Introducing MB&F Celebrates 20 Years of Creativity with the Longhorn Limited Editions

In 2025, MB&F celebrates two decades of creativity in the world of horology, a journey that began in 2005 when Maximilian Büsser transformed an initial sketch into the first iconic timepiece, the "Horological Machine No. 1." With a team now comprising over 60 people, MB&F continues its extraordinary journey. Maximilian describes this achievement as "a dream come true," surpassing everything he had imagined. He shared this with us in our interview, where he recounted the beginnings of MB&F and how the brand reached its current stature. You can watch the full interview here.

In celebration of two decades of excellence and creativity, the company promises an exciting array of new creations, designs, collaborations, and surprises. They are releasing two special editions from the "Legacy Machine" collection: the "Perpetual Longhorn" and "Sequential Flyback Longhorn," both crafted from stainless steel, with each edition limited to just 20 pieces.

The Longhorn concept originated in 2009 during the design phase of the "LM1," the first watch in the "Legacy Machine" collection from MB&F. "Longhorn," which literally translates to "long lugs," was a design idea referred to as "the long horns." Visually appealing, it presented an engineering challenge: should the spring bar be placed near the case or at the lug’s end? Both options risked the watch not fitting comfortably on different wrist sizes. Ultimately, the long lugs were replaced with shorter ones, and the idea was put on hold, at least for the time being.

However, the idea resurfaced in 2021 with the tenth anniversary of the "LM1," by which time no "LM1" watches remained, as MB&F had decided to end the series. Only one prototype remained, which could be used to celebrate this important milestone. But how could this watch be more distinctive than any of the previous models in the series? At that moment, the long lug concept was revisited, but this time with the innovative idea of drilling two holes in the lugs, one at the end of the lug and another closer to the case, allowing the customer to make the choice.

This was not the only special feature of this unique piece. While most "LM1" watches were made from gold, platinum, or titanium, this single edition watch was crafted from stainless steel. Instead of the classic white sub-dials of the "Legacy Machine" watches, this one featured glossy black dials over a rhodium-plated main plate. Creating the black dials was a challenge, as even the smallest speck of dust could ruin them, but this challenge was overcome.

This piece was sold at a Phillips auction in collaboration with Bacs & Russo, with a significant portion of the proceeds going to a rhino protection organization. But the story does not end here, as the design of the long lugs and the stunning color contrast between black and silver returns in the first of the company’s celebrations for its twentieth anniversary.

MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual LONGHORN

The LM Perpetual, which the company first introduced in a gold edition late last year in collaboration with its U.S. distributor, now comes with a stainless steel case while retaining the distinctive design of previous editions.

The case measures 44mm in diameter and 17.5mm in thickness, crafted from stainless steel, the case showcases a no-bezel construction, where the domed sapphire crystal is seamlessly fused directly to the case, with double sprung oblong pushers to adjust perpetual calendar functions.

The dial features a rhodium-plated base plate, and blued hands, At the center of the dial, you'll find the V-shaped bridge arching above the 14mm balance wheel, which is a signature element of the LM Series. The hours and minutes are indicated at 12 o’clock on a black galvanic disc. Positioned at 3 o’clock are the days of the week, while the power reserve indicator is located at 5 o'clock. At 7 o'clock, you'll find the retrograde leap year indicator, with the months displayed at 6 o’clock and the date indicated at 9 o’clock.

The timepiece features a fully integrated perpetual calendar with manual winding with double mainspring barrels, a creation developed for MB&F by Stephen Mc Donnell. the same movement powering the previous LM Perpetual editions, incorporating a mechanical processor and dial-side complication. It boasts a power reserve of 72 hours, operates at 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), comprises 581 components, and includes 41 jewels.

Technical specifications: MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual LONGHORN

1. Case: stainless steel case, brushed and polished, sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating on top and caseback, double sprung oblong pushers, FlexRing shock-absorbing annular dampener between case and movement
2. Diameter: 44 mm
3. Thickness: 17.5 mm
4. Water resistance: 80 m
5. Dial: rhodium-plated base plate, blued hands, V-shaped bridge, 14mm balance wheel, hours and minutes positioned at 12 o’clock on a black galvanic disc with luminescent hands and light blue indices, days of the week are positioned at 3 o’clock, power reserve indicator is located at 5 o'clock, retrograde leap year indicator at 7 o'clock, months indicator at 6 o’clock, date indicator at 9 o’clock
6. Movement: fully integrated perpetual calendar, manual winding, double mainspring barrels, by Stephen Mc Donnell, mechanical processor, dial-side complication, 581 components, 41 jewels
7. Power reserve: 72 hours
8. Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
9. Functions: Hours, minutes, day, date, month, retrograde leap year, power reserve indicators
10. Bracelet / Strap: Brown Calf leather strap with stainless steel folding buckle
11. Availability: Limited edition to 20 pieces
12. Price: CHF 168,000 / 674,600 AED

MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn

The stainless steel case of the MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn measures 44mm in diameter, identical to the LM Perpetual, but is slightly thicker at 18.2mm. The case combines brushed and polished finishes, offering a refined aesthetic. It features four pushers to operate the dual chronographs, along with the innovative Twinverter pusher located at 9 o’clock. A screw-down crown and sapphire crystals on both the front and back, treated with anti-reflective coating, complete the case design.

At first glance, the dial layout may appear familiar, with the signature large balance wheel prominently displayed at 12 o’clock. It is complemented by blued hands and a rhodium-plated base plate. However, the rest of the design is markedly different. Unlike the LM Perpetual, where the hours and minutes subdial is positioned at 12 o’clock, this model places it at 6 o’clock. Surrounding it are four chronograph counters with black lacquered rings and blued hands. The watch tracks elapsed time on four sub-dials: two 30-minute counters at 11 and 1 o’clock, and two larger 60-second counters at 9 and 3 o’clock.

The right chronograph is controlled via the start/stop pusher at 2 o’clock and the reset pusher at 4 o’clock. Similarly, the left chronograph functions with pushers at 10 and 8 o’clock, ensuring intuitive operation.

Powering the watch is an in-house movement designed by Stephen McDonnell for MB&F. This hand-wound caliber consists of 619 components and is equipped with two barrels. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), it delivers a robust 72-hour power reserve, with an indicator located on the case back, marked by a blued hand.

The movement incorporates two column-wheel chronograph mechanisms synchronized to the same oscillator, enabling simultaneous operation. The groundbreaking Twinverter switch further enhances the complication, allowing instant toggling between independent timing, split-second, cumulative, and lap timer modes. Naturally, the movement also includes a flyback function.

The Legacy Machine Longhorn Editons are presented on a brown calfskin leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp. Limited to just 20 pieces, each watch is priced at CHF 168,000, approximately AED 674,600.

Technical specifications: MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn

1. Case: stainless steel case, brushed and polished, sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating on top and caseback, double sprung oblong pushers, FlexRing shock-absorbing annular dampener between case and movement
2. Diameter: 44 mm
3. Thickness: 18.2 mm
4. Water resistance: 80 m
5. Dial: rhodium-plated base plate, blued hands, V-shaped bridge, 14mm balance wheel, Hours and times at 6 o'clock, Four chronograph counters with black lacquered rings, two 30-minute counters at 11 and 1 o’clock, two 60-second counters at 9 and 3 o’clock, domed white lacquered time sub-dial at 6 o’clock
6. Movement: in-house movement made by Stephen McDonnell for MB&F, hand-wound, two barrels, power reserve indicator located on the back with a blued hand, 619 component, 63 jewels
7. Power reserve: 72 hours
8. Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
9. Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, dual flyback chronographs
10. Bracelet / Strap: Brown Calf leather strap with stainless steel folding buckle
11. Availability: Limited edition to 20 pieces
12. Price: CHF 168,000 / 674,600 AED

For more information visit MB&F’s official website.