MB&F LM Sequential EVO Dual Chronograph: An Ingenious Application of a Simple Idea (That Nobody had Thought of Before)

Credits: Article and images by Ian Skellern @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/23/mbf-lm-sequential-evo-dual-chronograph-an-ingenious-application-of-a-simple-idea-that-nobody-had-thought-of-before-reprise/

—————————————————————————————————–

Sartory Billard Introduces the SB06 Flying Tourbillon

The Secret to Good Watch Design: The Art of Proportion

MB&F LM Sequential EVO: case

As with the MB&F LM Perpetual, the Sequential EVO has a zirconium case. This may mark a tradition in MB&F’s EVO collection, time will tell.

You don’t see many zirconium watch cases because of the challenges in machining them. But on the plus side, zirconium is more rigid than titanium, lighter than stainless steel, and hypoallergenic; all great for a sports watch. On the downside, and leading to its difficulty in machining, zirconium is softer than titanium so might scratch more easily.

EVO cases (74 components make up Sequential EVO’s case) feature improved shock resistance (again, great for a sports watch) by incorporating an annular damper called a FlexRing instead of the usual simple metal movement ring filling the space between movement and case. EVO cases have a steel spring-like movement ring that is flexible and absorbs both lateral and vertical shocks.

As a relatively large watch the Sequential EVO sits comfortably on the wrist, even on small wrists like mine. Its steeply arched lugs direct the strap down rather than out, ensuring that it wraps securely and ergonomically around the wrist.

MB&F LM Sequential EVOs with orange and black dials

MB&F LM Sequential EVO: variations (in 2022)

LM Sequential EVO is available in two dial colors; CVD (not PVD) applied orange with black rubber strap and black with white rubber strap. Unsurprisingly, the bright orange dial stands out while the black dial is more subdued. The chronograph counters do stand out more with the orange dial.

Conclusion

Pros (and there are many): innovative use of a relatively simple idea; practical for somebody who uses a chronograph regularly as it offers a wide range of timing options; substantial size but easy wearing on wide range of wrists; ingenious and stunning engineering and mechanics (expanding the world of chronographs); good looks; and it’s a sports watch! A high complication that you can wear daily and on holiday.

When I first saw the MB&F LM Sequential EVO I thought it would hands down win the Chronograph category at the 2022 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. And while it still might (and if so I’d think very deservedly), I now think that the Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf will take that prize. Not because I think that the Grönefeld 1941 Grönograaf is a better chronograph (I think the two are so different as to be incomparable), but because the Grönograaf looks like a more traditional chronograph (but one with its own innovations) and I think that the GPHG jury leans toward the traditional – not that stopped the jury from awarding MB&F many prestigious prizes over the years.

It’s not so much that Sequential EVO is an unconventional chronograph, it’s that it’s likely to be polarizing. For some, the emphasis on highlighting the movement and mechanisms is something to be cherished, applauded, and appreciated all the time rather than occasionally in using the chronograph.

But for others, especially those considering using the chronograph functions regularly, having the clever mechanics on display under open subdials makes the chronograph indications (and there are four of them) more difficult to read than would be the case with a full dial.

MB&F LM Sequential EVO dial closeup

The legibility of its chronograph counters is only a factor for those considering using the chronograph regularly, They may well be, and perhaps are likely to be, just a small percentage of those thinking to buy a Sequential EVO as everyone appreciates and uses watches differently. I can certainly appreciate the genius of the Sequential EVO without needing to time events daily. But I do think that the GPHG’s “Best Chronograph” should go to a watch optimized for use as a timing tool.

I should also note that the MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual had busy open subdials showing mechanisms beneath and it won Best Calendar Watch at the 2016 GPHG (and was my choice), so what do I know?

MB&F LM Sequential EVO with orange dial

I’m not somebody who uses or even owns a chronograph and I enjoy seeing into the mechanics, so I love the LM Sequential EVO for what it is. LM Sequential EVO is an innovative, clever, good-looking, useful, and very wearable (double) chronograph with a twist. I tip my hat.

For more information, please visit www.mbandf.com/en/machines/legacy-machines/lmsequential-evo.

Quick Facts MB&F LM Sequential EVO
Case: 44 x 18.2 mm, zirconium
Movement: hand-wound caliber developed by Stephen McDonnell with Twinverter switch, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency, 72-hour power reserve, double mainspring, flying balance wheel, 585 components
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; dual chronographs
Price: CHF 160,000 / €160,000 / $180,000 excluding applicable taxes