MB&F Legacy Machine LM101 EVO Salmon CVD Dial 40mm Titanium 51.TR.GSA

The MB&F LM101 EVO — the 40mm Legacy Machine built to be worn

The Legacy Machine 101, first launched in 2014, established itself as one of MB&F’s most iconic creations. At 40mm it is the most compact of the Legacy Machine family — the watch that most cleanly describes what the collection is about: time display, power reserve, and a spectacular 14mm flying balance wheel suspended above the movement, all in a case that can be worn daily rather than reserved for occasions.

In 2020 MB&F introduced the EVO line, adapting larger 44mm Legacy Machine references for more active lifestyles. EVO models add 80m water resistance, screw-down crowns, integrated rubber straps, and MB&F’s patented FlexRing shock absorber — while retaining the same movement architecture and haute horlogerie finishing that define the standard references. The LM101 EVO is the first application of the EVO format to the more wearable 40mm LM101 specifically, introduced at Geneva Watch Days 2025 to mark MB&F’s 20th anniversary.

At 40mm × 16.5mm × 49mm in titanium, the LM101 EVO is something that did not previously exist in MB&F’s catalogue: Voutilainen-finished haute horlogerie in a lightweight, shock-protected, 80m-water-resistant case that a buyer can wear to the pool, the office, and everywhere between.

Scarcity — the production numbers are real

Only a few dozen LM101 EVO watches are produced each year across both dial variants — salmon and peacock green. The watch is not formally limited, but MB&F’s production capacity for a movement of this complexity and finish quality caps the annual run at a figure that makes each example genuinely scarce.

The entire 2025 launch allocation sold out within days of the Geneva Watch Days announcement. A 2026 example in mint condition, available for purchase in Australia right now, is not a watch a buyer can consider at leisure and return to. To our knowledge, this is one of very few — possibly the only — LM101 EVO salmon currently available for sale in the Australian market.

The salmon CVD dial — architecture and colour in one surface

CVD — chemical vapour deposition — is not paint, lacquer, or anodising. The colour is applied directly to the arabesque-brushed titanium dial plate, which is integral to the movement rather than a separate decorative layer. CVD provides a stronger bond than conventional surface treatments, which is why MB&F chose it for a surface that is this embedded in the watch’s mechanical architecture.

The salmon colour itself is a warm copper-orange that shifts in tone with the light. Across the arabesque brushing pattern, the hue fragments into a metallic shimmer at oblique angles and deepens in direct light. The black sub-dials — hours and minutes at 2 o’clock with white gold hands, power reserve indicator at 6 — provide contrast against the salmon field. Above both, the 14mm flying balance wheel oscillates in full view, its twin mirror-polished arches milled from a single block of metal then hand-finished to a flawless lustre.

The escapement wheel carries MB&F’s battle-axe motif — a recurring signature across the brand’s movements, visible here when you look closely through the sapphire. It is the kind of detail that confirms the LM101 EVO is built to be examined, not just worn.

Kari Voutilainen — what his involvement means

Kari Voutilainen is a Finnish independent watchmaker whose own watches are among the most collectible produced in contemporary watchmaking. His involvement in the LM101 EVO is not a marketing association — it is an active finishing relationship that directly determines the decoration quality of the movement.

Movement finishing specifications are overseen by Voutilainen throughout: Geneva waves, polished bevels, gold chatons with polished countersinks, blued screws, curved plates and bridges, NAC black bridges, hand-made engravings, and internal bevel angles that highlight handcraft. The standard of finishing is consistent with the highest Haute Horlogerie benchmarks — 19th-century hand-finishing techniques applied to a movement designed for 21st-century daily wear.

FlexRing — the engineering that makes EVO meaningful

MB&F’s proprietary FlexRing is fitted between the case and the movement — a steel dampener that protects the movement from bi-axial impacts. For a movement carrying a 14mm flying balance wheel and Voutilainen-level finishing throughout, shock protection transforms the LM101 EVO from a display piece into a watch that can be worn through daily life without mechanical anxiety.

The screw-down crown, 80m water resistance, and integrated grey rubber strap complete the EVO package. The standard LM101 is water resistant to 30m with a pushpin crown. The EVO is not a cosmetic update — it is a functional re-engineering of the case around a movement that deserves the protection.

The watch in detail

• Reference: 51.TR.GSA
• Year: 2026
• Case: 40mm diameter × 16.5mm thickness × 49mm lug-to-lug, Grade 5 titanium, FlexRing shock absorbing system between case and movement, screw-down crown at 4 o’clock, bezel-free design
• Crystal: High-domed sapphire (front), box sapphire (caseback) — both with anti-reflective coating
• Dial plate: Salmon CVD, arabesque spiral brushing pattern — integral to movement architecture
• Sub-dials: Black with silver frames, Super-LumiNova enhanced; hours and minutes at 2 o’clock (white gold hands), power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock (60-hour track)
• Suspended above dial: Bespoke 14mm flying balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws, twin mirror-polished arched bridge milled from single metal block, battle-axe motif on escapement wheel
• Water resistance: 80m / 8 bar
• Strap: Grey rubber, integrated, titanium folding buckle
• Movement: In-house MB&F LM101 EVO calibre, three-dimensional, manual winding
• Finishing: Specifications by Kari Voutilainen — Geneva waves, polished bevels, gold chatons with polished countersinks, blued screws, NAC black bridges, internal bevel angles, hand-made engravings
• Power reserve: 60 hours (single slipping mainspring barrel)
• Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
• Jewels: 23
• Components: 233
• Balance spring: Straumann® double hairspring
• Functions: Hours, minutes, power reserve indicator
• Production: A few dozen per year — not formally limited, extremely scarce in practice
• Condition: Mint, like New
• Set: Full — original MB&F presentation box, papers, documentation

Condition

Mint & Like-New.  Full set complete and intact.

Buying from Calibre24

Calibre24 is a Perth-based dealer specialising in pre-owned Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Richard Mille — and selected exceptional independent watchmaking pieces. Every watch is authenticated in-house before listing. This LM101 EVO ships fully insured to any address in Australia. Viewings by appointment in Perth. Trade-in and consignment available.

FAQ block

Is this MB&F LM101 EVO salmon available in Australia? Yes. This 2026 MB&F Legacy Machine 101 EVO in salmon CVD is held in Perth by Calibre24. It ships fully insured across Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Viewings by appointment in Perth. To our knowledge this is one of very few — possibly the only — LM101 EVO salmon example currently available for purchase in Australia.

What is the MB&F Legacy Machine 101 EVO? The LM101 EVO is MB&F’s 20th anniversary evolution of the Legacy Machine 101 — the brand’s most compact and wearable Legacy Machine, first launched in 2014. The EVO treatment adds a screw-down crown, 80m water resistance, integrated rubber strap, and MB&F’s proprietary FlexRing shock absorber to the LM101, all in a 40mm titanium case. It is the first time the EVO format has been applied to the LM101 specifically — previous EVO models were built around larger references.

Why is the LM101 EVO so scarce? Only a few dozen LM101 EVO watches are produced each year across both dial variants — salmon and peacock green. The watch is not formally limited, but the production capacity for a movement of this complexity and Voutilainen-supervised finish quality caps the annual run at a genuinely small number. The entire 2025 launch allocation sold out within days of the Geneva Watch Days announcement. A mint example available for purchase in Australia is not something a buyer can return to.

What is the difference between the LM101 EVO and the standard LM101? The standard LM101 is produced in precious metals (gold, platinum) with a 30m water resistance and a pushpin crown — a dress watch by temperament. The LM101 EVO is 40mm titanium, with a screw-down crown, 80m water resistance, FlexRing shock absorber, integrated rubber strap, and darkened movement bridges with Super-LumiNova on the sub-dials. The Voutilainen-finishing specifications and 14mm flying balance wheel architecture carry over. The EVO is the same movement philosophy in a case built for daily wear.

What is the salmon CVD dial and what does it look like? CVD stands for chemical vapour deposition — a process that bonds colour directly to the arabesque-brushed titanium dial plate, which is integral to the movement rather than a separate decorative layer. The salmon colour is a warm copper-orange that shifts in tone as the light angle changes: deeper and warmer in direct light, fragmenting into a metallic shimmer across the brushed spiral pattern at oblique angles. The black sub-dials provide contrast. Above everything, the 14mm flying balance wheel oscillates on the dial surface in full view.

Who is Kari Voutilainen and what did he do on the LM101 EVO? Kari Voutilainen is a Finnish independent watchmaker whose own watches are among the most collectible in contemporary horology. His involvement in the LM101 EVO is an active finishing relationship — he oversaw the movement’s decoration specifications throughout: Geneva waves, polished bevels, gold chatons with polished countersinks, blued screws, curved bridges, NAC black bridges, hand-made engravings, and internal bevel angles that highlight handcraft. The finishing standard is consistent with the finest independent watchmaking, regardless of the price point relative to his own creations.

What is FlexRing on the MB&F LM101 EVO? FlexRing is MB&F’s proprietary shock absorbing system — a steel dampener fitted between the case and the movement that protects the calibre from bi-axial impacts. For a movement carrying a 14mm flying balance wheel and Voutilainen-level finishing, this protection transforms the LM101 EVO from a display piece into a watch that can be worn through daily life. Combined with the screw-down crown and 80m water resistance, it is what makes the EVO designation substantive rather than cosmetic.

What movement is in the LM101 EVO and what does it display? The LM101 EVO runs on an in-house manual-wind calibre developed by MB&F with finishing specifications by Kari Voutilainen. 233 components, 23 jewels, Straumann® double hairspring, 60-hour power reserve, 18,000 vph. Functions: hours and minutes in a sub-dial at 2 o’clock (white gold hands), power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, and the 14mm flying balance wheel suspended above the dial — the watch’s defining visual element, beating visibly at 2.5Hz.

Does this MB&F LM101 EVO come with box and papers? Yes — complete full set with original MB&F presentation box, papers, and documentation.

Can I sell or trade in my MB&F or other luxury watch? Yes. Calibre24 buys and takes consignment on MB&F, Rolex, and other high-end references. Contact us for a current valuation.