INTRODUCING: Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB
Founded by William Massena, Massena LAB creates timepieces that embody the spirit of watchmaking. Their designs take inspiration from the classics, all whilst forging their own timeless style. The brand has been recognised multiple times at prestigious competitions for their watches. LAB can have several meanings, whether its label, laboratory, or collaboration, it really summarises their mission: developing the independent watchmaking industry with designs for the future. Their commitment to independent watchmakers is massive part of their brand philosophy, and their partnerships really show this. Previous collaborations have included Habring2, Luca Soprana, Paul Ragès, and most recently Sylvain Pinaud.
Sylvain Pinaud is one of France’s most innovative and ingenious independent watchmakers. Based out of Sainte-Croix in Switzerland, Pinaud produces timepieces that are at the cutting edge of horological design. His creations are the amalgamation of science and art. Every watch that comes out of his atelier has been painstakingly assembled and finished to the highest standard, a characteristic that makes his pieces highly desireable. His commitment, creative genius, and thorough expertise have been recognised numerous times, but most notably by his Meilleur Ouvrier de France award. This prestigious prize is awarded to the best French artisans in a multitude of categories, and its also where Pinaud’s path crossed with William Massena.
After going hands on with Pinaud’s MOF winning monopusher chronograph, Massena immediately fell in love with the design, and asked for a special edition piece unique, that would be made to his exacting standards. Word quickly spread about the collaboration, and demand grew. And here we are today announcing the product of this fantastic partnership… The Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB.
The Basics:
Brand: Sylvain Pinaud
Model: Chronograph Monopoussoir x Massena LAB
Case Material: Titanium
Case Size: 42mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Manufacture Manual Winding Chronograph
Movement Specs: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 45-minute single pusher chronograph.
Strap Options: French made alligator leather strap.
The Juice:
The movement is by far the most important and impressive component of this watch. The Monopoussoir Chronograph- Monopusher in English- is one of the most technically complex complications you can put on a watch. It combines the crown and two pushers that we would usually find on a chronograph into one elegant piece. To achieve this, we need a clutch in the movement which is activated by the pusher. Push it once, and the chronograph will engage, push it again it will stop, and then push it once more to reset the timing hand.
To help us understand how this movement really works, as well as to show off the beautiful craftsmanship that goes into every piece, Sylvain Pinaud has a sapphire display caseback, as well as two small windows on the side of the case to expose the heart of the watch from a brand-new angle. The rest of the case is made of titanium, that has been brilliantly finished, playing with light and reflection to make this a real work of art. It melds itself perfectly into the dial side of the piece, creating flow in this elegant piece.
The dial, or lack thereof, is another impressive feature on this masterpiece of artisanal watchmaking. Made by Comblémine SA, a dial manufacture owned by Kari Voutilainen, the its just as exclusive as the rest of the watch. We have a seconds track, graduated to 1/4th of a second, that runs around the outside of the dial. Inside this brushed band, we find a small time display at 12 o’clock, a 45 minute timing dial at 4 o’clock, and a small seconds dial at 7 o’clock. These small sub dials integrate seamlessly into the exposed movement, with the gear train lining up perfectly with the apertures. The rest of the central-wheel chronograph and clutch system are visible at the bottom od the dial. The whole ensemble is a fantastic assembly of rubies, blued steel hands, and brass cogs, as wheel as highly finished metals. This is what the benchmark for manufacture dials should be.
The strap is just as special as the rest of the piece. Made in the Parisian ateliers of Jean Rousseau, this alligator skin strap is just another unique touch that gives this watch its special aura.
How much Does the Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB Chronograph Monopoussoir cost?
The Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB is limited to only 10 pieces, with 3 pieces being delivered a year for the next 3 years. The price is only available on request. If you want to see this watch in person, you’ll have to book a viewing at the Geneva Watch Days. Learn more on Massena LAB’s website.