118

M.A.D 1

MB&F

SOLD
Maximilian Büsser broke the rules of corporate watchmaking and has rewritten the rules of collaborative watchmaking during the past two decades. The first signs appeared in 2001 with the Opus 1, a collaborative effort between Harry Winston and F. P. Journe. The concept revolved around selecting an independent watchmaker to collaborate with the famed Jeweller, this allowed for radical transparency by highlighting the importance of independent watchmakers. The entire Opus Series was the brainchild of Max and eventually led him to create the world’s first-ever horological concept laboratory. After 15 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian Büsser resigned from his Managing Director position at Harry Winston in 2005 to create MB&F – Maximilian Büsser & Friends. The watch industry is not as transparent as it may seem, many NDA’s are signed between larger brands and independent watchmakers, on the other hand, Max placed a tremendous amount of emphasis on the ‘Friends’. Always sharing the stage with them and celebrating their accomplishments as one. Behind the mind-boggling Horological Machines or the neo-classic Legacy Machines, the brand has continuously innovated and positioned itself uniquely. In tandem, the concept of the MAD Gallery is the most untraditional boutique experience one would ever experience in the realms of the watch industry. 

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Maximilian Büsser broke the rules of corporate watchmaking and has rewritten the rules of collaborative watchmaking during the past two decades. The first signs appeared in 2001 with the Opus 1, a collaborative effort between Harry Winston and F. P. Journe. The concept revolved around selecting an independent watchmaker to collaborate with the famed Jeweller, this allowed for radical transparency by highlighting the importance of independent watchmakers. The entire Opus Series was the brainchild of Max and eventually led him to create the world’s first-ever horological concept laboratory. After 15 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian Büsser resigned from his Managing Director position at Harry Winston in 2005 to create MB&F – Maximilian Büsser & Friends. The watch industry is not as transparent as it may seem, many NDA’s are signed between larger brands and independent watchmakers, on the other hand, Max placed a tremendous amount of emphasis on the ‘Friends’. Always sharing the stage with them and celebrating their accomplishments as one. Behind the mind-boggling Horological Machines or the neo-classic Legacy Machines, the brand has continuously innovated and positioned itself uniquely. In tandem, the concept of the MAD Gallery is the most untraditional boutique experience one would ever experience in the realms of the watch industry. 

Origins of the M.A.D.1

In light of the extensive prototyping and unconventional case shapes, the average MB&F price point might not speak to many. In a recent interview, Max mentioned that he always had the ambition to build a second brand, at a more affordable price point. This project eventually found its way into the MB&F fold due to the Global Lockdown in 2020. As a way to thank collectors, partners and friends for their support during those turbulent times. Rather ironically, the demand for watches peaked in 2020 and 2021 something that would stun most brands. Upon the secretive launch of this mysterious MAD 1, each tribe member  (officially registered owners) and friends (suppliers) were emailed and granted the possibility to order this piece. During that period, the Tribe Members increased twofold, as existing owners caught wind of this rather elusive launch. As result, the brand also benefited from registering more owners to their respective watches and as a whole, this entire offering was a win-win, it is believed just 450 pieces were made during 2021 and more will be made in the coming years as well as a production version for non-tribe members. 

To classify this particular piece as an entry piece might be somewhat misleading as it is still not considered to be an MB&F. That being said, the piece embodies everything the brand stands for, in a spectacular manner. 

Unique Case

The case structure is rather unique and frankly speaking it is somewhat difficult to understand how the case is put together. The base of the case features an X shape and the accentuated lugs act as a frame that houses the second part of the case. The polished stainless steel bezel looks rather ‘simplistic’ until you realise the edge features a combination of brushed and polished facets. It would appear to be screwed on. The crown is found at 12 o’clock and is helped by swivelling pull tab, making it relatively easy to set. The captivating rotor takes centre stage of the ‘dial’ through the sapphire glass. 

Movement

The Miyota 821A powers this first generation MAD 1, the movement has been inverted to allow for the triple-blade rotor to be visible at the front of the watch. The titanium blade features three LumiNova stripes along the periphery of the blade. The movement has been modified to allow for the lateral hour and minute scale, the numerals are also luminous. The movement is capable of delivering 42 hours of power reserve. 

Brand: MB&F
Model: M.A.D 1
Movement: Miyota 821A
Case Diameter: 42mm
Year: 2021
Box & Papers: Full Set 

Specs

Size: 42 – 44mm
Brands: MB&F

Maximilian Büsser broke the rules of corporate watchmaking and has rewritten the rules of collaborative watchmaking during the past two decades. The first signs appeared in 2001 with the Opus 1, a collaborative effort between Harry Winston and F. P. Journe. The concept revolved around selecting an independent watchmaker to collaborate with the famed Jeweller, this allowed for radical transparency by highlighting the importance of independent watchmakers. The entire Opus Series was the brainchild of Max and eventually led him to create the world’s first-ever horological concept laboratory. After 15 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian Büsser resigned from his Managing Director position at Harry Winston in 2005 to create MB&F – Maximilian Büsser & Friends. The watch industry is not as transparent as it may seem, many NDA’s are signed between larger brands and independent watchmakers, on the other hand, Max placed a tremendous amount of emphasis on the ‘Friends’. Always sharing the stage with them and celebrating their accomplishments as one. Behind the mind-boggling Horological Machines or the neo-classic Legacy Machines, the brand has continuously innovated and positioned itself uniquely. In tandem, the concept of the MAD Gallery is the most untraditional boutique experience one would ever experience in the realms of the watch industry. 

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