collection as the LM Sequential Flyback EVO, distinguished by its grade 5 titanium construction and striking aquamarine dial plate.
The flyback addition transforms an already remarkable complication into something approaching chronograph apotheosis. Where the standard Sequential configuration requires three operations—stop, reset, restart—to begin a new timing sequence, the flyback condenses this to a single press of the reset pusher while the chronograph runs. This seemingly modest enhancement multiplies practical applications considerably, particularly when combined with the Twinverter's ability to toggle both chronographs simultaneously.
The Movement
Considering aviation timing, the flyback’s raison d’être is one chronograph tracks total flight duration while the other measures individual waypoint segments, instantly resetting between legs. Or endurance racing, where lap times exceeding sixty seconds render conventional split-seconds chronographs inadequate—the Sequential Flyback's minutes totalisers positioned at 11 and 1 o'clock accommodate substantially longer intervals, while the flyback enables rapid sequential timing without notation delays.
The technical achievement underlying this capability cannot be overstated. McDonnell's internally-jewelled vertical clutches eliminate the amplitude fluctuations plaguing traditional chronograph systems, while the flyback mechanism itself incorporates specially fabricated jewelled rollers—components unavailable from standard suppliers—to minimize friction that might otherwise impede the return-to-zero function. These innovations represent five distinct patents within the Sequential calibre's 621-component, 63-jewel architecture. A power reserve of 72 hours ensures reliable operation throughout extended wear.
On the Wrist & Price
The EVO specification brings MB&F's characteristic sporting refinements: 80-meter water resistance, screw-down crown, integrated rubber strap, and the FlexRing shock-absorption system protecting the movement during active use. This edition additionally inherits the tilted time display introduced in the classic Sequential—a six o'clock subdial angled toward the wearer for enhanced legibility. The flying balance wheel remains positioned at twelve o'clock, its visible oscillation at 21,600 vibrations per hour a reminder that both chronograph systems share a common escapement—the arrangement that enables such comprehensive timing functions without the chronometric discrepancies inherent in multiple independent mechanisms.
For collectors who recognized the Sequential EVO's significance three years ago, this titanium edition with flyback capability represents the calibre's mature expression—McDonnell's original vision finally achieved in MB&F's most purposefully equipped chassis.
Sticker Price USD 230,000. For more info on MB&F, click here.
