Watches Wednesday: All About MAD Paris
You might have come across several high end watches and jewellery that look exactly the same as those pieces from renowned brands, like Patek Philippe, Cartier, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and the like, except with minor adjustments that probably have you going, “hey, I didn’t know these brands did it in such variations! Are these extremely rare limited editions?” Unless they’re counterfeits or replicas, they’re probably the work of MAD Paris.
What’s MAD Paris? Founded 10 years ago, MAD Paris is actually a Paris-based design studio that specialises in customising luxury watches and jewellery. Their signature creations are usually coated in black by adding a carbon layer on top of the original watch (though not always the case), thus making it look like carbon DLC/ADLC editions of the iconic timepieces, and set with precious stones. Usually working with steel, but sometimes, they also work with ceramic, gold, titanium, or carbon timepieces, this addition of a carbon layer coating is a process that they do completely by hand, and can take weeks to complete because the timepiece has to be completely disassembled. And, if you’re itching to get your precious watch customised, this may take up to 10 weeks. Once complete, the watch’s dial would also bear the “MAD” brand/logo, which is all good because artists SHOULD be credited for their work and craft. If you’re not one who can wait out that 10 weeks even though it can be customised exactly to your specifications, whims, and desires, then there are also readily customised pieces available for sale. It’s no wonder that many a celebrity (they’re also very private about their clientele, which is a big plus!) have had these folks at MAD Paris deck up their watches, because with that, it’s a truly unique one-of-a-kind piece that no one else has.
Sure, these may up the cool factor of your timepiece significantly, but the biggest drawback about handing your watch or piece of jewellery over to MAD Paris, is that you’d be tampering with your warranty-approved timepiece. And because of this, it’s always perceived as something that ain’t a good thing, from the perspective of any luxury horologer because once you’ve customised your item, not only is the warranty void, but the piece in question, regardless whether fine jewellery or watch, would be considered as a counterfeit. Also, imagine not being able to get your watch fixed or serviced periodically, because such pieces wouldn’t be accepted. And, if one fine day you decide to sell it, for whatever reasons, in order to be resold, you can probably only sell it to someone who really loves blinged out or customised watches, or well… a rapper. You could get it stripped of its precious stones or diamonds that were not part of its original design, but if you get a blacked out version, then, it’s going to be real tough stripping the carbon layer coating off.
Personally, MAD Paris watches are super cool and street style worthy, but would you actually want to pay so much more for something that would invalidate the original warranty from the Manufacture? Some food for thought right there. But, if you don’t mind this, then go right on ahead and do so! 😉 Here are some readily-available MAD Paris creations which can be purchased immediately:
