Sometimes all we want is a simple, classic time-only watch. But it also has to stand out from the others. Sounds like mission impossible? It is, until the MB&F LM101 hit the watch scene.

Unquestionably a work of contemporary horological art, the watch toys with the mind by tricking the eye into thinking that the balance wheel, which is suspended above the dial, supported by a v-shaped cantilevered arc, is completely detached from the movement. It takes after MB&F watches in the LM (Legacy Machine) collection, like the LM1 and LM2.

The movement within is the very first one developed entirely in-house by MB&F – yet another milestone for the renegade independent watchmaking atelier. It can only be seen through the sapphire case back because on the dial there is only the balance wheel, escape wheel, and two white lacquer off-centred dials, one for the time and another for the power reserve. Turn the watch over on its side and the domed sapphire crystal appears to be a bubble that cocoons everything on the dial.

Exquisitely hand-finished, the movement is composed of sensually curved plates and bridges which pay homage to quintessential pocket watches and remind us of its tribute to the age-old art of watchmaking. Classical decorative techniques like Côtes de Genève, hand-polished bevels, gold chatons and countersunk blued screws are testament to the dedication to watchmaking that continuously drives MB&F forward.

At 40mm, the LM101 is the most modestly sized MB&F watch till date, and it proves that not all classical watches are boring. Available in white gold or red gold, only 30 watches will be made each year, and this timepiece is currently retailing at S$85,000 exclusively at The Hour Glass boutiques.