MB&F M.A.D.Editions M.A.D.2

The MB&F M.A.D.Editions M.A.D.2 is a fascinating continuation of a concept that began with the M.A.D.1. The original was a more accessible offering from the normally high-end MB&F, and the M.A.D.2 builds upon that foundation while carving its own distinct identity. It's important to remember that M.A.D.Editions functions somewhat differently than a typical watch brand. It's more akin to a publishing house, releasing distinct "editions" rather than maintaining a constant, evolving collection.



This particular edition is a collaboration with the renowned designer Eric Giroud, a long-time friend and collaborator of MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser. Giroud's signature on the M.A.D.2 marks a significant milestone, celebrating two decades of creative partnership with MB&F. This isn't just a new model; it's a recognition of Giroud's extensive contributions to the brand's visual language.



The inspiration behind the M.A.D.2 is profoundly rooted in Giroud's personal experiences. Specifically, the vibrant and energetic club scene of 1990s Lausanne, Switzerland. Giroud spent considerable time immersed in this culture, frequenting legendary clubs like MAD (Moulin à Danses) and Dolce Vita. This environment, filled with music, art, and a sense of liberated creativity, serves as the core aesthetic driver for the M.A.D.2.



The watch's design is a direct reflection of this era. The raised central subdials, indicating hours and minutes, are designed to evoke the turntables of a DJ's mixing console. The texture of the central dial itself plays on the appearance of vinyl records, complete with grooves and satin finishes that suggest the tracks of a record. Around this central element is a "platter," a clear nod to the stroboscopic band found on the iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable, a staple of DJ culture. This platter, enhanced with Super-LumiNova, isn't just a visual flourish; it also functions as the automatic winding rotor, visible from both the front and the back of the watch, providing a dynamic element that activates with every movement of the wearer's wrist.



Beyond the visual cues inspired by club culture, the M.A.D.2 incorporates a subtle horological complication: a jumping hour function. This isn't immediately obvious, adding an element of discovery to the watch's functionality. Small, distinct markers, shaped like guitar picks or perhaps almonds, discreetly point to the jumping hour and trailing minutes at the watch's center.



Underneath the vibrant design, the M.A.D.2 maintains a connection to its predecessor. It shares the same base movement, the La Joux-Perret G101, originally found in the M.A.D.1S. However, for the M.A.D.2, this movement is enhanced with a bespoke jumping hour module developed specifically by MB&F, demonstrating the brand's commitment to incorporating interesting mechanics even in their more accessible offerings. The movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), has 24 jewels, and boasts a power reserve of 64 hours.



The case of the M.A.D.2 is another area where Giroud's design philosophy shines through. Constructed from 316L stainless steel, the 42mm case is described as having a rounded, pebble-like shape. This smoothness, along with the almond-like curves, speaks to a design aesthetic that prioritizes tactile comfort and a subtle, organic form. This form, also referred to as "almond," is a call back to Giroud's very first watch design in the 1990s, that went unrealized. The crown, too, contributes to this sense of rounded, organic design. Top sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on both faces, and the bottom sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside face. The watch has a water resistance of 30m/3 ATM/90 feet.



The M.A.D.2 is offered in two distinct variations, each catering to a different audience. The Orange edition is reserved exclusively for members of the "Tribe" (MB&F's loyal customer base) and Friends of the brand. The Green edition, on the other hand, is available through a raffle system. This approach to distribution is a conscious choice by MB&F, aiming to create a more equitable system than traditional methods like waiting lists or limited-edition drops. The raffle system is intended to give everyone a fair chance to acquire the watch.



The strap is crafted from leather and paired with a stainless steel folding buckle, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The choice of leather contributes to the overall tactile experience of the watch, complementing the smooth curves of the case.



M.A.D.Editions was born from a long-held idea of Maximilian Büsser, conceived nearly two decades prior to its fruition. While his initial focus was understandably on establishing MB&F as a leader in high-end horology, the concept of a more accessible parallel brand remained. The project finally came to life in 2020, culminating in the M.A.D.1. The name itself, M.A.D.Editions, connects the watches to the mechanical art universe of MB&F's M.A.D.Galleries, highlighting their creative and unconventional nature.



The central idea behind M.A.D.Editions is to offer timepieces that retain the creative spirit of MB&F but at a significantly more approachable price point. This necessarily entails differences in engineering complexity and finishing compared to MB&F's Horological and Legacy Machines. However, the M.A.D.2 clearly demonstrates that this doesn't equate to a compromise on design originality or mechanical interest.



The rotating "platter" design element, in addition to its visual appeal, serves a practical purpose by acting as the automatic winding rotor. This is a clever integration of form and function, where the aesthetic inspiration is directly linked to the watch's mechanics. The fact that this rotor is visible from both the front and back adds a dynamic visual element, emphasizing the movement and energy of the watch.



The jumping hour complication, though discreet, represents a significant level of horological sophistication. It's not a feature one would typically expect at this price point, adding a layer of unexpected complexity and delight for the wearer. The subtle markers that indicate the hours and minutes contribute to the overall minimalist and slightly mysterious character of the dial.



The case, with a diameter of 42mm and a height of 12.3mm, will be a comfortable size for a wide range of wrists. The choice of 316L stainless steel ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a practical choice for a watch that's designed to be worn and enjoyed.



The contrast between the Orange and Green editions is interesting. It suggests a certain duality in the intended audience. The Orange, reserved for the "Tribe" and Friends, has a bolder, perhaps more extroverted personality. The Green, available through the raffle, might be seen as slightly more understated, though still very distinctive.



The 90's era, a culture Eric Giroud was immersed in, significantly impacts the design. The elements drawn from DJ equipment – the turntables, the vinyl grooves, the stroboscopic platter – are not just superficial decorations. They represent a genuine connection to a specific time and place, a period of creative ferment and cultural change.



Pricing on the green dial raffle watch is set at CHF 2,900 + VAT, which reflects the M.A.D.Editions philosophy of accessibility relative to MB&F's main collections. The raffle system for the Green edition emphasizes MB&F's commitment to fairness and ensuring that the watch is available to a broader audience than might otherwise be the case with a limited-edition release.



Case: Stainless steel 316L. Diameter 42mm x height 12.3mm. Water resistance: 30m / 3ATM / 90 feet. Top sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both faces. Bottom sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside face.

Movement: Swiss made Manufacture La Joux-Perret calibre G101. Bi-directional jumping hour and trailing minutes module developed by MB&F. Case fitting diameter: 25.6mm / 11 ’’. Height: 4.45mm. Balance/Frequency: 4Hz / 28,800 vph. 24 Jewels. 64-hour power reserve. Automatic winding.

Dial: Raised central subdials resembling DJ turntables. Central dial with grooves and satin finishes mimicking vinyl records. Surrounding stroboscopic platter inspired by the Technics SL-1200, with Super-LumiNova stop pins. Small metal markers indicating jumping hour and trailing minutes.

Strap: Leather strap with stainless steel folding buckle.

Price: CHF 2,900 + VAT (Green)

Notes: Inspired by 1990s club culture. Features a visible automatic winding rotor that doubles as the stroboscopic "platter." Orange edition exclusive to Tribe and Friends; Green edition available via raffle. Designed by Eric Giroud.