The MB&F LM101 x Moser Aqua Blue Fumé is a limited edition, with only 15 examples produced. This collaboration marks the first time that both brands have worked together on a project. Both MB&F and H. Moser & Cie are Swiss-based, independently owned, and dedicated to artisanal watchmaking. For the past decade, Moser’s sister company, Precision Engineering AG, has supplied balance springs to MB&F, behind the scenes.

In addition to the successful collaboration between the two brands, this particular MB&F LM101 x Moser Aqua Blue was produced exclusively for Ahmed Seddiqi & Son, MB&F’s long-standing partner in the UAE, as a tribute to the retailer’s 50th anniversary. The caseback is signed “Seddiqi curators of time 1950-2020”.

The dual collaboration 

In many cases, collaborations can be challenging, particularly in independent watchmaking. Some past collaborations have resulted in ruined relationships, and the end product was brought about through a compromise by one party. However, Maximilian Büsser’s brainchild, the Opus Series, at Harry Winston, led him to create his own brand, MB&F – Maximilian Büsser and friends. The brand has had many successful collaborations but never alongside another brand. Therefore, this marked the first time an MB&F was co-signed with another brand.

Maximilian Büsser says: “When I called Edouard to tell him that I wanted to collaborate on creation, I mentioned that I really liked the double balance-spring, the Moser fumé dials, and the Concept watch series. Edouard immediately told me that he would let me borrow these features, but on the condition that he could also borrow elements from our machines. After an initial moment of surprise, I gave it some thought. Being 50% Indian and 50% Swiss, I am firmly convinced that mixing DNA creates interesting results, so why not try the experiment in watchmaking? I therefore agreed and suggested that he borrow features from the FlyingT model, which is particularly dear to my heart.”

Inspiration 

The Legacy Machine 101’s simplistic design serves as the foundation for the concept watch. The goal was to emphasize the aqua blue dial created by Moser & Cie, which remains unsigned and lacks traditional hour, minute, or power reserve markers. The domed crystal and refined bezel work together to showcase the aqua blue dial’s varying hues, ranging from sky-blue to deep turquoise. A total of four dial colors were produced, and each series was limited to 15 examples, in honor of MB&F’s 15-year anniversary. Additionally, the series was crafted from stainless steel, a material not commonly used in MB&F’s typical offerings.

Movement 

As impressive as the case and overall design of the LM101 is, the movement is equally, if not more, impressive. The balance wheel is fitted with a double balance spring produced by Precision Engineering AG. According to MB&F, the use of the double balance spring helps with the displacement of the point of gravity that each spring undergoes as it expands, correcting it and significantly improving precision and isochronism in a continuous quest for perfection.

Unlike the base movement of the Legacy Machine 101, of which the finishes were determined by co-creator Kari Voutilainen, the aesthetics of the calibre that powers the LM101 MB&F x H. Moser is more contemporary, with a subtle NAC treatment to enhance its beauty.

Brand: MB&F
Model: LM101 Aqua Blue x Moser 
Movement: HMC810 
Case Diameter: 40 x 16 mm
Year: 2020
Box & Papers: Full Set

The MB&F LM101 x Moser Aqua Blue Fumé is a limited edition, with only 15 examples produced. This collaboration marks the first time that both brands have worked together on a project. Both MB&F and H. Moser & Cie are Swiss-based, independently owned, and dedicated to artisanal watchmaking. For the past decade, Moser’s sister company, Precision Engineering AG, has supplied balance springs to MB&F, behind the scenes.

The watch exhibits minimal signs of wear, with no notable scratches or concerns.