Introducing the Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

Founded by William Massena — watch collector, retailer and auctioneer who was at one time the Chief Operating Officer of Antiquorum in Geneva — Massena LAB does its part of transmitting watchmaking culture by developing timepieces in collaboration with independent watchmakers, creating watches that bear the design DNA of iconic watches, reinterpreted for today’s watch-enthusiast community. Its latest effort, the Magraph, is a collaboration with Raúl Pagès, an independent watchmaker, movement designer and watch restorer. In a first for the studio, this collaboration also includes the creation of a proprietary movement, the caliber M660.

Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

The manual-winding caliber M660 beats at 4Hz, with a power reserve of 48 hours. Visible through the exhibition caseback of the Magraph, the M660 features hand-chamfered plates and bridges, decorated with Côtes de Genève. Hidden under the balance wheel, is a poinçon Pagès, a signature of Raúl Pagès, in the silhouette of a tortoise. This is surrounded by perlage.

Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès
Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès
Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

With the release of the Magraph, and with invaluable help from Raúl Pagès, we begin a new chapter for Massena LAB,” said Massena LAB founder William Massena. “Any enthusiast or collector of watches has dreamt to, one day, design their own movement. The debut of the Magraph’s caliber M660, Massena LAB’s first proprietary movement, is the realization of that long-held ambition.”

The dial of the Magraph is a unique and handsome rendition of the classic sector dial, a complement of clear intersecting lines, geometry and color tone that is at once arresting and efficient. According to Massena, the Magraph’s dial is inspired by a mysterious pièce unique that was commissioned by a leading luxury retailer in Berlin in 1933 — a pretty turbulent year in Germany, in stark contrast to the serene clarity of the sector dial. Bearing influences from the Bauhaus school of design that held much sway in 1930s, the Magraph’s dial center is off-white, framed by a circular-grained and rhodium-plated outermost ring, with seconds in a radially grooved subsidiary dial. Hands in heat-blued steel add color and contrast to a dial that does everything right for clear reading of the time.

Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès
Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

The watch is housed in a 38.5mm stainless steel case at a nice case height of just 10mm. Inspired by highly-collectible wristwatches from the 1940s and ’50s, the Magraph is appropriately satin-finished, with polished accents. For straps, the Magraph is fitted with straps made from sustainably-sourced sturgeon skin that is dyed a deep indigo to match the handset, and highlighted with iridescent turquoise accents. They were designed exclusively for Massena LAB by Jean Rousseau.

Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

While the Magraph turns a new page for Massena LAB, courtesy of the company’s first movement collaboration, it is also a first for Raúl Pagès: “The idea of doing a collaboration, my first ever with a brand, was an exciting and rewarding challenge. I am extremely proud to have worked with Massena LAB on the development and creation of the new caliber M660 and the Magraph. And I am excited to finally share it with the world.”

The Magraph Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès will be launched on October 20, 2022, at a price of USD 8,675, exclusively on MassenaLAB.com. Delivery of the timepiece will be on a first-come, first-served basis, starting in December 2022, with approximately 15 to 20 watches produced per month. It includes a two-year guarantee, box, deerskin travel pouch, papers, and a Massena LAB NFC card. In a limited edition of 99 pieces.

Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

Tech Specs

Magraph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

Movement: Manual-winding caliber M660; 48-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Case: 38.5mm; stainless steel
Strap: Sturgeon skin with rubber lining
Price: USD 8,675
Availability: Limited edition of 99 numbered pieces

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