Magraph by MASSENA LAB and RAÚL PAGÈS – A Perfect Collaboration

Having previously collaborated with acclaimed names such as MING, LOUIS ERARD, and the increasingly beloved HABRING², MASSENA LAB may still remain unfamiliar to some collectors. The brand tends to focus more on collaborative projects than on promoting its own standalone creations. Yet this does not mean its watches lack merit or identity.

In 2022, the Uni-Racer Safari received a GPHG nomination in the Challenge category — the equivalent of an “Oscar” nod in the watchmaking world — marking a key milestone in MASSENA LAB’s evolution from concept collaborations to serious independent production.

Their latest partnership with independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès has yielded both a new proprietary movement, the M660, and a new model, aptly named Magraph.

Design and Casework

The stainless-steel case measures 38.5 mm in diameter, echoing the refined proportions of 1940s–1950s dress watches. The mirror-polished top surfaces—including the bezel and the four lug facets—contrast beautifully with the vertically brushed case flanks.

The pill-shaped crown features deep grooves for secure grip, while double anti-reflective sapphire crystals (front and back) ensure clear visibility. The watch is fitted with a 20 mm calfskin strap, custom-made for MASSENA LAB by Jean Rousseau, the Parisian atelier renowned for fine leather craftsmanship.

Dial and Aesthetics

This time, MASSENA LAB ventures into sector dial territory. The dial features a matte eggshell-white lacquer finish, contrasted by sharply printed black markers and text.

The minute track is noticeably broader than on traditional sector dials, finished with circular brushing, and features elongated minute indices for added precision.

The highlight, however, lies in the blued feuille (leaf-shaped) hands, elegantly long and perfectly proportioned. The small seconds subdial—also blued—features circular guilloché decoration and a crosshair motif, adding a classical touch.

Movement and Finishing

The star of the show is visible through the exhibition back: the hand-wound caliber M660, developed in collaboration with Raúl Pagès.

Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 21 jewels, it offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The movement finishing is exceptional: anglage (hand-beveled edges), circular graining, Côtes de Genève striping, and polished screws—executed in the traditional Swiss haute horlogerie manner.

The caliber is also adjusted to chronometer-grade precision, underscoring the seriousness of the project.

Production and Pricing

The Magraph was opened for pre-order in December 2024, priced at USD 8,675, and limited to only 99 pieces worldwide.

For more details, visit MASSENA LAB’s official website.