MB&F and master engraver Eddy Jaquet have reignited their creative collaboration with the release of a new series of literary-inspired timepieces. This second edition of the LM Split Escapement ‘Eddy Jaquet’ continues the tradition of transforming iconic literature into intricate works of art, meticulously engraved on MB&F’s horological masterpieces. Following the success of the first Jules Verne-inspired collection, this latest series draws on Jaquet’s passion for storytelling, featuring eight new watches, each based on a beloved literary classic.
Jaquet’s journey with MB&F began in 2011, initially engraving the names of watchmakers like Kari Voutilainen and Jean-François Mojon onto MB&F’s Legacy Machine calibres. However, it was not until he expressed his desire to take on more ambitious artistic projects that a transformative collaboration was born. Their first major project—a Jules Verne-themed collection—garnered international acclaim, with the ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ piece winning the GPHG Artistic Crafts Award in 2021.
For this new collection, Jaquet turned his artistic talents toward eight timeless novels, handpicked from a list of 15 classics. His final selection includes:
● Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
● The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
● The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
● The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
● The Call of the Wild by Jack London
● Moby Dick by Herman Melville
● Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
● Robin Hood (anonymous)
Like the previous series, these new engravings are not reproductions of existing artwork but are entirely original interpretations conceived by Jaquet, drawn from his reading of the novels and his understanding of their themes.
Unparalleled Craftsmanship on the LM Split Escapement
Each timepiece in the series is based on the LM Split Escapement, chosen for its expansive dial, which offers the perfect canvas for Jaquet’s intricate engravings. However, working on the dial required precision and creativity—the dial plate, which doubles as the movement’s baseplate, is of varying thickness. In certain areas, the thickness reaches 1.15mm, allowing for deep-relief engraving, while in more delicate sections measuring only 0.35mm, Jaquet had to adopt an extremely light touch to avoid compromising the integrity of the plate.
To highlight the beauty of these literary masterpieces, MB&F modified the original LM Split Escapement design. New open-worked date and power-reserve subdials were introduced to maximize the engraving space, while a slimmer bezel and reworked case dimensions allowed for a wider dial plate. Even the sapphire crystal dome was specially redesigned to accommodate the new dimensions and offer an unobstructed view of Jaquet’s artistry.
The stainless steel cases feature black subdials on a white gold baseplate, creating a striking contrast that enhances the detail and depth of the engravings. Each watch is paired with original sketches signed by Jaquet, along with a Loupe System X6 macro lens, allowing collectors to explore every intricate detail hidden within the dial.
Literary Masterpieces in Miniature
Jaquet approached the design of each engraving as an immersive tableau, bringing the heroes of each novel to life through carefully composed scenes. For example, in The Jungle Book, Mowgli lies curled up in Rama’s paws, surrounded by characters like Baloo, Bagheera, and Shere Khan. Meanwhile, the engraving for Treasure Island captures the tense moment when Jim Hawkins leaps from a boat to escape pirates, a scene inspired by just two sentences from the novel.
In The Three Musketeers, Jaquet’s engraving depicts a lively sword fight with 10 figures in action, while two tiny characters watch from a balcony. Similarly, in The Last of the Mohicans, Jaquet engraved a small group of three figures sitting around a campfire, using the finest details to evoke the novel’s atmosphere.
These intricate scenes are designed to unfold gradually. From a distance, the watches can be admired for their bold aesthetic lines, but closer inspection through the included loupe reveals an entirely new world of artistry. For example, in Robinson Crusoe, a subdial cleverly frames a view through a telescope, as Crusoe and Friday observe a distant ship. Another subtle detail is the tally marks on a wooden cross, which are impossible to spot without magnification.
Pricing and Availability
The LM Split Escapement Eddy Jaquet timepieces are limited to eight unique pieces and retail for SGD 257,000 each (including tax).
These exclusive watches are available through MB&F’s authorized retailers, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a miniature masterpiece that celebrates literature and the art of watchmaking.
