MB&F Legacy Machine Split Escapement ‘Eddy Jaquet’ series: Capturing the great classics of youth literature

When MB&F first introduced the limited-edition series of its Legacy Machine (LM) Split Escapement in 2021, it brought the novels of French author Jules Verne to life through an intricately hand-engraved dial crafted by Eddy Jaquet.

Continuing this creative journey, the Maison once again partners with Jaquet to create eight unique pieces inspired by timeless classics of youth literature, including “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas, “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling, Moby Dick by Herman Melville and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The LM Split Escapement is again used for the series but made with a wider 40-mm dial to maximise the allowed engraving space. It also features a new, open worked date and power-reserve dials, as well as a slimmer bezel and case to make space for the wider dial plate.

Jaquet selected novels that evoke memories of his own childhood and created original sketches to illustrate their stories. Some sketches depict entire chapters, while others capture a single paragraph. These designs were then meticulously hand-engraved onto the dials of the watches, ensuring that no timepieces are the same.

Each engravings highlight the heroes of the chosen novels, with some portrayed sitting or kneeling in the foreground of the dial and typically positioned at 6 o’clock. Other key characters and important details from the scene are also included. For instance, the dial inspired by “The Jungle Book” features Mowgli curled up in Rama’s paws, with the other main characters surrounding them. On the other hand, the dial inspired by “Treasure Island” features a scene of Jim jumping off the boat and escaping from the pirates.

Jaquet maximised the use of matte and polished metals, playing with the refraction of light to create depth and texture within the dial. Each timepiece also features sapphire crystals on both the front and display back, with an anti-reflective coating on both sides.

The watches are powered by the standard LM Split Escapement manual-winding movement developed by Stephen McDonell with a 72-hour power reserve. It has a stainless-steel case, complemented by a dark navy hand-stitched alligator strap with stainless steel folding buckle.

The LM Split Escapement ‘Eddy Jaquet’ series are a true collector’s item that comes with Jaquet’s original signed drawings, together with a Loupe System X6 macro lens, allowing owners to experience and appreciate the intricate details of the dial.

Visit MB&F for more information.

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