Noctograph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès

The Midnight Mechanism

PRESS RELEASE | 578 WORDS | 5 MINUTE READ

Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès return to unveil a new chapter of collaboration: the Noctograph, a limited-edition wristwatch with a mysterious, midnight-hued dial powered by their proprietary movement.

Image courtesy - Massena LAB

Noctograph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès, a wristwatch with a serene dial, elegant stainless steel case, and a proprietary movement designed by Massena LAB in collaboration with the independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès.

The third collaboration between Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès, the Noctograph is their first joint release following the March 2025 launch of the Raúl Pagès RP2, a three-hand timepiece with a minimalist, white dial and powered by a hand-finished movement from the watchmaker himself.

The Noctograph represents a synthesis of Raul Pagès’ distinctive aesthetic, melding the sublime minimalism exemplified by his RP2 with the classical and historical influences referenced by William Massena and Massena LAB. This fusion can be observed on the dial of the Noctograph, which is characterized by a prominent mainplate in a dark and curious shade of blue. Shifting in the light, the dial–which has been vertically brushed for visual interest–changes color from slate to petrol to deep midnight. Looking closely at the mainplate, sharp-eyed observers will note the subtle “Massena” signature, carefully engraved into the deep blue surface at 4 o’clock, recalling the faint ghost signature of Raúl Pagès on the RP2.

Surrounding the clean, blue dial is a bright chapter ring plated with rhodium and radially brushed. This outer section is marked with a fine, black railroad track showing the hours and minutes. At six o’clock, a second scale frames the small seconds counter, which is subtly sunken below the main dial for added depth. Floating above the dial, slightly reflecting off its brushed surface, are a pair of elegant feuille hands in stainless steel. Drawing inspiration from watches of the 1930s to the 1950s, these classic touches create a harmonious contrast with the dial’s more modernist elements, effortlessly blending the Massena and Pagès aesthetics.

Powering the Noctograph by Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès is the caliber M660, a manual-winding, Swiss-made movement with hand-finishing and a power reserve of 60 hours. Visible through its sapphire crystal caseback, the M660 features a broad plate with Côtes de Genève finishing as well as hand-chamfered plates and bridges. Taking the form of a tortoise (recalling his much celebrated automaton), Raúl Pagès’ signature, the poinçon Pagès, is tucked under the caliber’s balance wheel. Carefully framing the poinçon are overlapping decorative circles of perlage.

As with prior releases featuring the M660, this level of finishing demands an elevated blend of artistry and skill, typically reserved for timepieces commanding three times the price. While Pagès personally oversees and directs the production of the M660, the execution of his vision is entrusted to a select group of Swiss watchmakers, as Pagès himself does not engage directly in the production or decoration of the movement as he would in the creation of his own timepieces.

The Noctograph is housed in a 38.5mm stainless steel case with architecture inspired by dress watches from the 1940s and 50s. The case is brushed on its sides with polishing on its lugs and bezel for a spectacular finish. The watch is fitted with a leather strap in dove grey which is handmade in Italy for Massena LAB and fitted with a newly designed, stainless steel Massena LAB signature buckle.

Launching on April 29, 2025 on MassenaLAB.com, the watch is available for purchase for US $8,875.

For further information visit massenalab.com, pageswatches.com