Venturing into the realm of unique inspirations, bold watchmaker MB&F achieved triumph with its first-ever LM FlyingT in 2019, marking a pioneering step in MB&F’s series of three-dimensional horological artworks inspired by women. Since 2020, the collection has featured an exclusive gemstone dial annually, showcasing previous editions crafted from Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Tiger Eye, and Cœur de Rubis. For the new year, the brand pulled out another brilliant addition: LM FlyingT Onyx.
About the timepiece, Mr. Büsser said, “I wanted LM FlyingT to reflect the personality and qualities of the women of my family, particularly my mother. It had to combine supreme elegance with tremendous vitality. The column-like structure of the flying tourbillon was very important to me as I felt very strongly that women form the pillar of humanity. At the same time, there is another layer of meaning coming in from the sun-shaped rotor, which incorporates the element of life-giving, a source of sustenance which we gravitate towards and around.”
The latest iteration of the LM FlyingT collection introduces a striking contrast with its black gemstone dial ensconced within an 18k yellow gold case. Catering to both genders, this rendition embodies more restrained dimensions and toned-down styling compared to its predecessors.
While the design could have leaned towards greater elegance, it manages to strike a balance with softer, less defined lines evident in elements such as the hour and minute hands, reminiscent of undulating shapes mirrored in the sun-shaped automatic winding rotor.
Asymmetry takes center stage in the LM FlyingT’s design, from the off-center time display at 7 o’clock to the ventricular dial-plate aperture framing the emerging tourbillon. Even the tourbillon cage itself embraces asymmetry, favoring a cantilevered double-arch upper bridge over the symmetrical battleaxe found in other MB&F tourbillons.
Reductions in case height and diameter redirect attention to the highly convex sapphire crystal dome, while slimmed-down lugs with emphasized curves and deep bevels contribute to a more elegant profile. Boasting a power reserve of 100 hours, this masterpiece is both technically impressive and visually stunning.
