This is 1 of 10 examples of the LM101 made for Hodinkee, a very early collaboration from 2015. Not only is this LM101 significant as the first-ever Hodinkee collaboration, but the first MB&F model which prioritized case proportion and wearability over complication. It is still to date the most limited LM101 production of all time, from a very different time in independent watchmaking where collaborations were unusual; MB&F was very much still an uncertain project born out of passion, finding its audience. The LM101 for Hodinkee famously sold out within five hours of release in 2015. Since that release, this is just the third time one has been offered publicly.
Introduced in 2014, the LM101 was a groundbreaking model for MB&F. For many, the LM101 was the first MB&F that wore like a 'normal' case at 40mm and thinner than any model prior. Up until 2015, the Horological Machine collection had produced wild forms more akin to conceptual art and Legacy Machine collection had produced round, yet impressive proportions. In many ways, the LM101 distilled key MB&F elements to produce a case that had widespread appeal. It is a brave design, but relatively paired-back for MB&F with just an oversized 14mm flying balance, bridge, lacquered dial, and lacquered power reserve.
Rather significantly, the LM101 was also the first time a calibre was designed and engineered entirely at MB&F only. Prior to the LM101, MB&F would smartly partner with the best component suppliers and concept calibre manufactures. It was only in 2014 with the LM101 that all that development moved under one roof. This is quite significant. However, just like the LM1 & LM2, finishing was executed by Kari Voutilainen. As one might expect, the handcraft is peerless. The LM101 sports broad bevels, wide and consistent Côtes de Genève, gold chatons, countersunk black polished screws, and solarized ratchet and crown wheels. In all aspects, the 229-component calibre was a huge milestone.
The Hodinkee Limited Edition added a very distinctive metallic brown dial, unique to this watch. Under varying light, it can range from subdued brown-umber to an almost volcanic orange. In addition, this was the very first MB&F to be made with a steel case. According to Ben Clymer, the aim of this LM101 was to create a more versatile take on the LM101, which was already one of the most wearable and adaptable MB&F cases. In this aim, Hodinkee succeeded. To quote from Mr. Clymer at release, 'The ultimate luxury is not having to worry about the scratches that come with the softness of gold while still wearing one of the finest hand-made watches in the world.'
The LM101 for Hodinkee has taken on a cult-like status in the years following, particularly for MB&F's own collectors. It is the essence of MB&F, nothing more. The LM101 was already an inherently paired-back design; the Hodinkee revision (particularly its warm dial) added a spark of personality to what was already a fundamentally massive step forward for MB&F. It is arguably the most restrained yet charismatic MB&F which has yet been made to date, true independent watchmaking from a simpler time with a collectable, purple-brown volcanic edge.
