A few days I ago I watched a very interesting documentary about exceptionally ambitious architectural projects. In this particular episode they featured the construction and development of the Canton Tower (formerly known as the Guangzhou TV Tower). This amazing landmark is situated on the banks of the Pearl River in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District and stands at a height of 600m (including the mast). Not only is the building imposing but also the curvaceous steel and concrete contemporary design is pretty ground breaking. Impressively in a ‘David and Goliath like scenario a small independent design firm (headed by Architects Mark Hemel and Barbara Kuit) won the contract to create this amazing structure.
If you are visiting Total Watch Reviews for the first time you might question how a building in China relates to the watch industry. However I feel the process that the Dutch based architects had to go through is very similar the challenges that confronts modern day watchmakers. For example when Maximilian Büsser originally established MB & F he was competing against some of the world’s largest and most prestigious brands. Incredibly through diligence and an impressive body of work he has made an indelible mark in the world of horology.
Originally the main reason I started writing about MB & F was because their designs are so radical The series of Horological machines are some of the most exciting and futuristic timepieces on the market. Certainly I am a huge admirer of Maximilian Büsser’s work and feel he is a massive asset to the industry. However the Legacy Machines never really captivated in the same way as timepieces like the Horological Machine No°6 did. The HM No°6 recently won the ‘Best of the Best ‘ at the highly coveted Red Dot awards. To me this style of watch epitomizes MB & F’s idiosyncratic approach to watchmaking. Obviously that is just my opinion and I realise that a lot of other watch writers will have a completely different viewpoint.
Recently I received a press release unveiling the latest installment (and probably the best in my opinion) in the Legacy Machine series of watches. The timepiece is called the Legacy Machine Perpetual and is available in a choice of either 18-Karat Red Gold or Platinum. Personally I would opt for the platinum version with the blue façade as I feel it is more distinctive. I also love the skeletonized dial on this new model and feel it adds more depth to the piece. Like most of MB & F’s creations I can envisage this timepiece selling very quickly. Even though I haven’t actually seen the watch in the metal I know it will appeal to discerning collectors.
Apart from the skeleton façade the other main differences can be found beneath the luxurious exterior. For this model MB & F have worked with a little known Northern Irish watchmaker called Stephen McDonnell. Essentially what they have created is a highly complicated hand winding movement with a fully integrated perpetual calendar. This caliber replaces the conventional central grand levier with a more sophisticated mechanical processor (patent-pending) to combat previous reliability issues. Each of the 581 individual components have been skillfully engraved, decorated and assembled by hand. Functionally the Legacy Machine Perpetual features hours, minutes, seconds, month and leap year indications. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 72 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Legacy Machine Perpetual is limited to 25 pieces (each model) and has a hand stitched alligator strap with matching red gold or platinum folding clasp. Prices range from: $145,000 (rose gold) to $176,000 (platinum).
