Double Incoming - M.A.D. Red 1 and Seiko Alpinist SPB355J1
This past March I was very fortunate to be one of the lucky few to win the lottery for the opportunity to buy the M.A.D. Red 1. I will likely never own an MB&F watch, but I was ecstatic to own a piece of mechanical art from Max B. & Friends all the same. After winning, paying, came the 8 month wait. A small battle with DHL and it finally arrived today and it brought a guest.
The Red 1 is a tall piece, but at 50mm L2L it’s not as unbearable as one may think. Let’s be honest, it’s not an everyday piece and one I will rarely wear, but still one I will cherish as part of the collection. And for those that have been following the collection, know how much I love red watches. I only unpacked it moments ago, but I look forward to trying it out.
Onto a watch that was much harder to get than I anticipated, the new Seiko EU Exclusive Alpinist SPB355J1. I once owned the Sarb017, but gifted it to a family member. Shortly thereafter they discontinued it and the prices were almost double, so I gave up re-obtaining it since I couldn’t stomach the idea of paying $600+ for a watch I bought for under $300. Then Seiko announced this one. I tried and tried to preorder it, but no AD would sell it since it is supposed to be a EU only piece. Ultimately, I was referred to a dealer in the UK who didn’t care about the exclusivity guidelines. This also happened at the time of the crash of the pound, coupled with a discount code, but it was still a $720+ Alpinist, which two years ago I would have said “oh, hell no” to, but that dial and those blue indices. I will be putting it through the paces this weekend. I haven’t seen anyone share this new Alpinist yet, so figured I share some quick phone shots. I’ll follow up with DSLR macros soon.
Watch enthusiast who insists on the next watch being the last.
Wow I really am interested in that MAD piece, please put up some more photos. It's a big commitment to pop for something like this without being able to sample it.
Shockingly, I was completely unaware of its existence because I've become too lazy to read all of my subscriptions.
Wow I really am interested in that MAD piece, please put up some more photos. It's a big commitment to pop for something like this without being able to sample it.
Shockingly, I was completely unaware of its existence because I've become too lazy to read all of my subscriptions.
Will do John. You are not alone, it is my understanding based on Max B.'s video, about 450 people from a lottery pool of 25K got the opportunity to buy it. I was lucky to be paying attention to the watch news at the time and threw my name in the mix. You are spot on about it being a big commitment, but because of the demand, I knew if I did not care for it (unlikely) I could find someone who would gladly take it and would be unlikely to lose much. It was originally 2600 CHF, so not a small amount, but if you look at Chrono and ebay, they are selling (not asking) for around $9k, which given my real investments this year, this is a nice unrealized increase. As I mentioned, to be able to own a product from Max B, for $2600 is just cool.
Yes also keen to see more pix and hear what you think about it after some time...must be very tempting to sell immediately?
Yes also keen to see more pix and hear what you think about it after some time...must be very tempting to sell immediately?
Will definitely get more pics up, especially of the part that actually tells the time! Luckily this is one that has got a lot of youtube time by owners.
Nah not tempted at all. Very fortunate to not have to worry about keeping overhead while also saving. That said, life happens, so fingers crossed that I am not put in that position!
The Alpinist is so Sultry!
Lucky you!!! Your name on WC is apt. I of course entered and won the email of rejection 😥
The alpinist is a classic as well
for fun, I’ve tried to make my own version of a MAD1
Congrats on both! 🍻 Very happy for you!
The MAD1 is a truly awesome watch to have in the collection - one of my colleagues is even more mad about watches than me and has the most amazing collection. I got to see his first hand (pun intended) and it is a really cool watch.
Hadn't seen that Alpinist before, but it looks like a classic. Seiko just keeps turning them out. Very classy and nice to see something other than the ubiquitous green dial version.
I was drawn into buying this one today...just sent a quick message saying...can you give me a little discount on this one...the answer was yes...so poof! out went the funds...
Sometimes it really feels like the marketing teams at these brands have us figured out...they dangle the shiny object and out jumps our hand to grab it and never let go. 😉
I also pre-ordered the Alpinist, but haven't gotten it yet. Somehow Seiko messed up and didn't send the second strap to the AD, along with the watch.🙄 So now my Alpinist sits with the AD and waits for the strap. Been waiting a little over a week now, since I got the email that the watch had arrived.🤷♂️
Both watches look amazing though, enjoy!
Lucky you!!! Your name on WC is apt. I of course entered and won the email of rejection 😥
The alpinist is a classic as well
for fun, I’ve tried to make my own version of a MAD1
Honestly, I did not think I won and had to find the email in my spam folder. I would love to see what you are making.
Congrats on both! 🍻 Very happy for you!
The MAD1 is a truly awesome watch to have in the collection - one of my colleagues is even more mad about watches than me and has the most amazing collection. I got to see his first hand (pun intended) and it is a really cool watch.
Hadn't seen that Alpinist before, but it looks like a classic. Seiko just keeps turning them out. Very classy and nice to see something other than the ubiquitous green dial version.
I was drawn into buying this one today...just sent a quick message saying...can you give me a little discount on this one...the answer was yes...so poof! out went the funds...
Sometimes it really feels like the marketing teams at these brands have us figured out...they dangle the shiny object and out jumps our hand to grab it and never let go. 😉
Mel, that SuperCub is awesome. So awesome, it has me thinking of getting the actual SuperCub. Wish Honda made it in other colors.
I almost thought I may get a triple, but sounds like we will not see our new Farers until next week.
I also pre-ordered the Alpinist, but haven't gotten it yet. Somehow Seiko messed up and didn't send the second strap to the AD, along with the watch.🙄 So now my Alpinist sits with the AD and waits for the strap. Been waiting a little over a week now, since I got the email that the watch had arrived.🤷♂️
Both watches look amazing though, enjoy!
Oh wow, that stinks Kim. Hopefully soon. You are going to love it.
Oh wow, that stinks Kim. Hopefully soon. You are going to love it.
Thanks, I believe so too. Hoping for delivery next week. Fingers crossed.🤞
Dayum!!! Amazing watch! Congrats!
Mel, that SuperCub is awesome. So awesome, it has me thinking of getting the actual SuperCub. Wish Honda made it in other colors.
I almost thought I may get a triple, but sounds like we will not see our new Farers until next week.
Yes - looks like Monday or Tuesday for the Meredith - next week should be fun!!
I'll be looking for your WRUW shot 🍻
Good pick ups on both. I’m really interested in that Alpinist, as that dial looks straight up Grand Seiko! And the Mad 1 is quirky but cool. And going for 8k plus on the used market!
For those interested, the Alpinist apparently comes with straps large enough for a Sumo wrestler. As it stands the strap almost fully comes back around on my 6.5” wrist, so they have to go. Great chance to order a strap from my etsy favorites.
It is an interesting thought and I can get behind the logic, but I believe 6 1/2“ is the average human wrist size. I swear this strap would look large on a 7” wrist.
Enjoy the M.A.D. love it!
Enjoy the M.A.D. love it!
Thank you. It’s a cool piece of engineering, though a little bulky to wear.
MAD faq page says delivery between March - December 2023. Have you got your watch yet ?
MAD faq page says delivery between March - December 2023. Have you got your watch yet ?
I believe the new delivery is the recent batch. I was lucky to get mine last year.