Conceived as an affordable sub-brand of MB&F, M.A.D. Editions has become a runaway success by making an MB&F-esque design accessible. Now the concept has been further refined with the M.A.D.1S, where the suffix stands for slimmer, Swiss, and single cylinder.

The case is thinner by almost 4 mm, and now contains a Swiss-made movement that indicates the time (approximately) on a single cylinder.

Initial thoughts

The original M.A.D.1 was a fun watch that was affordable but expensive, and extremely thick at almost 19 mm. The slimmed down version has sleeker proportions, and the same price tag, but offers comparatively better value.

The M.A.D.1S is priced at CHF2,900, just like the original version. Like the original, the M.A.D.1S is priced well for a watch with a little bit of the MB&F magic, but expensive for a watch of its build and movement. However, the M.A.D.1S is comparatively less expensive, and conversely offers a bit more value, because it has a slightly more upscale movement inside.

Mad but more wearable

Two versions of the M.A.D.1S are available, one with a blue dial and the other in purple. The blue is available to the public, while the purple is only for “Friends & Tribe”, namely associates of the brand and owners of MB&F watches. Both will be sold via an online raffle, as is convention for the M.A.D. watches.

Both editions are otherwise identical, with a case that’s substantially slimmer than the original M.A.D.1. While the original was almost 19 mm high, the M.A.D.1S is a more manageable, but still thick 15 mm.

It shares the same construction and design as its predecessor, with a steel case that has a sapphire crystal on the front and mineral glass around the curved flanks, all held together with adhesive.

Time continues to be indicated via the flank of the watch, but now on a single cylinder with both the hours and minutes that indicates an approximate, rather than exact, time. In contrast, the original had twin cylinders, one each for the hours and minutes, which resulted in a far thicker case and tragically short power reserve.

Besides the time display, another reason for the thinner case is the La Joux-Perret G101. Conceived as a substitute for the ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200, the G101 is a no-frills workhorse with a useful 68-hour power reserve.

It is also relatively low cost, making the G101 a popular choice for micro-brands. Though made in Switzerland by La Joux-Perret, the G101 is based on the construction of a Miyota calibre, which is made by La Joux-Perret’s parent, Citizen of Japan.

Key Facts and Price

MB&F M.A.D.1S

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 15 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire on the front and mineral glass on the flanks
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: La Joux-Perret G101
Functions: Hours and minutes on single cylinder
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 68 hours

Strap: Leather strap with folding clasp

Limited edition: No but purple edition only for “Friends & Tribe”
Availability: Only from M.A.D. Editions raffle open from August 27 to September 2, 204
Price: CHF2,900 excluding taxes

For more, visit the M.A.D. 1 raffle page.