The Black Sheep: Mad Paris
Customizing canonical watches is a 'big no.' At least, that is what we learned. I understand why some don't like changing their watches—it alters the image of the watch. However, if the owner of the watch likes it, then what do we have to say? It is their watch at the end of the day.
As a watch enthusiast myself, I have mixed feelings when it comes to altering luxury watches, but wearing a one-of-a-kind watch, created or personalized just for you, is something special. You get to own a piece that no one else has or can get. Yes, some brands offer this service to their best clients, but what if you want something a bit different—something these companies do not offer?
Mad Paris offers you a solution. Founded in 2012, MAD Paris provides high-end customization services that transform luxury watches into one-of-a-kind pieces. Their team of craftsmen and designers ensures that each piece is a true work of art, making sure that they create the watch their client dreams of. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at MAD Paris, their customization process, and three of their unique designs.
The personalization process starts with the owner selecting a base watch from one of the top luxury brands. Once the client selects the watch, the team at MAD Paris begins the customization process. The design has only one limit: the dimensions of the watch. Clients are offered options of adding unique dial designs, color schemes, case finishes, and many more. MAD Paris offers bespoke services, which means that each piece is uniquely customized to the owner's specifications.
MAD Creations
The first piece we want to highlight is this customized Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. This watch is customized with a black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, giving it a stealthy appearance that makes it stand out from the crowd. The watch is designed with a black dial and black ceramic hour markers. It is similar to the new black ceramic Royal Oaks, but the DLC finishing, linked with all black details, makes this watch a real MAD piece in our eyes.
MAD preferred to use 15400ST as its base for this creation, which enabled them to use the lines of the AP masterpiece while changing the spirit of the watch. That is what makes MAD so special, at least for me: they can change how a piece looks and what it stands for without altering the beauty of the watch.
The second piece we want to focus on is a Patek Philippe Nautilus with a custom emerald-set, well, everything. MAD decided to cover this piece in DLC as well, but also added emeralds to the bezel, dial, and bracelet. This stunning creation gets its base from a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726 and seamlessly incorporates the DLC cover and emerald details into the perpetual calendar of the timepiece.
The piece was created for Drake and was commissioned by Virgil Abloh, as a gift. You might say that MAD butchered a horological masterpiece by covering it in DLC and a bunch of emeralds, and we can talk about this down in the comments; however, one thing is for sure, this watch will catch light. That is great because it is made for that sake. It is a statement piece, granted not a very silent one like the previous AP, yet it is a statement piece.
The final piece we want to take a closer look at is probably MAD's most famous creation. You probably have seen it, either on your explore page, in a video, or in a group chat filled with watch enthusiasts. It is the Rolex Milgauss Colette X MAD Paris edition. The watch, named 'Who Cares,' is based on a Rolex Milgauss and is limited to 5 pieces. Unlike the two previous pieces, this time MAD did not cover the watch in DLC (Influence of Colette? A question to think about), but instead changed the dial drastically.
We've seen watches with numbers not following order, but having all of the hour markers at the bottom has never been seen before. I will go as far as to say that this design decision is so drastic that the watchmaker who put this watch together probably questioned his work. It doesn't end there, though; MAD and Colette decided to add text to the dial that reads, "Who cares. I'm already late." This design is weird; it is against the very foundation of watchmaking: enabling owners to read the time.
But it works. Actually, it works so well that I hate it. It is an ingenious touch, an amazing show of creativity. The color choices, the way the text is written, the angle at which the numbers are tilted—it all works. However, there is one element that brings it all together: the blue lightning seconds hand. MAD has done it again, integrating the design of the factory watch with their imagination and creativity.
MAD Paris has established itself as a leader in luxury watch customization services. The company has made it possible for individuals to own a truly unique timepiece that reflects their personal style and taste. Their bespoke services, coupled with their attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, have cemented their position as one of the best in the business. Each piece designed and created with the customer's specifications in mind. Whether you are a watch enthusiast, a high-net-worth individual, or someone interested in investing in watches, MAD Paris is the place to go for the ultimate custom piece. Visit their website to explore more about MAD Paris.
Owning a MAD Paris customized watch is not just a status symbol; it is a personal statement. When you own a custom piece from MAD Paris, you are owning something that is uniquely yours. It is an investment that is made to your specific tastes and will become a treasured piece in your collection. Beyond that, it is a reflection of your personal style and can become a conversation starter among watch enthusiasts.
