MB&F presents a new chapter in its Legacy Machine Split Escapement (LM SE) collection with a series of eight unique timepieces, each brought to life by the meticulous hand-engraving of renowned Swiss engraver Eddy Jaquet. This collaboration is a tribute to classic literary masterpieces, combining high horology with intricate storytelling. Each watch in this series is a true work of art, engraved with scenes from iconic novels, all personally selected and interpreted by Jaquet.
A New Collaboration in Storytelling and Craftsmanship
Eddy Jaquet’s artistry and MB&F’s horological ingenuity come together in these one-of-a-kind pieces, each engraved with scenes from eight different literary classics, including Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Last of the Mohicans. Jaquet, known for his exceptional skill in bringing intricate engravings to life, spent several months perfecting the details of each dial.
The engravings, which required Jaquet to spend extensive time researching and sketching the scenes, transform the LM SE dials into canvases of historical art. The laser engraving technique captures the essence of these literary adventures, while MB&F’s precision watchmaking enhances the overall experience. The collection showcases Jaquet’s ability to blend technical prowess with artistic creativity.
Legacy Machine Split Escapement: A Perfect Canvas for Engraving
The Legacy Machine Split Escapement (LM SE) is renowned for its innovative movement architecture, where the balance wheel is visible on the front of the watch while the rest of the escapement is hidden on the back. This design provides an ideal stage for Jaquet’s engravings, ensuring that the dial’s detailed artwork remains the focal point.
The LM SE’s movement, developed in-house by MB&F, features a manual winding mechanism with a generous 72-hour power reserve. The 44mm case is available in 18K red gold or white gold, adding a layer of luxury to these intricate timepieces. Each of the eight unique watches features Jaquet’s signature hand-engraved literary scenes, making them true collector’s items.
A Tribute to Classic Literature
The eight timepieces each depict a scene from one of the following literary works:
- Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
- The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
- Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
- The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Each dial tells a visual story, from Captain Nemo’s submarine adventures to the dramatic escapes of Edmond Dantès, offering a rare blend of literary narrative and haute horlogerie.
Technical Mastery: The LM SE Movement
The Legacy Machine Split Escapement’s signature feature is its split escapement, where the balance wheel, which oscillates at 18,000 vibrations per hour, is separated from the anchor and escapement wheel by nearly 12mm. The movement is manually wound, offering a 72-hour power reserve, making it as functional as it is artistic.
With an 18K gold case measuring 44mm in diameter, this series is a blend of cutting-edge horology and traditional craftsmanship. The sapphire crystal dome further highlights the detailed engravings, while the openworked lugs add a contemporary touch.
Jaquet’s Precision and Artistic Vision
Eddy Jaquet’s involvement in this project reflects his deep passion for literature and engraving. His painstaking process, which included extensive research, sketching, and engraving, ensures that each scene is faithfully represented. Jaquet spent months bringing each dial to life, carving detailed scenes that reflect the essence of these classic novels. The process involved engraving with extraordinary precision to capture the depth and texture of each narrative.
Conclusion
The Legacy Machine Split Escapement ‘Eddy Jaquet’ Limited Edition is a testament to the convergence of horology and art. By transforming dials into engraved storytelling canvases, MB&F and Eddy Jaquet have created timepieces that celebrate both technical precision and artistic expression. Each watch in this series is a unique homage to classic literature, offering collectors an exceptional blend of craft and narrative.
For more details on this limited series, visit MBandF.com.
