If you’re at all familiar with MB&F’s output over the past two decades, you’ll know them as a purveyor of unconventional and complex mechanical creations. These watches have ranged from around $30k to upwards of $100k. However, in 2021, the brand’s founder Max Büsser debuted the M.A.D.1 concept, inspired by the pricier models but with around a $3,000 price tag. Now, it’s finally given that inaugural M.A.D.Editions model a sequel, dubbed, naturally, the M.A.D.2.
Affordable But Unavailable
Originally, the 2021 M.A.D.1 was intended as a thank you to suppliers and collectors of MB&F watches. Unlike the highly-complicated in-house movements usually found in their timepieces, it ticked with a (much) cheaper Miyota movement that was mounted upside down. Nevertheless, this was still a unique watch in the spirit of its progenitors. You see, the time was displayed on the literal side of the case, while the dial side sported a view of the movement. Unfortunately, this watch was not actually available to the public upon its debut…at first.
Since then, the M.A.D.1 has become available for sale, with several color variants and even a slim, Swiss-powered version.
The Sequel
What was intended only as a one-time limited release has blossomed into a fully-formed sub-brand of MB&F. And so, today, M.A.D.Editions presents the M.A.D.2, which actually looks nothing really like MB&F watches at all.
Shockingly conventional, yet with a distinct design language intact, the timepiece is actually not exclusively designed by Büsser but also legendary watch designer Eric Giroud, who’s not only worked on MB&F watches but also models from Mido, Tissot, and Vacheron Constantin.
Wax Poetic
Giroud’s influence is prevalent here, helping to separate M.A.D.Editions from its MB&F tether and becoming something original. Minimalist yet striking, the M.A.D.2 features just two subdials, which have been raised to resemble a DJ turntable, inspired by Giroud’s youth in the ‘90s club scene. The subdial on the left counts the hours, with sideways-facing numerals, while the subdial on the right counts the minutes, with numerals facing the opposite direction.
On the green dial underneath, black grooves are redolent of grooves on a vinyl record. Within its 42mm stainless steel pebble case, the dial appears to float underneath a domed sapphire crystal. Around the perimeter are lumed stop pins that help hold in the movement. I should also mention that an orange-dial (with black strap) version will be made exclusively for the MB&F’s Tribe and Friends.
Affixed with a matching green grained leather strap, the inaugural M.A.D.2 is powered by a Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement with 64 hours of power reserve and a 4-Hz beat rate.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 12.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 automatic
Band: Grained leather strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified (via raffle)
Pricing & Availability
Best of all, the M.A.D.2 will be just as affordable as its predecessor, with a debut price of CHF 2,900 (~$3,277). However, it will only be available via a raffle on April 1 at 2pm CET. Head over to MB&F’s website to learn more.
Recap
M.A.D.Editions M.A.D.2
MB&F’s affordable watch brand M.A.D.Editions finally dropped a sequel to its inaugural model, but this time looks nothing like the unconventional MB&F watches.
