Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/02/mbf-legacy-machine-flyingt-onyx-edition-perhaps-the-best-flyingt-yet/
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The FlyingT might be the watch in MB&F’s collections that women are most drawn to, but the question is, does it then automatically make it a lady’s watch?
While the jury is still out on that one, and MB&F has softened its language as to which sex the FlyingT is aimed at, I am still saying what I said when the timepiece was originally introduced: why make a distinction at all? Let people make up their own minds. Does it make a difference for a brand if it’s a man or a woman who buys the watch? I don’t think so, and from a commercial point of view, does it also not make sense to rule out 50% of your potential client base.
I’m not targeting this criticism just towards MB&F as far more, and far larger, brands still make an even more distinct difference in their collections between men’s and women’s watches.
And it’s worth noting that while MB&F initially promoted the FlyingT as a ladies’ watch, as you can see in their press photos, the FlyingT Onyx is mostly shown on a man’s wrist. It looks like MB&F has realized that the FlyingT is an excellent watch for all sexes.
There is, in this case, also a selfish aspect to my conviction, as the FlyingT is simply so good: it’s my favorite MB&F of all time. These are big words, but on the wrist, the FlyingT is wearable and quirky, slightly reminiscent of the Corum Bubble. It’s fun and serious, or serious fun, an eyecatcher, yet so much more than just a gimmick. I would call it a dandy’s watch, but as that is usually a term used for men, I would go against my previously expressed points.
Is it a dress watch?
As this version of the FlyingT has such a classic color palette, another question that arises: can call it a dress watch? It is time-only, has a luxurious nature, comes with a very high-end movement, and its dimensions are modest. For the latter, I am only counting the 38.5mm diameter of the case, as the 20mm of overall height makes it a tad more eccentric. It also needs to be, as MB&F is not in the business of making mainstream watches. While the FlyingT Onyx Edition is far from that, it is the watch from the collection that is the closest to a ‘normal’ watch.
Is this also the reason why I like it so much? I don’t think so, as it is more a case that this FlyingT does so many things so well, but also taps into a piece of history that as a young brand MB&F never had themselves. It has now become an interpretation of an old-school, high-end watch, as it is dreamed up by Jules Verne himself.
For more see https://www.mbandf.com/en/machines/legacy-machines/lmflyingt
Quick Facts MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT Onyx Edition
Case: 38.5 x 20 mm, 18K yellow gold, Onyx dial and movement cover.
Movement: automatic caliber with three-dimensional vertical architecture, central flying 60-second tourbillon, four-day power reserve, 2.5 Hz/18,000 vph frequency
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: CHF 114,000 excluding taxes
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Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/04/02/mbf-legacy-machine-flyingt-onyx-edition-perhaps-the-best-flyingt-yet/