Fresh from launching his second production timepiece—the long-awaited RP2 with detente escapement—independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès returns with a more accessible offering through his third collaboration with Massena LAB.
The Noctograph limited edition continues the partnership’s tradition of blending vintage aesthetics with modern horology while creating a more attainable entry point to Pagès’ distinctive watchmaking philosophy.
Vintage-Inspired Elegance With Contemporary Watchmaking
Drawing inspiration from timepieces of the 1930s to 1950s, the Noctograph features a vertically brushed midnight blue dial that recalls the Absinthe model but with significantly enhanced depth.
A raised rhodium-plated chapter ring, also vertically brushed, hovers above the main dial surface and carries a dark blue minutes track. At six o’clock, a metallic ring encircles a sunken small seconds subdial with complementary sector markers and a heat-blued hand—a subtle yet sophisticated detail that elevates the overall design.
Observers with keen eyes will notice the ghost-engraved “Massena” signature outside the subdial, echoing Pagès’ practice on his own timepieces. Polished leaf hands for hours and minutes complete the harmonious composition.
The dial is framed by a concave bezel set into a 38.5mm stainless steel case measuring just 10mm thick—dimensions that perfectly balance wearability with presence. The thoughtfully proportioned case houses the watch on a dove grey Italian calfskin strap secured by a signed steel buckle.
Industrial Heart With Artisanal Soul
Behind the sapphire caseback beats Massena’s proprietary M660 caliber, designed and developed under Pagès’ direction. While incorporating the gear train design from the Valjoux 7750, the movement architecture reflects independent watchmaking aesthetics with distinctively shaped bridges, a prominent crown wheel, and an exposed ratchet system.
The caliber’s finishing punches well above its price class, featuring Côtes de Genève striping across the main plate and hand-decorated anglage on all bridge edges. Interior and exterior angles on the bridges demonstrate the project’s core philosophy—delivering high-end independent watchmaking qualities at a more accessible price point.
It’s worth noting that while Pagès directs the M660’s production through selected Swiss watchmakers, he isn’t personally involved in manufacturing or decoration.
As William Massena explained during the launch of the original Magraph collaboration, “The components are industrially produced. And then we have them hand-finished by people at their homes… all over the Vallée de Joux who take the parts and hand-finish them in their personal workshops.”
The manual-winding movement offers practical specifications including a 60-hour power reserve and 28,800 VpH frequency, with 21 jewels ensuring smooth operation. Water resistance of 5 ATM provides adequate protection for everyday wear.
Limited to just 99 pieces, the Noctograph represents a compelling proposition at $8,875—offering a gateway to independent watchmaking with genuine horological substance and a design that beautifully balances vintage inspiration with contemporary sensibilities. Available now through Massena LAB, this midnight blue stunner continues the successful partnership between two respected names in modern watchmaking.
