With the latest raffle for the new M.A.D.1S open, it’s a perfect time to look back at one of the recent iterations of the M.A.D.1: M.A.D.1: “Time to Love.” When you hear of a collab with MB&F and Jean-Charles, Marquis de Castelbajac, you know you can expect something outlandish. MB & F recreated the M.A.D.1 with the artist’s traditional color palette of blue, yellow, and red, and splashed with text. Honestly, when you think about the creations of Max or de Castelbajac, you would almost envision this exact model. MB&F, founded by Max Büsser, is known for its innovative collaborations and unique mechanical designs, often in partnership with various artists and creatives. However, these creations are typically out of reach for many due to their high cost. To address this, Büsser launched the M.A.D.1 in 2021 under the M.A.D. Editions label, offering a more affordable option initially reserved for official collectors and brand collaborators. The overwhelming demand led to the release of the M.A.D.1 Red in 2022, expanding its availability. Now, M.A.D. Editions has introduced the M.A.D.1 ‘Time to Love’ watch, a limited edition created in collaboration with renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
Known for his bold use of color and provocative designs, Castelbajac has worked with icons like Mick Jagger, Madonna, and Andy Warhol. His style is evident in this new M.A.D.1 model, which features a 42mm stainless steel case and the same upside-down modified Miyota 821A automatic movement found in previous editions. On the wrist, similar to previous models, this is not something that will slide under the cuff. Being 18.8mm tall, it’s thick. There’s no way around that. But being such a fun statement watch with a lateral time display, is that not expected?
Castelbajac’s influence is most visible in the watch’s triple-blade rotor, now colored in blue, yellow, and red lacquer with blades shaped like angel wings. The rotor’s design allows the colors to blend when spinning, creating a dynamic visual effect. On the wrist, this is a cool feature, especially as the rotor is on display front and center. Another neat nod to Castelbajac is the crown at the 12 o’clock position that features a person talking to the Moon, a motif common in his work.
The watch retains the lateral time display with rotating aluminum cylinders for the hours (green disk) and minutes (black), with numbers engraved in Castelbajac’s handwriting. This is why the M.A.D.1 is so thick, but it is a really cool feature.
Beneath the rotor, a French quote reads: “Ce trésor rare et précieux, c’est ta vie. Le temps vole de ses ailes blanches. Tu es le gardien de ton temps,” emphasizing the value of time. The watch comes with both black and white straps, each embroidered with the words “Time to Love.” The MB&F M.A.D.1 “Time to Love” is priced at CHF 3,200 and was only available by lottery. For more information, please visit the MB&F M.A.D.Gallery website.
