This MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 Xia Hang* draws upon the contemporary Chinese artist's work to integrate an innovative power reserve sculpture, and is accompanied by larger sculptures of the two forms of the power reserve. Part of a limited series of just 12 pieces, the watch is an ideal find for collectors who also have a deep appreciation for art.

Part of a limited series of just twelve pieces, this Legacy Machine 1 Xia Hang is the result of a collaboration between MB&F and Chinese sculpture artist Xia Hang. MB&F have a long history of collaborating with artists that they admire, and this example draws upon Chinese contemporary art to fuse art and horology. Born in Shenyang, China, Xia Hang is known for his imposingly sized, comma-shaped men created out of mirror-polished stainless steel.

The Legacy Machine 1 integrates Xia Hang's work by transforming one of the "comma men" into a power reserve indicator, in place of the vertical indicator used in the original LM1. When the mainspring is fully wound, the figure's head is upright, and when the power reserve is running low, the figure slumps down. This whimsical transformation is quintessentially MB&F, in keeping with their philosophy on playful design. Each watch is accompanied by a set of Xia Hang sculptures, a "Mr. Up" and "Mr. Down", which are versions of the fixed states that the miniature power reserve takes.

This watch is the result of a collaboration between MB&F, independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, and Jean François Mojon. The latter's creative watchmaking company, Chronode, was responsible for the development of the Legacy Machine No. 1’s movement, where they emphasised the large balance wheel, as inspired by the golden age of pocket watches. Meanwhile, the movement was produced and finished by Voutilainen. Their names are engraved on the back of the movement, in keeping with MB&F's culture of recognition of the craftsmen and watchmakers they work with.

A central-balance wheel has been placed in front of the watch, floating above the movement and sub-dials. The very large, bespoke, 14 mm balance wheel, with four traditional regulating screws is striking, separating itself from the manual-winding, single mainspring barrel movement beneath. The Legacy Machine No.1 features a dual-time zone complication. The two are completely independent of each another, with two dials and independent setting crowns at 4 and 8 o’clock, making it a highly-usable travel watch. Many travel watches or world timers cannot take into account half-hour time-zones for countries like India and parts of Australia, but with two independent dials, these can now be set on the watch.

Closer look

Condition

This MB&F Legacy Machine 1 Xia Hang LM1 Limited Edition is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, likely unworn. The dial hands and movement are free from any signs of imperfection. The hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year mechanical warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.