Independents

Fastwong
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M.A.D. 1 Arrived!

Have had little time to enjoy watches or much of anything else these last few months due to work so it was a super fun break from the ordinary to hear that a little luck came my way in the latest M.A.D. 1 lottery! I was a huge fan of the lottery model introduced with the red launch, loved that the team responded to all the entrants win or lose, and enjoyed the experience even if I didn't get a watch after all the excitement. This time I wasn't getting my hopes up to the point that I actually forgot about it entirely so when I got the email it was that much more of a surprise when it happened. I think how MB&F has approached this whole sales model is a great thing and while this isn't the answer for every brand, the industry as a whole still needs to figure out how to manage access to their watches for the next generation of collectors / enthusiasts and at least for the M.A.D. watches, I think this really works to create enthusiasm without alienating anyone.




As for the watch, I'm enjoying it way way more than I thought I would! Fun / $ is off the charts with the M.A.D. 1 with design, quality of manufacture, buying experience, all of it way beyond what I think anyone is delivering at this price. In person all the high polished facets and angles make for a ton of light play, the red is darker and more subtle than in many pictures in a good way, and there are little thoughtfully polished bits and angles that are unexpected. The case finishing is surprisingly good, the watch feels very solid for being a sapphire hockey puck, and the fit with the down turned lugs allows it to follow the wrist like a curved caseback. I did think the height of the watch would be an issue but it isn't and somehow wears smaller than I expected. If I had to gripe, the strap leaves some to be desired and reading the time is still tough even after a few weeks of daily wear but I don't care.

The absolute best part is this is a fun watch to share with others. While I would prefer to go entirely unnoticed most of the time while wearing a more expensive watch, this one can be loud, attract attention, and is totally a fun thing to share with others both watch and non-watch people alike. This absolutely feels like a unicorn but I hope we see more watches from M.A.D. and other brands that can bring this level of value as far as design, build quality, and fun to the hobby.