zelin0802 / October 15, 2026

MB&F LM1 EVO: The Updates Make Me Want to Reach for My Wallet

Fifteen years after the debut of the MB&F Legacy Machine No.1, the watch has undergone a comprehensive transformation—emerging as something entirely distinct from the original. With a perfectly judged case size, a quick-release strap system, and an improved power reserve, this evolution is significant. Are these updates enough to convince me to place an order?

Launched in 2011, the LM1 was the first MB&F timepiece to feature a classic round case. Since then, the brand has expanded the Legacy Machine collection to include an innovative perpetual calendar, one of the world’s most precise mechanical chronographs, and the sportier “EVO” line.

While the LM1 had previously remained largely unchanged, MB&F has now introduced an EVO version to mark the 15th anniversary of the original—instantly making it the most contemporary model within the entire Legacy Machine family.

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A 42mm Case: Perhaps the “Perfect Size” for the EVO
The most significant departure from the original LM1 is the adoption of an EVO-style case. And not just any EVO case, but a brand-new size for the collection: 42mm in diameter.

Having once owned a Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO myself, I can attest that the integrated rubber strap makes the EVO versions wear slightly smaller than their traditional counterparts. While a 44mm case can fit almost any wrist, it still remains a relatively large watch—even on smaller wrists. Conversely, unless you have particularly slender wrists, the 40mm case of the LM101 EVO might feel a bit too small.

By housing the LM1 EVO in an all-new 42mm case, MB&F has arguably applied the “Goldilocks principle,” hitting the sweet spot for many collectors: not too big, not too small—just right.

A New Quick-Release Strap System Enhances Versatility
If you’re anything like me, you know just how much a simple strap change can transform the entire look of a watch. If you own any previous MB&F EVO series watch, you know just how difficult it can be to change the strap yourself!

For those of us who lack the manual dexterity required to handle the six tiny screws that previously had to be removed every time we wanted to swap in a different-colored strap, there is good news: MB&F has introduced a quick-release strap system for the LM1 EVO.

Simply press down on the ends of the strap to detach it, and press again to attach a new one. This will undoubtedly save owners a great deal of hassle—and it also prevents the risk of a screwdriver slipping and damaging the case back of your EVO!

While the launch versions share these updates, they offer distinctly different aesthetics.
The evolution of the LM1 continues, with an upgraded movement that extends the power reserve from the original 45 hours to 60 hours. Furthermore, the balance wheel is now equipped with a Straumann® double hairspring, which not only enhances timekeeping precision but also looks even more striking than the original.

At launch, customers can choose between a rose gold case with a deep green dial or a titanium case with a silver dial. Both versions feature black dual-time sub-dials, but the Roman numeral hour markers have been replaced by baton-style indices, lending the watch a more contemporary feel.

Yet, when placed side-by-side, they offer completely different impressions. To me, given that the EVO is a sports-oriented MB&F, the titanium version is the natural choice. Even better, its color scheme brings to mind the exquisite, one-of-a-kind “LM1 Longhorn” that was auctioned for charity by Phillips in 2021.

When I brought up the “Longhorn” (Texas longhorn steer) comparison, Max Büsser smiled and remarked:

“We’ve created many ‘panda’-themed watches for Only Watch in the past… but this is our first actual ‘panda’ watch.” Whether you see a longhorn or a panda, I have no doubt that this particular configuration will be an absolute “strap monster”—especially now that owners can swap straps with much greater ease.

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The Evolution of the Power Reserve Indicator
The original LM1 featured the world’s first three-dimensional vertical power reserve indicator—a highly intuitive way to display the remaining energy.

Taking this a step further, a limited-edition collaboration with artist Xia Hang introduced a miniature “comma-man” sculpture on the dial; it stands upright when the watch is fully wound and gradually slumps as the power reserve depletes. In my personal opinion, this is hands-down the coolest power reserve display ever created!

For the EVO version, MB&F has retained the dial layout adjustments while opting for a cleaner, sportier design for the power reserve indicator. That said, MB&F always has a surprise up its sleeve! While some—myself included—might find the shift from a vertical display to a dial-based one slightly less captivating than the original, this new display features an inclined design—a touch that, to my knowledge, is entirely unprecedented. https://www.prowatchduo.co.uk/

Do I wish they had channeled the spirit of the Xia Hang “comma-man” edition by incorporating a miniature panda-themed power reserve indicator into this “panda-dial” MB&F? Absolutely. Do I acknowledge that such a feature would be highly niche, appealing primarily to watch enthusiasts like myself? Yes. Do I believe the new power reserve indicator actually aligns better with the overall design aesthetic of the EVO collection? Yes. And do I wish they would craft a one-of-a-kind piece for me, featuring a miniature panda power reserve indicator of my own design? You bet I do!

If you find the 44mm MB&F EVO case a bit too large, yet the 40mm version a bit too small, this watch might be exactly what you’re looking for. And if you’ve been eyeing an EVO model but were hoping for easier strap-swapping capabilities, this piece could be the perfect fit. If you are a devoted fan of MB&F and have been longing to win a 20th-anniversary edition Longhorn timepiece, this titanium version might just be the watch of your dreams.

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Technical Specifications | MB&F LM1 EVO – Rose Gold & Titanium
Functions
Dual time zones, with independent hour and minute displays for each; inclined power reserve indicator.
Movement
Three-dimensional, manually wound movement developed in-house by MB&F in collaboration with Jean-François Mojon; 18,800 vph (2.5 Hz) frequency; 60-hour power reserve.
Case
42.00 mm × 16.80 mm; available in 5N+ rose gold or Grade 5 titanium; equipped with a “FlexRing” shock-absorption system.
Water Resistance
8 ATM (80 meters / 270 feet)
Strap
Grey or black rubber strap
Clasp
Folding buckle in rose gold or titanium