M.A.D.Gallery: Independent Watchmakers Showcase

Jay (Eire) · 2026-03-12T11:02:36Z

Jay (Eire) explores MB&F Legacy Machines at the M.A.D. Gallery. Discover how Perpetual and Sequential EVO models wear on a smaller wrist, influenced by Stephen McDonnell's work. Includes wristshots and insights.

Jay (Eire)

WPS member · Independents forum

20 replies1170 views9 photos

Jay (Eire) offers a compelling look at MB&F's Legacy Machine (LM) collection, particularly the Perpetual and Sequential EVO models, following a visit to the M.A.D. Gallery. His exploration is uniquely informed by the significant contribution of Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell to these pieces, adding a personal dimension to his horological appreciation. Jay's detailed wrist shots and observations provide invaluable insights into the wearability of these avant-garde timepieces on smaller wrists, challenging common perceptions.

I spent an hour or so at the M.A.D. Gallery a few weeks ago. The primary purpose was to really get some time with the LM’s as for the most part my MB&F interest over the years has been directed towards the HMs.

And then meeting M2 a few weeks prior and seeing his EVO Sequential somewhat changed my mind on how these wore on a smaller wrist (6.25 inches) like mine.

Plus, there is also the big draw (for me) of the Irish watchmaker.

There are not many Irish watchmakers practicing, and even fewer at the high end.

Stephen and John McGonigle are known to many here but remain niche amongst a niche, and so Stephen McDonnell even though it’s not his name on the dial is likely the most high profile Irish watchmaker today.

This connection would be a material influence in my interest in these watches.

Anyway, while I did look at some other watches below you’ll see some wrist shots of the Perpetual in regular and EVO format, and the new/current iteration of the EVO Sequential.

The technical aspects of each have been addressed here before. So I’ll just leave it to the pictures to do the talking.

Neither looks too bad on my small wrist. These are more wearable than I think we would generally expect.

The EVO Perpetual
Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, MB&F, Perpetual EVO

EVO Sequential, the current version. Visually you’ll notice the raised / tilted main (time) dial at 6.

The non EVO Perpetual.

Key Points from the Discussion

MB&F and Urwerk both offer non-traditional, creative designs, but MB&F pushes boundaries further, making Urwerk appear almost conventional by comparison. Despite this, Urwerk generally offers greater wearability, especially for smaller wrists, due to the absence of traditional lugs.
The non-EVO Perpetual model offers a slightly better fit on the wrist due to subtle case dimension differences and a flush-sitting leather strap, enhancing overall comfort and legibility.
While the Legacy Machine line is appreciated for its jaw-dropping finishes and more classical shapes, the Horological Machines are recognized for pioneering a new style where form and function coexist and diverge.
Despite the enhanced wearability of the LM line for daily use, some collectors, when considering an MB&F purchase, still lean towards acquiring a Horological Machine first, prioritizing design over technical marvel.
A fellow collector expressed a preference for the non-EVO Perpetual model, while acknowledging that MB&F's aesthetic, though admired, does not align with their personal style.
One contributor noted that despite the author's wrist displaying watches beautifully, the MB&F models, particularly due to their lug-to-lug length, might not be the most flattering fit.

The Discussion

hazzgard

Mar 12, 2026

Gorgeous watch. So, now, did you put one on your wishlist?

quattro

Mar 12, 2026

The non Evo perpetual is my favorite, here. That said, I'm impressed by these watches, but not attracted to them because they're just not my style. I admire, but from a distance. Best, Emmanuel

piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)

Mar 12, 2026

I have a question, maybe a tough one. I guess you tried the HMs too, so how do you compare them to Urwerk? Thanks Simone

Jay (Eire)

Mar 12, 2026

I still feel it’s just a little too much watch (size) for my wrist. I’m not closing any doors however.

Jay (Eire)

Mar 12, 2026

And you have some other watches that are on the larger side so I guess your wrist may well be able to accommodate comfortably one of these.

Jay (Eire)

Mar 12, 2026

I think the non EVO Perpetual is also a slightly better fit on my wrist, and that dial colour is attractive. Certainly we can admire and appreciate even if something may be outside of our personal tastes. I lean sporty or more casual in many of my choices, and these fit that. I still believe if I was to own one MB&F then it must be a HM. Contrary to what may others here might choose, for me I would take design over technical marvel.

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M.A.D.Gallery: Independent Watchmakers Showcase

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