August 29, 2025
MB&F’s M.A.D.Editions has released its collaboration with artist Yinka Ilori, the M.A.D.1S ‘Grow Your Dreams’ collection. With a price tag of 3,200 CHF (approximately $3,970 USD), this trio of vibrant, limited-edition watches demands a serious look from any discerning buyer. The central question is clear: does this avant-garde timepiece deliver true value, or is it a novelty purchase for a select few?
The Verdict: A Breakdown of Pros and Cons
To assess its value, we need an objective look at what this watch offers.
Pros:
- Mechanical Pedigree: It uses a Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, a solid and reliable engine mounted upside down for its signature top-side rotor display.
- Exceptional Design: The collaboration with Yinka Ilori creates a truly unique and artistic statement piece. From the titanium rotor to the custom numerals, it’s a wearable piece of kinetic art.
- Exclusivity: With only 400 units of each colorway, its limited nature adds to its collector appeal.
Cons:
- Niche Aesthetics: The vibrant, multi-colored design is striking but highly divisive and lacks everyday versatility.
- Practical Limitations: A water resistance of only 30 meters means it’s not built for much more than daily wear and brief splashes.
- Acquisition Hurdle: A raffle system and priority for existing clients make it difficult to purchase, even if you have the funds.
Positioning in the Market
At nearly $4,000, the M.A.D.1S ‘Grow Your Dreams’ competes against established luxury players offering more traditional, robust watches. However, its value isn’t in conventional watchmaking. Its unique proposition is offering a sliver of the MB&F “horological machine” philosophy at an accessible price point. It’s less a direct competitor to a tool watch and more an alternative to other design-forward or art-focused brands, but with a stronger mechanical backstory.
Final Recommendation: Who Is This For?
This watch is not for the first-time luxury buyer seeking a single, do-it-all timepiece. Instead, the M.A.D.1S ‘Grow Your Dreams’ is an excellent purchase for the seasoned collector who wants a fun, expressive weekend watch or for an art enthusiast who values the Yinka Ilori collaboration. If you appreciate horology as art and want a conversation starter that defies convention, this watch offers compelling value. For everyone else, that $4,000 is likely better invested in a more versatile classic.
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