MB&F's M.A.D.3 Reimagines Vincent Calabrese's Baladin for Mass Production

Key points

• The M.A.D.3 is the third release in MB&F's M.A.D. Editions series, priced at CHF 2,900 (approx. $3,600).
• It is a modern reinterpretation of Vincent Calabrese's Baladin, featuring a wandering jump-hour complication that moves gradually rather than instantly.
• The watch uses a customized La Joux-Perret G111 movement with a 55-hour power reserve and a 40mm stainless steel case designed by Eric Giroud.
• Two colorways are offered: a blue dial available via public raffle and a raspberry pink dial reserved for MB&F's 'Tribe and Friends'.
• The raffle for the blue version runs from September 1 to September 7, 2026.

Background

The M.A.D. Editions line was introduced by MB&F to offer more accessible prices compared to their main high-end collections. The first two editions, designed by Max Büsser and Eric Giroud respectively, established the brand's strategy of using raffles for public sales and invitations for loyal customers. Vincent Calabrese, the subject of this third edition, is a legendary independent watchmaker and co-founder of the AHCI, known for innovations like the Corum Golden Bridge. Previous archive coverage noted that the M.A.D.3 was anticipated as a significant collaboration that bridges Calabrese's artisanal history with modern mass-production capabilities.

How outlets are covering it

Hodinkee emphasizes the watch's wearability and conventional appearance compared to previous M.A.D. releases, noting it is the least 'original-looking' but highly refined. Oracle Time highlights the technical challenges of adapting Calabrese's original mechanism for modern production, stressing the need for tighter tolerances to ensure longevity. Revolution Watch focuses on the philosophical alignment between Calabrese and MB&F, praising the brand's courage to deviate from traditional watchmaking norms. All sources agree on the pricing and the distinction between the raffle and invitation-only colorways, but Hodinkee offers the most critical view on the design's departure from the brand's usual avant-garde style, while the others frame it as a successful tribute.

Why it matters

The M.A.D.3 demonstrates MB&F's ability to translate historic, complex complications into affordable, mass-produced timepieces without sacrificing the brand's innovative spirit. It validates the M.A.D. Editions strategy as a platform for diverse design languages rather than a single aesthetic, potentially broadening the brand's consumer base while maintaining its reputation for technical excellence.

What to watch

The public raffle for the blue M.A.D.3 closes on September 7, 2026. Winners will be notified shortly after, with delivery expected in the coming months. MB&F may introduce further editions or special releases for those who missed previous raffles, similar to the M.A.D.2 REDemption.