Albishorn unveils a new watch, the Maxigraph in collaboration with Massena LAB
Albishorn, a new independent watch brand, has collaborated with Massena Lab to debut the Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph. It is an “imaginary vintage®” monopusher chronograph with a patented regatta timer.
“The Maxigraph is a single-pusher regatta chronograph, featuring a unique and innovative design and a patented mechanical movement. It is an imaginary vintage chronograph, supposedly commissioned for the first edition of the prestigious regatta race on Lake Geneva, Le Bol d’Or, in 1939.”
Albishorn, a new Swiss independent timepiece brand, has partnered with Massena LAB to debut their first timepiece, the Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph at Geneva Watch Days, held from August 29 until September 2, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Albishorn
Albishorn’s vision is to make “vintage watches that never actually existed.” It is founded by Sébastien Chaulmontet, who is the Head of Innovation and Marketing at Sellita Watch Co SA and Manufacture AMT, since 2017. He in an inventor with ten patents to his name, and an author on horology. Before this, he directed innovation and the technical office at Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA from 2008 until 2017. He was responsible for the relaunch of both the Arnold & Son and Angelus timepiece brands and was their Head of Innovation and Product from 2010 until 2017.
Albishorn wants to both blend and bend “horological history to craft original and distinctive timepieces, drawing inspiration from vintage pieces. Albishorn’s concept of “imaginary vintage®” guides its approach to watchmaking as it strives to create timepieces which echo the past without replicating them directly; aiming instead to explore imagined, and exciting, parallel histories.”
“I am proud and honored to launch my brand, starting with a collaboration with William (Massena). Our friendship and common passion for watches have driven us to create something truly special. Together, we have combined our tastes and expertise to develop a unique timepiece that embodies our shared vision and dedication to craftsmanship.” Sébastien Chaulmontet, Owner of Albishorn.
Massena LAB
Massena LAB is a timepiece brand that “creates, designs and develops timepieces with renowned watchmakers.” They recommend horological ideas and concepts to timepiece brands “that are unusual and beyond the offerings from their collection.” It is founded by William Massena, a renown horological expert, who has worn several hats in the world of horology. These include avid collector, horological consultant, and auctioneer. He was a watch retailer with boutiques in New York and Miami, before he became the Chief Operating Officer at Antiquorum, an auction house in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Working with Sébastien Chaulmontet on the design of the Maxigraph has been a real joy. Sébastien and I have known each other for many years, and not only is he an absolute expert in the field of watchmaking, but he is also a bit of a renaissance man in his own right. We at Massena LAB are proud to stand side by side with him as he launches his own line, Albishorn, and we are excited to unveil the Maxigraph here at Geneva Watch Days.” William Massena, Owner of Massena LAB.
Key Features
Functions
The Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph’s functions include:
– Central hours and minutes.
– Central 60-second chronograph with a patented retrograde 10-minute regatta timer (at 7 o’clock) activated by the monopusher at 9 o’clock.
– Running indicator (at 4 o’clock).
– Stop-second device for accurate time setting.
“Unlike a typical regatta timer, which restarts endlessly when the countdown is over, the Maxigraph’s timer stops once ten minutes have elapsed, while the chronograph continues to run. The countdown is reset by pushing its single, red aluminum pusher at 9 o’clock, the optimal position for the thumb, considered the best digit when operating a chronograph.”
Movement
The Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph’s movement features include:
– It is powered by alb01, an Albishorn proprietary automatic movement, which drives the hours, minutes, 60-second chronograph, patented 10-minute Regatta timer, running indicator (by disc), and stop-second device.
– The movement is designed and manufactured in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
– Its diameter is 30 mm.
– Its height is 6.60 mm.
– It has 25 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph or 4 Hz.
– It has a power reserve of 64 hours.
Dial
The Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph’s dial features include:
– It has a silver sector dial with three scales: inner red 24-hour scale, middle black 12-hour scale, and outer blue 60-second scale.
– The green 10-minute regatta timer scale is at 7 o’clock.
– The colourful running indicator is at 4 o’clock.
– The hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova®, Green on the hour hand and blue on the minute hand.
– Super-LumiNova ® (green) is used to create 2 luminous arcs. The first – on the red 24-hour scale from 18 to 24, and second – on the black 12-hour scale from 12 to 6.
– “ALBISHORN” and “FAB. SUISSE” are displayed on the inner dial at 12 o’clock.
“The Maxigraph’s silver dial has been designed to ensure optimum readability and functionality. Each scale has its own space, finish and colour, creating an original and modernist sector dial. This specific design is unique and pays homage to the precision instruments of the time.”
Case and Strap
The Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph’s case and strap features include:
– Its case is made of 316L stainless steel, featuring “polished and satin-finished surfaces and chamfered and polished edges.”
– It features a bidirectional rotating bezel, made of stainless steel.
– Its case diameter is 39 mm (without bezel) and 41.70 mm (with bezel).
– Its case thickness is 13 mm (including the sapphire crystal).
– Its lug-to-lug distance is 47.70 mm, and its lug width is 20 mm.
– On its dial side, it features a sapphire box crystal.
– Its closed caseback side, made of stainless steel, features an engraving of “a technical drawing inspired by the Ylliam IV six meter sailboat, the winner of the first Le Bol d’Or, held on Lake Geneva in 1939.”
– Its crown is positioned at 10 o’clock and the red aluminum monopusher at 9 o’clock.
– It is water resistant up to 100 metres.
– It comes with a red rubber strap with a stainless steel buckle, featuring the Albishorn logo.
– A white calfskin leather strap with a stainless steel buckle, featuring the Albishorn logo, is also provided.
Our Thoughts
The Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph is a rather unique timepiece, and based on images and supporting information, one that I really like.
– In an industry which at times lacks creativity and often reinterprets vintage designs, Albishorn is going the other way or “backwards” with their “imaginary vintage®” design concept. To be able to do this makes them stand out amongst the horological crowd. I don’t think there is anything quite like this in the industry, and God alone knows what else Albishorn and Massena LAB have planned. I am really curious.
– It is a collaboration among brilliant minds and a leading industry personality – Sébastien Chaulmontet and Fabien Collioud (Design Manager) at Albishorn and William Massena at Massena LAB. Given the exemplary team behind the Maxigraph, its price of USD $ 4,995 is a steal.
– Even if one is not interested in Yachts and regatta racing, the Maxigraph is still an interesting and super cool chronograph to add to one’s collection. Its technical aesthetic, resembling a precision instrument, coupled with the colours on its dial, appeals to my sensibilities and really speaks to me.
– The Maxigraph is an outstanding debut timepiece for Albishorn, and we at The Cornea Impression wish them all the best in their “imaginary vintage®” journey. I am aching to see the Maxigraph in the flesh and do a hands-on review.
Additional Details
Name: Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph
Price: United States Dollar (USD): 4,995
Its design is exclusive to Massena LAB.
It is delivered in a presentation box, which includes an instruction booklet, leather travel pouch and a microfiber cloth.
It comes with a two-year guarantee.
It will be produced in limited quantities of about 25 pieces per batch. First deliveries begin in September 2024.
It will be available for purchase on the Massena LAB website beginning on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10.00 AM Eastern Time.
Please visit the Massena LAB and Albishorn websites and Instagram pages for further information on the Albishorn X Massena LAB Maxigraph.
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