This Minimalist Dress Watch Masterpiece Is An Incredible Value, Even at Its Sticker Price

Massena Lab teamed up with independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès on a stunningly serene and shockingly refined timepiece.

Massena Lab x Raúl Pagès Noctograph Dress Watch closeup

Published May 1, 2025

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Updated May 1, 2025

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In 2005, Raúl Pagès obtained his watchmaker-restorer diploma (with honors) in antique watchmaking. Then, in 2006, he achieved a diploma in watch complications design.

For over 15 years since then, he’s been working as a restorer and independent watchmaker, earning numerous accolades and a reputation for exceptional precision and refinement.

So it makes sense that a brand like Massena Lab, steeped in its own exceptional horological history, would call on Pagès to work together. Frankly, with the Massena Lab x Raúl Pagès Noctograph, the results speak for themselves.

Massena Lab x Raúl Pagès Noctograph Dress Watch — The Noctograph is the perfect blend of understated design and stylistic intrigue.

Dress for success

It doesn’t take an expert to realize how gorgeous this minimalist dress watch is. Even among its most exceptional peers, it stands out for its understated, easy-on-the-eyes styling while retaining readability — a tough balance.

The dial relies on nearly bare minimum markings and subtle flourishes. Around its edges, there’s a fine, black railroad track denoting hours and minutes. At its center is a beautiful vertically brushed plate that shifts from slate to petrol to deep midnight depending on the angle from which you view it.

Inspired by the architecture of watches of the 1930s to the 1950s, the highly wearable 38.5 mm case is made of polished stainless steel. It’s also paired with an Italian-made dove gray leather strap that complements it beautifully.

That strap is finished with a newly designed, stainless steel Massena LAB signature buckle. But the real star of the show, visible through its exhibition caseback, is the movement inside.

Massena Lab x Raúl Pagès Noctograph Dress Watch caseback — The refined proprietary movement is visible through the exhibition caseback.

Keep it moving

Even as breathtaking as the watch’s exterior is, it wouldn’t be nearly as exceptional without the movement under the hood. Beneath its sapphire crystal and understated dial sits a proprietary caliber M660 Swiss-made movement, designed with input from Pagès.

The manual movement features a 60-hour power reserve, broad plate with Côtes de Genève finishing and hand-chamfered plates and bridges. Furthermore, Raúl Pagès’ own poinçon Pagès (his signature of authenticity) is found beneath the balance wheel.

Typically, a watch with this quality of craftsmanship would cost three times (or more) the price of this one. That alone makes it an exceptional achievement.

However, its high level of craftsmanship and quality has a significant downside: the Noctograph is extremely limited. Only 99 examples are being produced, period.

Massena Lab x Raúl Pagès Noctograph Dress Watch on wrist — At 38.5 mm, this dress watch is highly wearable — not too big or small.

Preorder now

The Massena Lab x Raúl Pagès Noctograph dress watch is available for preorder with a $2,500 deposit. That deposit will go toward the final sticker price of $8,875 and includes shipping.

As mentioned, only 99 examples of this watch are being made, so you’ll want to act quickly if you hope to score one.