Inside MB&F’s Watchmaking “M.A.D. House”
In a captivating episode of “60 Minutes,” viewers are granted a rare look inside the M.A.D. House, the creative sanctuary of MB&F — an innovative horology company led by CEO Max Büsser. Nestled near the serene shores of Lake Geneva, this once-private residence has transformed into a vibrant workshop where mesmerizing designs come to life through the hands of a select team of master watchmakers and visionary designers.
The segment showcases not only the intricate craftsmanship that defines MB&F’s ethos but also the inspirational environment that fuels their creativity. Each timepiece embodies a story, merging artistry with cutting-edge technology, resulting in pieces that are truly unique. Büsser’s passion for watchmaking shines through the carefully curated innovations that push the boundaries of traditional horology.
“60 Minutes,” renowned for its hard-hitting investigative journalism and prominent profiles, has spotlighted this extraordinary venture, further cementing its legacy as a leading broadcast since its inception in 1968. Join us as we dive deep into the meticulous world of MB&F and celebrate the artistry of watchmaking like never before.
For more insights and exclusive content, subscribe to the “60 Minutes” YouTube channel and explore full episodes at CBS News. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of M.A.D. House!
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Video “Inside MB&F's watchmaking “M.A.D. House”” was uploaded on 12/08/2025 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes




































Happy 57th anniversary 60 minutes, still my favorite news show of all time. 🎉
Cool, but I have never been able to wear a watch. Every watch I wear stops working, is there something wrong with me.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars na more like Millions
At a time where people are looking their jobs, the cost of living is going up, and good paying jobs are becoming more and more scarce.
Max is a legend. His passion is contagious; it's always a pleasure to hear him.
If only more manufacters built items that last for generations
Stupid watches. Tells the same time as my 5 dollar watch. 😂
They talking about invention, not about the problem in America 😡👊! That’s why I did not watch lately 😂😂😂
WIS uniting here
Has anyone seen the movie Cronos by Del Toro 😂
Max is incredible salesman and story teller and vey likeable. That's a major part of MB&F success.
Beautiful watches. I would rather buy these than Rolex or other expensive brands. I’ll get one in one day … 😊
Like some of his watches. Really cool. Of course extremely unique.
I love their watches. Wish i could afford one
0:02 Introduction to 60 Minutes Overtime
0:06 The demand for reliability in mechanical timepieces
0:10 Watches built to last for future generations
0:18 Creative responsibility balanced with humility
0:28 Introduction to the story on handcrafted Swiss watches
0:34 Max Büsser described as a mad scientist of watchmaking
0:42 His creations as art pieces that also tell time
0:47 Touring the 1907 house-turned-workshop
0:54 Entering the workshops known as “The Madhouse”
0:58 Describing Max as an eccentric Swiss engineer
1:03 The Madhouse as the imagined workspace come to life
1:06 Blend of centuries-old methods with modern tech
1:13 Tools from the 1600–1700s alongside high-tech systems
1:19 Max translating ideas into models through software
1:22 Introducing Tomar, who worked 3,000 hours on one machine
1:37 The long development process and dedication
1:40 Max beginning with “a cool idea”
1:45 From 3D design to tangible mechanical identity
1:54 Extreme precision and microscopic components
2:06 Crafting components for 12–18 months
2:13 Watches with over 600 components
2:17 Assembly phase lasting about three weeks
2:23 Watchmaker winding the piece to begin its heartbeat
2:33 The symbolic “birth” after many months
2:39 The motor and heartbeat coming to life
2:41 Seven-year journey from concept to completed watch
2:51 No sense of urgency in the crafting process
2:56 Priority on doing it right, no matter how long
3:00 Inviting a closer look through a loupe
3:05 Max as an engineer who rejects conventional business models
3:13 His shop run more like an art studio than a corporation
3:19 Efficiency and output not the priority
3:27 Business approach compared to an MFA style, not MBA
3:31 Introduction of Horological Machine No. 1
3:36 His preference for calling them “horological machines”
3:42 Watches conceived as artistic, not practical
3:47 Rejecting the idea of traditional functional devices
3:50 Introduction of HM11 “The Architect”
3:57 Inspiration from postmodernist architecture
4:03 A house concept with four function rooms
4:14 Room for hours and minutes
4:18 Room for power reserve indicator
4:24 Room for a crafted mechanical thermometer
4:32 Fourth room housing the crown with visible movement
4:39 Winding the watch by turning the case
4:47 Five-year journey from idea to wrist
4:54 Complexity of the movement and 92-component case
4:59 Max’s obsession with balance wheels
5:08 Self-described “balance wheel fetishist”
5:12 Balance wheel as the hidden heart of a watch
5:20 Desire to showcase the balance wheel externally
5:25 Introduction of Legacy Machine No. 1 (2011)
5:32 First use of a flying balance wheel
5:37 Wearable visual heartbeat
5:40 Mesmerizing kinetic movement on the wrist
5:46 Watches priced in the hundreds of thousands
5:51 Max’s frustration with buyers treating watches as investments
5:56 Acknowledging the high prices
6:01 Desire for emotional connection akin to fine art
Max has convinced buyers to buy his watches. He reminds me of Steve Jobs when I hear him speak.
🔥
I still wanna see them combine the analog with automatic, like spring drive for casio. Kinetic automatic movement but in a casio module. they would do that right.
Great to see MB&F on 60Minutes, good work everyone!
"Don't take yourself too seriously!" Awesome
no money in the world has ever bought one single second of time.
#CRAFTSMANSHIP & LEGACY.
*PEACE
So well deserved for Max and his team (and his madness) to be futured in 60 minutes! A masterpiece in creativity.
HM1!! God tier
I don't like the the design.. just no aesthetics.
Jaeger Lecoultre atmos clock at 2:46?
These watches are masterpieces!
Max even came out with a more affordable series M.A.D. that are much less.