MB&F LM Perpetual Longhorn and Sequential Flyback Longhorn

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for MB&F as it celebrates two decades of pushing the boundaries of horology. Since 2005, Maximilian Büsser and his network of “Friends” have continuously redefined what it means to create art in watchmaking, starting with Horological Machine No.1. Twenty years, over 20 calibres, and more than 60 team members later, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. To kick off its anniversary celebrations, MB&F is unveiling two special editions limited to 20 pieces each — the LM Perpetual Longhorn and the LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn.

The origins of the Longhorn concept trace back to 2009 during the design phase of Legacy Machine No.1 (LM1), MB&F’s first Legacy Machine. The idea of extended lugs, or “horns,” was visually appealing but posed practical challenges. Where should the spring bar go—close to the case or at the tip of the lug? Either choice risked a poor fit for varying wrist sizes, so the design was shelved in favour of shorter lugs.

In 2021, the 10th anniversary of the LM1 brought the Longhorn idea back into focus. With no LM1 timepieces remaining in production, MB&F considered creating a single commemorative piece. This led to an ingenious solution: drilling two holes in the lugs, allowing the owner to choose between mounting the strap closer to the case or further out at the tip of the lugs.

This unique prototype, made of stainless steel rather than the gold, platinum, or titanium commonly used in LM1s, also introduced glossy black lacquer sub-dials against a rhodium-plated base plate. Crafting the black lacquer dials was a meticulous process; even a speck of dust could ruin the finish. Despite these challenges, the end result was a stunning one-of-a-kind piece that sold at auction through Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. Proceeds from the sale supported Save the Rhino International, leaving a lasting legacy for the LM1. The response was so overwhelming that MB&F couldn’t resist exploring the Longhorn concept further.

Two special anniversary editions embrace the Longhorn design, combining stainless steel cases, rhodium-plated base plates, glossy black lacquer dials, and blued hands. These elements honour MB&F’s history while setting the stage for the next chapter. The first of these editions, the LM Perpetual Longhorn, features MB&F’s revolutionary perpetual calendar movement, created in collaboration with independent watchmaker Stephen McDonnell.

This award-winning movement, first released in 2015, boasts 581 components and eliminates the typical drawbacks of perpetual calendars. McDonnell’s innovative “mechanical processor” ensures that the calendar operates smoothly, avoiding skipped dates or jammed gears. Adjuster pushers automatically deactivate during calendar changes, making the system highly user-friendly. The aesthetic enhancements of this edition, including the Longhorn lugs and the striking black, silver, and blue colour scheme, breathe new life into McDonnell’s technical masterpiece.

The second edition, the LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn, builds on the groundbreaking LM Sequential EVO introduced in 2022. This marked MB&F’s debut in the chronograph category and included the innovative “Twinverter” binary switch. This feature enables a range of timing modes, from independent timing to split-second, cumulative, and lap-timer functions. The Flyback version adds even greater functionality, introducing the flyback feature originally designed for pilots. Now presented with the same distinctive Longhorn design, glossy black dials, and blued hands, this limited edition is a fitting addition to MB&F’s 20th-anniversary lineup.