In the world of high-end watchmaking, craftsmanship and storytelling converge to create timeless works of art. This fusion is exemplified in MB&F’s latest series of the LM Split Escapement, once again collaborated with master engraver Eddy Jaquet.

Following the success of their first series in 2021, which captivated collectors with its engravings based on the works of Jules Verne, MB&F continues its creative journey with a new collection featuring iconic literary adventures, each meticulously engraved onto the dial plates of eight unique watches.

At the heart of this project lies an exceptional partnership; Eddy Jaquet, whose relationship with MB&F began in 2011, has since transformed the canvas of the Legacy Machine Split Escapement (LM SE) into intricate works of art. His earlier series, inspired by Jules Verne, was lauded for its exquisite storytelling through detailed engraving. It even earned a prestigious award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Now, Jaquet returns, drawing inspiration from eight literary classics that have shaped the imaginations of generations.

This latest collection sees Jaquet's artistry engraved onto the LM SE's expansive dial plates, a choice that provides the ideal canvas for illustrating scenes from beloved novels such as Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, and Moby Dick by Herman Melville, among others. Each engraving is more than a mere interpretation—it’s a narrative frozen in time, capturing pivotal moments and characters in striking detail.

Jaquet’s process of transposing literary themes onto the LM SE is impressive. Each of the eight watches in this series embodies the spirit of its respective novel, with key scenes rendered in stunning relief on the dial. From the iconic whale of Moby Dick to the adventurous shipwreck in Robinson Crusoe, the artist’s engravings are brought to life through the medium of metal, creating a tactile and visual connection between literature and horology.

What sets Jaquet’s work apart is his approach: rather than relying on existing visual representations, he draws directly from the text, ensuring that his creations are both original and intimately tied to the stories they portray. Each timepiece then becomes a unique interpretation of the literary classic, giving wearers a window into a world of adventure, imagination, and artistry.

Crafting these unique watches was no small feat. The LM Split Escapement itself is an engineering marvel, with its balance wheel suspended above the dial while the anchor and escapement remain hidden below. This design requires precision, leaving only limited space for Jaquet’s engravings on the thin dial plate, which is often less than 1.15 mm thick in some areas.

To overcome these challenges, both MB&F and Jaquet made several design modifications to the original LM SE, including the creation of wider dial plates and a slimmer bezel to maximize the available surface for engraving. The result is a harmonious blend of mechanical innovation and artisanal mastery, showcasing MB&F’s technical prowess while allowing Jaquet’s engravings to take centre stage.

Each timepiece in this series is housed in a stainless-steel case and paired with a dark navy alligator strap, ensuring that the design remains elegant and unobtrusive, allowing Jaquet’s intricate engravings to truly stand out. The cases, while modern in material, maintain a classic aesthetic that complements the historical and literary themes of the engravings.

Beyond the technical and artistic brilliance, what makes this collection truly special is its ability to transcend the boundaries of horology. These watches are not merely tools for measuring time—they are a celebration of human creativity, a testament to the enduring power of stories, and a showcase of what is possible when art meets engineering.

The LM Split Escapement Eddy Jaquet series invites collectors to explore their literary imagination through a new lens, with each glance at the watch offering a deeper appreciation of both the story it tells and the craftsmanship behind it. In the realm of high-end watchmaking, collaborations between watchmakers and artists are rare, but when they happen, they produce pieces that transcend time.

With the LM Split Escapement, MB&F and Eddy Jaquet have once again proven that the art of storytelling and the science of timekeeping can coalesce into something extraordinary. Each piece in this collection is a unique invitation to journey into the pages of literary history, with the wearer becoming both the custodian of time and the keeper of timeless tales.

Want to discover more about MB&F and the LM Split Escapement? Check out our catalogue to learn more about the Manufacture or drop us a message to enquire further.