A collab in the high spheres of creativity
MB&F, driven by a passion to fuse art and watchmaking, unveil their latest creation: the M.A.D.1 ‘Time to Love’. This collaboration between MB&F and the brilliant artist-fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is a 999-piece limited edition timepiece, a bold combination of technology and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s colourful and unmistakable style. As always, de Castelbajac expertly balances extravagance with primary colours.
The M.A.D.1 ‘Time to Love’ is a eulogy by Maximilian Büsser –MB&F’s charismatic founder – for Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and his body of work, which emphasizes de Castelbajac’s endless creativity and his ability to reinvent himself over the years. At 74, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s message of hope and love is present in his creations, now more than ever, transmitting the timeless values of freedom and love to the next generations. He truly is the youngest of us all – probably the most irreverent and creative too. His work brings on pause and reflection. Nothing is the result of chance, each detail is cleverly thought out, every brush stroke, every colour, every calligraphied word feels right, clear, and natural.
The very avant-garde Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is renowned for his anti-conventional approach to art, blazing a new trail, and defying our idea of ‘normalcy’. His collaborations with Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, as well as his daring fashion designs like the teddy bear coat he created for Madonna or his outfits for Pope Jean-Paul II, are a testimony to his overflowing imagination and his lasting influence in the worlds of advertising, art, and fashion.
For this special edition of the M.A.D.1 model, de Castelbajac takes the three primary colours and turns them into the twirling wings of an angel. Each one – red, yellow, and blue – representing passion, fraternity, and hope respectively. This watch’s design features an innovative rotor, which has one blade slightly heavier than the others making it perfect for the pinwheel to rotate with even the most delicate flick of the wrist. Beneath the spinning dial, like a secret signature, there is an inspirational quote from Jean-Charles de Castelbajac about time and its essence.
Every detail on this timepiece, from the dial to the interchangeable black or white straps are an intimate expression of the artist’s philosophy and commitment to a supremely personal form of art. A unique engraving adorns the crown, which represents an angel speaking to the Moon – a poetic and symbolic touch.
One must give credit where credit is due: few artists have an unmistakable style, one that is immediately recognizable. This characterises the work of great artists, like de Castelbajac, whose works stand the test of time. Indeed, defying time is the motto of this new MB&F watch. Although it doesn’t give time, it confers a unique style. Better yet, this work of art expresses your love for creators who have changed the way we see the world. It displays your passion for an unorthodox path to liberation.
In a spirit of both community and exclusiveness, MB&F has reserved half of the watches for members of The Tribe and its partners, while simultaneously making the other half available for all the watch fanatics out there. These watches are available via a lottery, giving everyone an equal chance to grab one of these rare and extraordinary timepieces.
The M.A.D.1 ‘Time to Love’ is in equal parts a work of high watchmaking and a collaborative effort between two brilliant creative minds.
CHF 3,200 (excluding VAT).
The raffle will be open until April 17th, 2024.
To participate in the M.A.D. 1 ‘Time to Love’ raffle, click the link below and follow the steps to sign-up: