The next generation of Mechanical Art Devices #1 has just been revealed at Geneva Watch Days! This time, it’s got a slimmer frame and a Swiss upgrade.
MB&F are masters of everything haute horlogerie – there’s no doubt about that anymore. From Chamath’s own LM101 to their standout HM11 Architect, they’ve found endless ways to express the art and science of watchmaking in whimsical and abstract ways. However, there’s one thing most watch enthusiasts often contend with on their relationship with MB&F: The price.
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Fortunately, Maximilian Büsser is also privy to such an issue. Whilst the cost of engineering, design, materials and production inevitably dictate the price of MB&F’s most exclusive timepieces, who says the quirky and unusual craftsmanship of Max and his friends can’t be available to everyone? Thus, M.A.D. Editions was formed – bringing MB&F’s sense of wonderment and singular design ethos to a more accessible price.
Chamath’s (WatchAdvice Founder) own MB&F LM101
2021 saw the conception of the M.A.D.1 collection, a bizarre design indicative of the designers that brought you MB&F’s ‘horological machines.’ As opposed to the handmade movements of MB&F, the M.A.D.1 instead used a heavy modified and inverted Miyota 821A movement, greatly reducing the price point compared to their sister brand. The watch used a horizontal time display with two rings indicating hours and minutes, and came complete with unidirectional winding and a ‘battleaxe’ rotor that created a beautiful optical illusion when spun.
Only five M.A.D.1 renditions were made, with all of them distributed by way of a raffle: Blue, Green, Red, ‘Lucky Green’ (for those who lost all three of the previous raffles), and ‘Time to Love,’ a custom version designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. To mixed emotions, it seems that the era of the M.A.D.1 is soon to be joined by the newest generation at this year’s Geneva Watch Days.
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The M.A.D.1S is that newest generation, packed with several upgrades that further evolve the M.A.D.1 collection. Up until recently, the Miyota 821A was used as the base movement for the M.A.D.1 due to its unidirectional winding capabilities for the price point. No other movement would do… until the M.A.D.1S came along.
Two colourways of the M.A.D.1S – one in blue, the other in purple – are being dropped with a Swiss movement, the La Joux-Perret G101, making it the first Swiss-made M.A.D.1 Edition wristwatch. The G101 also permits for an even slimmer profile, bringing the relatively gargantuan watch down to a more palatable 15mm whilst doing away with one of the time-telling rings. While still definitely bizarre, it enhances the wearability of the watch, making it more viable as a long-term wear and not just one you crack out for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
As an MB&F superfan, I greatly respect Max Büsser and Friend’s abilities in the watchmaking world. As with so many others, I highly doubt I’d be able to afford one any time soon, but I’m more than happy to hear that M.A.D. Editions exists to provide the same signature abstract MB&F design ethos at a more accessible price point.
The introduction of the M.A.D.1S is both an update to the existing collection, and a testament to MB&F’s commitment to horology for all. It’s a watch you certainly won’t see every day, both in terms of its singular design and the fact that this one will also be going under raffle. As of the time of writing, spots have opened up on the website – so if you’re enthusiastic about all things MB&F, and you’re feeling pretty lucky, get yourself a spot before they close at the start of September! I’ll see you there, maybe?
Reference: M.A.D.1S
Specifications
- Case Size: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Sky blue dial with single cylinder display
- Movement: Modified inverted automatic La Joux-Perret G101 movement with ‘battleaxe’ rotor
- Power Reserve: Approx. 68 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m (30 bar)
- Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap with stainless steel folding buckle
