The Architecture of a Modern Icon
To understand the MB&F LM Sequential Flyback, one must first understand the man behind the machine: Stephen McDonnell. The Northern Irish watchmaker, who previously solved the 'impossible' puzzle of the perpetual calendar for MB&F, was given a blank slate to reinvent the chronograph. The result is not just a complication; it is a logic gate on the wrist. The LM Sequential Flyback features two independent chronographs, each with its own start/stop and reset buttons. However, the 'magic' lies in the fifth pusher at the 9 o'clock position: the Twinverter.
In a week of testing, the Twinverter became my most-used feature. It acts as a binary switch. If both chronographs are stopped, pressing it starts both. If both are running, it stops both. If one is running and the other is stopped, it toggles them. This allows for split-second timing, lap timing, and even 'chess match' timing with a single click. For the young collector who values utility as much as art, this is the first high-complication watch that feels like a tool rather than a trophy.
Wearability: The 18.2mm Question
When I first saw the specs—44mm wide and over 18mm thick—I prepared my wrist for a workout. But MB&F’s 'EVO' case is a masterclass in deceptive geometry. The lug-to-lug measurement is a manageable 52.5mm, but because the strap attaches at a steep downward angle, the effective footprint is much smaller. On my 16.5cm wrist, the watch felt more stable than many 42mm divers with traditional lugs.
The material choice here is critical. Zirconium is the unsung hero of the EVO line. It possesses a lustrous, silvery-grey sheen that sits somewhere between titanium and steel, but it is hypoallergenic and remarkably light. During a three-hour terminal layover, the watch never felt cumbersome. The integrated rubber strap, featuring the 'FlexLink' system, allows the watch to breathe, preventing the 'sticky' feeling often associated with large watches in humid environments. This is a watch designed for the transit lounge and the boardroom alike.
Legibility and the Daily Grind
A common critique of Legacy Machines is that the suspended balance wheel, while beautiful, can obscure the time. In the LM Sequential Flyback, the time-dial is tilted at a 50-degree angle toward the wearer. This 'driver’s watch' orientation is a revelation for daily wear. Whether your hands are on a steering wheel or a keyboard, a quick glance gives you the exact time without needing to rotate your wrist. The white lacquer dials provide high contrast against the darkened movement plates, and the Super-LumiNova on the hands ensures that the watch remains functional in low-light environments like a dark theater or a late-night flight.
The Flyback Evolution
The 'Flyback' designation in this latest iteration is more than just a name. While the original Sequential EVO had the ability to reset, the refined flyback mechanism allows for instantaneous restarting of the timing sequence with a single press. For a collector who might use their watch to time intervals in a workout or back-to-back meetings, this reduces the 'cognitive load' of operating a complex machine. The tactile sensation of the pushers is worth the price of admission alone—there is no 'mush,' only a crisp, mechanical 'snick' that reminds you of the 585 parts working in harmony beneath the dome.
Final Thoughts for the Vivir Reader
The MB&F LM Sequential Flyback is not for everyone. It is a statement piece that requires a certain level of horological confidence. However, for the collector who is tired of 'safe' choices and wants a watch that can survive a splash in the pool (thanks to the 80m WR) while representing the absolute pinnacle of modern movement design, there is no substitute. It is a watch that rewards curiosity. Every time you look at the dial, you see something new—the heartbeat of the 2.5Hz balance wheel, the intricate dance of the column wheels, or the way the light catches the polished bevels of the bridges. It is, quite simply, the most impressive daily-wear watch I have ever reviewed.
