MB&F updates the LM101 with its sporty EVO upgrades
Russell Sheldrake- MB&F unveils its fourth-ever EVO model for Geneva Watch Days 2025 – this time, a sportier take on the “quintessential MB&F”, the LM101.
- It brings additional shock protection, brighter colours and a tweaked case design to the table.
- A screw-down crown elevates its water resistance to 80 metres.
It’s been 20 years since the founding of MB&F, and to mark this milestone we’ve been getting some pretty special releases this year – but this might be one of my favourites so far. The MB&F LM101 EVO brings the brand’s sporty side to one of its most beloved models. We’ve seen MB&F create EVO versions of its other lines already, with the first being the LM Perpetual EVO back in 2020. This brought us a completely new look for a Max Büsser product that makes previous creations more practical and sporty. We then got our second rugged MB&F with the LM Sequential EVO in 2022. This watch impressed the industry so much that it went on to win the Aiguille d’Or at that year’s GPHG. So let’s see what this fourth, and simplest, instalment of the EVO series can bring to the table.
The LM101 is the watch I think of when MB&F is mentioned. The floating balance wheel, the detached time and power reserve sub-dials, this piece has always had a clean and clear aesthetic focus on the core elements of watchmaking. It is the quintessential MB&F. Seeing this model receive a fresh face and elevated levels of functionality is truly welcome. And I’m personally a big fan of the EVO look, it’s sleeker, more modern, feels a bit younger and fresher to me, and that is exactly what we have here.
The case shape of the LM101 EVO has been altered, with sturdier lugs that allow the rubber strap to work seamlessly into the case. This new silhouette completely changes the feel of this watch. Previously, the LM101 was almost classical in many of its executions, but now we have any aversions to the classical removed and replaced with what can only be described as sporty-chic. There is also now a screw-down crown, which elevates the water resistance to 80m, which makes it far more practical for everyday wear. This would make for an incredible daily beater!
The next important update that an EVO tweak brings to the LM101 is additional shock protection in the form of MB&F’s proprietary FlexRing, which is fitted between the case and the movement. This is a steel dampener that helps to prevent damage from bi-axial impacts – and you will want this movement to be protected from all shocks, given its astounding beauty. The most engaging movement components remain above the dial, with the balance wheel suspended by two flying arches, which have had their bases refined. We also have a slightly redesigned escape wheel that now slightly resembles the battle-axe motif that MB&F has adopted.
The dial itself has changed a bit for this new version, too. The sub-dials have flipped their colour scheme, going with a black base and white Super-LumiNova markings and hand infills. Finally, we have the dial base that comes in two different colours: a salmon-like orange and an iridescent green. These colours are applied through CVD, or chemical vapour deposition, as this provides a stronger bond that is needed when the dial is such an integral part of the watch’s movement.
Turn the watch over, and the movement architecture is just as stunning as in the original. The flowing lines of the curved bridges seem to shift and swirl as the light bounces off the Geneva Stripes, and this effect is amplified by the fact that much of this movement has been darkened through a black NAC coating. Included in this are traditional elements that stand out against the modern look of the rest of the watch; these include gold chatons, hand bevelling and sharp internal angles. While so much of this watch is shifting towards being more modern in appearance, this movement reminds us all that there are some things still best done in traditional ways.
While this watch is just an update to a model that has been around since 2014, there is a lot to like about the upgrades that have been made. Wonderfully adding to the EVO family, the LM101 was ripe for this type of update, and I, for one, am very happy to see it executed so well. Creating a sportier version of a watch that is so well regarded is a risky thing, but here, MB&F seem to have found the sweet spot where they are able to bring in these more active elements, without losing what makes the original so special.
MB&F LM101 EVO pricing and availability
The MB&F LM101 EVO is not strictly limited, but the brand is only able to produce a few dozen pieces a year. It can be ordered now from the brand directly. Price: CHF 62,000 (excl. VAT)
| Brand | MB&F |
| Model | LM101 EVO |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 16.5mm (T) x 49mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 80 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Green, CVD coating Orange, CVD coating |
| Lug Width | 17mm |
| Strap | Grey or white rubber strap, folding titanium buckle |
| Movement | LM101, in-house, manual wind |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, power reserve |
| Availability | Limited yearly production |
| Price | CHF 62,000 (excl. VAT) |