Albishorn x Massena LAB – Maxigraph Monopusher Chronograph Edition

Albishorn x Massena LAB – MAXIGRAPH 1939 Monopusher Chronograph Edition 2024

 Imaginary history
The missing regatta chronograph from the 1930s

Massena LAB partners with the new independent watchmaker Albishorn for the release of a new collaborative timepiece, the Maxigraph, a true tool watch and regatta timer inspired by the rich history of nautical timepieces and of the city of Geneva itself. Harking back to the first edition of the now legendary regatta race, Le Bol d’Or, first held on Lac Léman in 1939, the Maxigraph is the creation of an imagined history: how might a modern-day regatta chronograph have looked in the 1930s?

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Albishorn, making its debut at Geneva Watch Days 2024, is an independent Swiss watchmaker that blends (and bends) 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.

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Originating as pocket watches, regatta chronographs were first crafted to meet the demands of regatta competitors seeking precise timing mechanisms for their nautical races. The evolution from pocket watch to wristwatch was a significant milestone, and, over time, regatta timers evolved to become water and shock-resistant. Curiously, all the technical requirements for a modern-day water-resistant chronograph were available by the end of the 1930s but were never applied to the regatta timer. The Maxigraph imagines what might have been, if horological history had only been slightly bent. 

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The answer is the Maxigraph, a hypothetically historical timepiece; crafted with precision (and a touch of madness), which, in our imagined history, may have been commissioned by the owner of sailboat, such as the Ylliam IV, the six meter sailboat that was the winner of the first edition of Le Bol d’Or in 1939. With the Maxigraph in hand, the crew of the sailboat would have had the help of a precise and durable tool during the most critical phase of the race: the countdown to start.

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At the start of Le Bol d’Or, a regatta which takes place on Lac Léman starting in Geneva and ending in Le Bouveret, a horn signals the countdown to the start of the race. At this point, the crew of the sailboat must hold their position, a strenuous task while sailing in front of an invisible start line that cannot be crossed without risking a severe penalty. At the end of the ten minutes, guided precisely by the regatta timer of the Maxigraph, the crew must immediately set sail, beginning their race. 

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The Maxigraph is a monopusher chronograph with an automatic, Swiss-made, proprietary caliber with a patented ten-minute retrograde regatta countdown, which is positioned at 7 o’clock on the dial. 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 seconds of the chronograph continue running. The countdown is reset by stopping and resetting the chronograph using a single, red aluminum pusher at 9 o’clock, the optimal position for a precise click of the pusher using one’s thumb, considered the best digit for operating a chronograph.

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The silver dial of the Maxigraph was designed with a focus on legibility and functionality. Each scale has its own place, finish, and color, resulting in an original and modern sector dial which references the timepieces of the 1930s. An aperture for a colorful running indicator is located at four o’clock, and Super-LumiNova® provides luminosity to the hour and minute hands. Super-LumiNova® is also integrated subtly on the dial on two scales during hours when low light is typical: one arc spanning from 18 to 24 o’clock, and another from 12 to 6 o’clock.

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The stainless steel case of the Maxigraph measures 39mm and features a 41mm bidirectional rotating bezel in stainless steel. Its crown is located at 10 o’clock, remaining clear of obstructions during crucial maneuvers. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it a perfect companion for a day on the water. 

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 William Massena, founder of Massena LAB, said “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.”

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The challenge was to develop a regatta chronograph that would be period correct and aligned with the requirements and expectations of navigators, while being fully original. That’s how the Maxigraph chronograph was born: a mono-pusher nautical chronograph, featuring a unique and innovative design and a patented regatta function.

 Dial

The silver dial of the Maxigraph was designed with a focus on legibility and functionality. Each scale has its own place, finish, and color, resulting in an original and modernist sector dial. This very specific dial layout is unique and pays tribute to precision instruments from that era.

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Night readability is ensured by luminous material (Super-LumiNova®) subtly integrated within two different scales. The first arc of luminous material runs from 18 to 24 o’clock, while the second, larger arc, runs from 12 to 6 o’clock. The hands are filled with luminous material too, allowing for easy reading in low-light conditions.

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To guarantee excellent legibility and unlike any other mechanical chronograph wristwatch, the Maxigraph boasts a patented 10-minute retrograde regatta countdown at 7 o’clock and an aperture at 4 o’clock showcasing colored disc acting as a running indicator.

Case

While being automatic, the Maxigraph remains sleek with only a 13 mm height (box sapphire crystal included). Made of stainless steel, the case of the Maxigraph reflects a seamless blend of robustness and elegance. 

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The alternance of brushed and polished surfaces provides a subtle contrast, accentuating the watch's overall presence. All edges of the case have been chamfered and polished, offering a sophisticated haute horlogerie aesthetic.

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The back is adorned with a technical drawing inspired by Ylliam IV, the 6 Meter rule boat which won the Bol d’Or in 1939.

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One of the standout features of the Maxigraph is its stainless steel turning bezel. It was designed to rotate in a bidirectional manner and features two different engraved scales (12 and 60 units) which are then filled with either red or black lacquer.

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Positioned at 10 o’clock, the crown allows for easy winding and time setting while keeping it clear of any obstructions during crucial maneuvers. Adjacent to the crown, at 9 o’clock on the case side, is a red aluminum pusher, discreetly integrated into the case design. 

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This location allows the pusher to be operated by the thumb, the finger considered the best one for operating a chronograph. The large size of the pusher simplifies the operation and adds a touch of uniqueness to the watch.

Movement

The Maxigraph incorporates a refined and reliable proprietary automatic mono-pusher chronograph movement, expertly crafted in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Once fully wound, it offers an astounding 64 hours of power reserve.

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The movement was designed as a mono-pusher chronograph, therefore featuring a single button to control all the chronograph functions (start, stop, and reset) rather than the more common two-pusher system.

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A further standout attribute of the Maxigraph’s movement is its remarkably low height for an automatic chronograph of only 6.60 mm, enabling the production of particularly thin chronographs like in the 1930s and 1940s.

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Albishorn specifically developed this movement to showcase the brand's distinctive and unique dial layout, featuring a patented 10-minute retrograde regatta countdown at 7 o’clock and an aperture for a running indicator at 4 o’clock.

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Unlike typical regatta chronograph countdown indications, which restart endlessly the countdown once it is over, the one from the Maxigraph was designed to stop once the 10 minutes are over, while the seconds of the chronograph continue running. To reset the countdown indication, the chronograph has to be stopped and reset using the pusher at 9 o’clock.

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Sébastien Chaulmontet, founder of Albishorn, added: “I am proud and honored to launch my brand, starting with a collaboration with William. 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.”

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The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph launches on MassenaLAB.com on Thursday September 12, 2024, and is available for viewing by appointment only at Geneva Watch Days. Watches will be produced and delivered in very small batches of about twenty-five watches each, starting in September.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS   

🤝 COLLABORATIONS:   

COLLABORATIONS Collection: WATER

Model:  Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph 1939 Monopusher Chronograph Edition

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Produced in small quantities of about 25 watches per batch

Case
    Material:  316L stainless steel case with polished and satin finished surfaces and with chamfered and polished
edges
    Diameter: 39mm case; 41mm with bezel
    Thickness: 13mm
    Lug to lug: 47.7mm
    Crystal: Box sapphire crystal with antireflexive coating
    Stainless steel winding crown with engraved Albishorn logo
    Pusher in red anodized aluminum
    Crown at 10 o'clock, red aluminum monopusher at 9 o'clock
    Case back: Engraved with 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
    Water-resistant to 100 meters
    Bezel  Bidirectional rotating bezel in stainless steel with engraved and black or red lacquered numerals
    Double scale: 60 and 12 units
    Bezel diameter: 41.7 mm
Dial and hands
   White and silver sector dial with white Super-LumiNova®
   Blued hour and minute hands filled with white Super-LumiNova®
   Red chronograph second and minute hands
   Colored disc as running indicator
   Regatta timer at 7 o’clock, running indicator at 4 o’clock. 
   60 seconds counter in the center
Movement
    Proprietary chronograph caliber ALB01 A.
    Self-winding caliber, monopusher chronograph
    Height: 6,60 mm
    Diameter: 30,00 mm
    Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
    Stop second device
    Typical power reserve of 64 hours
    25 jewels
Functions/Indications
    Hours, minutes
    Monopusher chronograph with patented ten-minute countdown regatta timer
    Running indicator by disc
    60 seconds counter in the center
    Patented retrograde 10-minute regatta function
 Strap and buckle
    Red rubber with stainless steel Albishorn logo buckle
    Watch delivered with additional strap in white calfskin also with Albishorn logo buckle
    Lug Width: 20mm

🔰Limited Edition of 25 pieces

🔴Recommended retail price: USD 4,995 / CHF 4,250

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ABOUT MASSENA LAB  

Massena LAB, founded by noted watch collector and industry veteran William Massena, is a creative horological studio that designs, develops, and produces timepieces, often in collaboration with respected watchmakers from around the world. Massena LAB exists to be a reference point of horological culture and to play an integral part in its constant evolution, using elements of style from the past to enhance the future of watchmaking.   
It aims to create and nurture a community of informed watch enthusiasts with a passion for novel timepieces from independent watchmakers. The “LAB” in Massena LAB is a combination of two words: “laboratory,” for our willingness to experiment and our embrace of new ideas, and “collaboration,” for our fruitful, long-standing relationships with our partner brands.  

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       ABOUT  Albishorn - Imaginary Vintage®

Welcome to Albishorn, the independent Swiss watchmaker that builds vintagewatches that never were.We create original and unique mechanical timepieces that can be seen as “missinglinks”. 

They fit seamlessly into the history of watchmaking but clearly have a characterof their own. We create what we call “imaginary vintage” watches.Ever wondered about the fictional forerunner of the renowned “Type 20” chronographused by the French military? Meet the “Type 10”, a creation of our fantasy at Albishorn(coming in October 2024)!This approach reflects our primary commitment to creativity and imagination. Weidentify designs and concepts that could have perfectly complemented classic watchesof the past but were never brought to life. What about a chronograph that marries theelegant appearance of a skin diver to a novel and patented regatta display? 

We havepioneered this new genre with the Marinagraph®, making it the perfect companionfor maritime adventures (coming in 2025).Sébastien Chaulmontet, Albishorn's head, shares: "I love searching for one-of-a-kindwatches, prototypes, and those that challenge conventions—a homage to the endless creativityof our watchmaking ancestors. These elusive timepieces often unveil glimpses of what couldhave been. They fuel my imagination and make me dream of timepieces that I would have lovedto exist but were never actually made. Albishorn is committed to create these unique watches."Upholding Swiss craftsmanship in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, our skilled teamblends tradition with innovation. 

Albishorn ensures the highest Swiss qualitystandards, using premium materials to create watches that are not only beautifullydesigned but also reliable companions for generations.Each Albishorn timepiece captures the spirit of a bygone era, mirroring the charm anddetails of vintage watches while embracing modern watchmaking technology. Weactively pursue original dial layouts and displays, complemented by our distinctiveproprietary mechanical calibers. These movements often showcase patentedcomplications, further enhancing the uniqueness of our watches.

Step into the world of Albishorn and join us on a horological journey. Discoverwatches that complement vintage history, enhancing your collection with uniquepieces that transcend time.We hope that you will enjoy wearing our watches as much as we did making them.
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Press release - 2024
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Louis Erard x Massena LAB – EXCELLENCE Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Edition

 

Louis Erard x Massena LAB – EXCELLENCE Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Edition 2023

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MUCH MORE THAN A CHRONOGRAPH

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Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Louis Erard x Massena LAB. The second collaboration between Louis Erard and Massena LAB, two platforms dedicated to accessible collector's watches. An air of the 19th century. 

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A concentration of classic codes in a resolutely contemporary model equipped with a 21st-century monopusher chronograph calibre. Limited series of 178 pieces, CHF 4,250.

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This is not the first time that Louis Erard has opened the door to classical watchmaking and taken a look back at the 19th century. His aim is to demonstrate that a watch is also - and above all - a means of expression, a wrist notebook in which small mechanical stories can be written.

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Nor is this the first time that Louis Erard has invited Massena LAB to co-produce a creation. After Le Régulateur, shortlisted for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, the four-handed collaboration this time focused on the monopusher chronograph.

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A highly technical speciality - a single pusher to start, stop and reset the chronograph - which is expressed with great simplicity by Louis Erard: a single 30-minute totalizer on a separate dial at 12 o'clock.

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  Now for the Massena LAB touch. As its name suggests, this is a laboratory, with a laboratory technician, William Massena. He is a leading figure in the world of collector's watches. 

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A collector himself, William Massena ran Antiquorum for several years before launching his own label in 2018, not a brand but a platform focused on collaborations.

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  With a single idea in mind: to promote the watchmaking he loves and "democratise a style usually reserved for wealthy collectors", historical watchmaking from the 18th and 19th centuries, in his own way following in the footsteps of Antide Janvier and marine chronometry.

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Making the exceptional accessible. Meeting Louis Erard was a logical and natural step. Manuel Emch, CEO and creative director of the Franches-Montagnes-based brand, has made watchmaking culture his hallmark, opening up his collections to everything that haute horlogerie had previously reserved for itself: métiers d’art, cutting-edge collaborations, independent watchmakers, creative people, artists, craftsmen; Alain Silberstein, Vianney Halter, Konstantin Chaykin, atelier oï, seconde/seconde/, Eric Giroud, Bastien Chevalier - and all the others to come.

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"Together we are stronger" has become the motto of Louis Erard, the new signature of this historic manufacturer, born in the Great Depression of 1929. And it's not just a posture, as Louis Erard is proving, exploring every area of expertise, from collaboration to collaboration, each time pushing the quest for excellence as far as possible.

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How does this excellence reveal itself? In the style, which is thorough, meticulous and detailed. In the finishing, of course. This monopusher chronograph is a striking example: rhodium-plated outer flange and counter with circular satin-finish and diamond-cut corners, rhodium-plated or 2N gilded lower plate with grained finish and silver opaline counter centre, black transfers with Louis Erard symbol and Massena logo at six o'clock. 

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And from this quest for excellence comes exclusivity: sophistication is always achieved by hand, and hands are not made for mass production.

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Like all the other collaborations, Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Louis Erard x Massena LAB is therefore produced in a limited series: 178 pieces - a figure that symbolises "together we are stronger". 178 pieces in two variations: rhodium-plated or gilded dial.

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"To be successful, says William Massena, a collaboration has to make sense". Duly noted. And there are more meaningful beauties to come.

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   Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Louis Erard x Massena LAB Silver ref. 74239AA70 Limited series of 178 pieces (78 Silver and 100 Gold) Price excl. tax: CHF 4,250.—

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS   

🤝 COLLABORATIONS:   

Collection: EXCELLENCE

Model: Excellence Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Gold

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Ref. 74239AA71.BVA103 - Gold Dial

Movement
Automatic monopusher chronograph, Sellita SW500MPCa calibre,
4 hands 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock
13¼’’’, Ø30.00 mm, height: 7.90 mm
25 jewels, 28,800 VpH (4Hz),
élaboré grade movement, meticulously decorated,
special openworked oscillating weight with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol, approx.
48 hours of power reserve
Functions
HMS+ chronograph
Time: central hour and minute hands
Chronograph: central second hand, 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock
Case
Polished stainless steel, Ø43 mm,
lug width: 22 mm, lug to lug: 50.40 mm, thickness: 15.70 mm,
3 pieces, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides,
movement visible through the transparent caseback,
water resistant up to a pressure of 5 bars (50m/165ft)
Signature Massena LAB crown, caseback engraved with “Limited Edition 1 of 178”
Dial
Rhodium-plated outer flange and counter with circular satin-finish and diamond-cut corners, 
2N gilded lower plate with grained finish and silver opaline counter centre, 
black transfers, Louis Erard symbol and Massena logo at 6 o'clock
Hands Blued steel leaf-shaped hands
Strap
Black grained calf leather with tone-on-tone attachment points, blue grained calf leather lining, polished stainless steel pin buckle, functional catch spring bars enabling the strap to be changed quickly
Dimensions: 22/20mm width, 80/115mm length

🤝 COLLABORATIONS:  
Watch developed in collaboration with Massena LAB in a limited edition of 178 pieces

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Limited Edition of 178 pieces.   (100 Gold and 78 Silver)

Recommended retail price: CHF 3,250  

WARRANTY   3 year guarantee

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Model: Excellence Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Silver

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Ref. 74239AA70.BVA103 - Silver (Rhodium) Dial

Movement
Automatic monopusher chronograph, Sellita SW500MPCa calibre,
4 hands 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock
13¼’’’, Ø30.00 mm, height: 7.90 mm
25 jewels, 28,800 VpH (4Hz),
élaboré grade movement, meticulously decorated,
special openworked oscillating weight with black lacquered Louis Erard symbol, approx.
48 hours of power reserve
Functions
HMS+ chronograph
Time: central hour and minute hands
Chronograph: central second hand, 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock
Case
Polished stainless steel, Ø43 mm,
lug width: 22 mm, lug to lug: 50.40 mm, thickness: 15.70 mm,
3 pieces, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides,
movement visible through the transparent caseback
Water resistant up to a pressure of 5 bars (50m/165ft)
Signature Massena LAB crown, caseback engraved with “Limited Edition 1 of 178”
Dial
Rhodium-plated outer flange and counter with circular satin-finish and diamond-cut corners, 
rhodium-plated lower plate with grained finish and silver opaline counter centre, 
black transfers, Louis Erard symbol and Massena logo at 6 o'clock
Hands Blued steel leaf-shaped hands
Strap
Black grained calf leather with tone-on-tone attachment points, blue grained calf leather lining, polished stainless steel pin buckle, functional catch spring bars enabling the strap to be changed quickly
Dimensions: 22/20mm width, 80/115mm length

🤝 COLLABORATIONS:  
Watch developed in collaboration with Massena LAB in a limited edition of 178 pieces

 Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 

Limited Edition of 178 pieces.  (78 Silver and 100 Gold)

Recommended retail price: CHF 4,250

WARRANTY   3 year guarantee

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ABOUT MASSENA LAB  

Massena LAB, founded by noted watch collector and industry veteran William Massena, is a creative horological studio that designs, develops, and produces timepieces, often in collaboration with respected watchmakers from around the world. Massena LAB exists to be a reference point of horological culture and to play an integral part in its constant evolution, using elements of style from the past to enhance the future of watchmaking.   
It aims to create and nurture a community of informed watch enthusiasts with a passion for novel timepieces from independent watchmakers. The “LAB” in Massena LAB is a combination of two words: “laboratory,” for our willingness to experiment and our embrace of new ideas, and “collaboration,” for our fruitful, long-standing relationships with our partner brands.  

ABOUT LOUIS ERARD   

Based in the Jura mountains, the birthplace of watchmaking, Louis Erard embodies the values of Swiss mechanics, the tradition that keeps its promises. Combining luxury, timelessness and elegance, this independent brand is renowned for its mechanical watches and, in particular, its iconic regulators. A collection on which the brand, founded by Mr. Louis Erard in 1929, built its reputation.   
Today, continuing the work of its founder and honouring watchmaking tradition, the Maison is reinterpreting the codes in a contemporary language. Louis Erard continues to set itself apart from mass-market brands. Inspired by high-end watchmaking, the brand draws on its values to enhance its mechanical timepieces.
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Press release - 2022
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CONTACT:
LOUIS ERARD
Rue de l’Ouest 2
CH–2340 Le Noirmont
Suisse
info@louiserard.com
+41 (0) 32 957 65 30 
Cristina Saiu, Digital Marketing Executive
+41 32 957 65 34, Cristina.Saiu@louiserard.com

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