MB&F’s M.A.D. Gallery marks its 15th anniversary with Martin Smith’s Solar Orbiter Watch Winder.
Limited to 10 pieces, crafted from 300 handmade parts with interchangeable elements.
Functions as both a kinetic sculpture and a horological accessory, celebrating mechanical art.
Continuing the vibrant celebrations for its 15th anniversary, MB&F’s M.A.D. Gallery has unveiled its second commemorative creation: the Solar Orbiter Watch Winder by British designer Martin Smith. Smith holds a special place in the gallery’s history as one of its pioneering contributors, originally collaborating alongside engineer Nick Regan under the creative label Laikingland. Known for bringing a playful, kinetic spirit to the gallery through humorous and whimsical mechanical sculptures like “The Applause Machine,” Smith returns to honor the M.A.D. Gallery’s 15 journeys around the sun with this striking new piece.
Standing 60cm tall and crafted from over 300 handmade components in steel, aluminum, brass and carved wood, the Solar Orbiter is both a functional watch winder and a mesmerizing mechanical sculpture. Its interchangeable heart, hand and star elements nod to Smith’s earlier works, while its chaotic yet sophisticated construction recalls the spirit of the Eames Solar Do‑Nothing Machine. Powered by custom electronics, the winder operates in silence and offers adjustable winding speeds, reinforcing its dual identity as both horological accessory and kinetic art.
Each Solar Orbiter is delivered in a bespoke wooden crate featuring a screen‑printed design of the sculpture, accompanied by a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. With only 10 pieces available, the Solar Orbiter stands as a rare collector’s item that embodies MB&F’s vision of horology as art. For more information, visit M.A.D. Gallery’s official website.
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Zoe Leung is a Senior Editor at Hypebeast, where she has been shaping the publication’s coverage of horology, art, design, and culture since 2023. Her extensive watch reporting spans exclusive manufacture visits with Maisons like Zenith, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Grand Seiko, as well as insightful conversations with industry leaders and artisans. Beyond watches, she regularly spotlights international creatives and cultural phenomena, utilizing her knowledge of global music and entertainment subcultures to deliver narratives that explore the worldwide influence of contemporary visual storytelling and cross-cultural artistry.
