It’s been two years since we saw the first collaboration between Massena LAB and watchmaker Raúl Pagès in a watch dubbed the Magraph, and this week we get the sequel in the Absinthe. The new watch picks up on some new themes compared to the original, making use of an observatory dial similar to what we saw in their collaboration with Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. The look takes inspiration from the Patek Philippe reference 2458, a piece unique made for the American collector J.B. Champion in 1953. It’s a look that translates well to the modern interpretation presented by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès, and features an equally compelling view around the back.
The Absinthe, so named for the (in)famous Swiss spirit, features a vertically brushed rich green dial reminiscent of what you’ll see in a well prepared glass of its namesake. However, its inspiration is noted as being from the “green hills of Scotland and Ireland to Lake Carezza in Italy”. The color fades into darker tones at the dial’s perimeter, pushing the focal point inward in the process. Concentric rings define the sub dial at 9 o’clock which hosts the running seconds, while the opposite position gets the ‘Observatory – Precision’ presented in circular fashion to bring symmetry to the dial at a glance.
The faceted hour markers with small circular plots marking each minute are joined by leaf shaped hands, all of which recall the reference 2458. The dial is set within a 38.5mm steel case that gets a mix of polished and brushed surfaces, and uses a more traditional lug design than the Patek upon which it’s based. The overall effect is quite beautiful, particularly in the way color has been introduced to this formula. The original design seems to have a bit of levity in its layout, and the color used here only amplifies that.
Inside the watch you’ll find the M690 caliber, which is an evolution of the M660 caliber seen in the Magraph. The design and architecture comes from Massena and Raúl Pagès, while production is handled by “a small network of Swiss watchmakers”. The plates get broad Côtes de Genève finishing, and the Raúl Pagès poinçon can be found under the balance. I appreciate the transparency here in acknowledging that Pagès himself is not handling the movement production or decoration, and the price reflects that fact.
Buyers of the Absinthe will be given the option to have their watch undergo chronometry testing through the HSNY Chronometer Certification Program for the cost of $300, which comes with a certificate documenting the results of the testing. The HSNY began their Chronometer Certification Program in 2021 as a resource for small and independent watchmakers to certify their movements. Massena LAB was a partner right off the bat, with their Habring collaboration serving as a launch subject.
The Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès Absinthe is limited to 99 pieces, and the pre-order is open now. The price is set at $8,675, and a $2,000 deposit is required for pre-order. Massena LAB // Raúl Pagès