M.A.D.Editions Launches M.A.D.3: A Modernized Tribute to Vincent Calabrese’s Baladin

Key points

• The M.A.D.3 is the third entry in the M.A.D.Editions series, created in collaboration with Vincent Calabrese, a co-founder of the AHCI and designer of the Corum Golden Bridge.
• The watch features a 'wandering jumping hour' complication, inspired by Calabrese’s Baladin, where the hour display moves gradually across the dial instead of jumping instantly.
• The movement is a modified La Joux-Perret G111 base, reworked by MB&F to handle the energy demands of the complication while ensuring reliability and a 55-hour power reserve.
• The case is 40mm in diameter with a 43.7mm lug-to-lug measurement, designed by Eric Giroud with floating lugs and a double-step bezel.
• The blue dial version is available to the public via a raffle, while the pink dial version is reserved for MB&F’s 'Tribe' and friends.
• The price is set at CHF 2,900, excluding taxes, making it significantly more accessible than standard MB&F watches.

Background

M.A.D.Editions was launched by Maximilian Büsser as a side project to offer more accessible watches compared to the high-priced MB&F mainline. The first two editions, M.A.D.1 and M.A.D.2, featured highly unconventional designs by Büsser and Eric Giroud, respectively. The M.A.D.3 represents a departure from these avant-garde styles, focusing instead on a more traditional aesthetic while retaining innovative complications. Vincent Calabrese, an 82-year-old watchmaker, is known for his unconventional approaches to time display and co-founded the AHCI in 1985. His Baladin complication, which inspired the M.A.D.3, was designed to make the passage of time more visible and progressive.

How outlets are covering it

Monochrome Watches emphasizes the historical significance of Vincent Calabrese and the technical challenges of adapting his Baladin complication for mass production. Hodinkee notes that the M.A.D.3 is the least original-looking design in the M.A.D.Editions series, describing it as an homage rather than an original creation, but praises its refined finish and wearability. British GQ highlights the contrast between the M.A.D.3's classic appearance and the wild designs of previous editions, suggesting it appeals to a broader audience. Fratello Watches focuses on the collaborative spirit of the project and the technical modifications made to the movement, praising the watch's overall design and functionality. All sources agree on the price, availability, and technical specifications, but differ in their assessment of the design's originality and appeal.

Why it matters

The M.A.D.3 demonstrates MB&F's ability to adapt complex, high-end complications into more accessible formats without compromising on innovation. It also highlights the enduring influence of independent watchmakers like Vincent Calabrese, whose unconventional ideas continue to inspire new designs. The watch's success could indicate a growing market for innovative yet wearable timepieces at a mid-range price point.

What to watch

The raffle for the blue M.A.D.3 has closed, and winners will be notified. The pink version remains exclusive to MB&F's 'Tribe' and friends. Future M.A.D.Editions releases may continue to explore collaborations with other independent watchmakers or designers, potentially introducing new complications or design languages.