M.A.D.Gallery and Frank Buchwald Illuminate 15 Year Celebration with Mechanical Masterpiece: The ML15 Helios Watch

When Maximilian Büsser opened the first M.A.D.Gallery doors in the Geneva Old Town, 2011, he envisioned a space beyond conventional retail, an area where the intricate mechanics of MB&F could be appreciated in a greater artistic sphere. Fast forward 15 years, this vision has blossomed into a global podium for mechanical art, marking its anniversary with a special unveiling by esteemed German artist Frank Buchwald: the ML15 Helios Watch. Early into the journey, Büsser learned that the conventional approach to selling watches didn’t suffice for the ‘Horological Machines’ produced by MB&F. These kinetic, three-dimensional pieces were closer to miniature mechanical sculptures than simply wristwatches. As he sought a fitting environment, the refusal from contemporary art galleries to display his pieces didn’t deter him. Instead, he built an exclusive concept: the M.A.D.Gallery, an acronym for ‘Mechanical Art Devices’. From showcasing MB&F watches to featuring kinetic sculptures and other mechanical artworks, this gallery blurred the line between engineering and art. Collaborations with artists like Japanese mechanical sculptor Chicara Nagata and creative studio Laikingland helped create the gallery’s distinct persona. Over time, the Gallery grew into a hub for independent creators and collectors captivated by mechanical narrative. Today, the concept reaches beyond Geneva, spanning to Dubai, and smaller extensions branded as ‘MB&F Labs’ located in Taipei, Singapore, Paris, Beverly Hills, and Menlo Park. A key artist closely associated with the gallery since its inception is Berlin-based artist, Frank Buchwald. Appreciating his retro-futuristic ‘Machine Lights’, Büsser noticed a strong synergy between Buchwald’s work and MB&F’s mechanical philosophy. The subsequent collaboration helped establish the aesthetic language that M.A.D.Gallery continues to radiate today. To commemorate the 15th anniversary, Buchwald conceptualized the ML15 Helios, an exclusive limited edition piece embodying both technological and organic aspects. The sculpture imagines a mechanical sun with a purposeful stance, featuring a central spherical lamp surrounded by a luminous ring echoing a solar corona. Capturing the spirit of a futuristic machine and optical instrument, the ML15 Helios signifies M.A.D. Gallery’s vibrant 15-year journey of bringing art and mechanics into an eloquent conversation.