Today, I’d like to introduce you to a brand that launched during Geneva Watch Days 2024: Albishorn. Before we dive into their debut model created in collaboration with Massena LAB, allow me to tell you more about the journey of the man behind the brand.
Sébastien Chaulmontet is a true enthusiast of design and micromechanics who transitioned from a corporate lawyer to a product designer in micromechanics. He notably played a key role in revitalizing the brands Arnold & Son and Angelus, serving as Head of Innovation and Product Development for these brands from 2010 to 2017. Prior to this, he oversaw the Innovation and Technical Department at Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA from 2008 to 2017. To date, he holds 10 patents in his name and has authored a book and multiple articles on the history of the chronograph. Besides his work at Albishorn, Sébastien has also been Head of Innovation and Marketing at Sellita Watch Co SA and Manufacture AMT since 2017.
He named his brand Albishorn after a chain of hills that offer views of both Lake Zurich on one side and Lake Zug on the other. This first model is the result of a collaboration between Massena LAB and Albishorn, answering the question: What would a modern regatta chronograph have looked like in the 1930s? This “imaginary vintage®” creation is imagined as if commissioned for the first edition of the prestigious regatta on Lake Geneva, the Bol d’Or, in 1939. Albishorn’s vision is to create vintage-inspired watches that never actually existed by blending horological history to create original and distinctive timepieces inspired by classic designs. Now, let’s take a closer look at the watch itself.
Table of Contents – Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph
What are the features of the Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph?
Case
The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph features a 316L stainless steel case with a water resistance of 100m, combining polished and satin-finished surfaces with chamfered and polished edges. It’s fitted with a bidirectional rotating bezel with engraved, lacquered red and black numerals, adding a nautical touch. The case has a diameter of 41.70 mm, a thickness of 13 mm, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 47.70 mm.
Dial
The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph showcases a unique dial with an opening at four o’clock to indicate that the regatta countdown is active. The silver sector dial includes four scales: an inner red 24-hour scale, a central black 12-hour scale, an outer blue 60-second scale, and a green 10-minute regatta timer at seven o’clock. The hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova®—green for the hour hand and blue for the minute hand. Super-LumiNova® (green) is also used to create two luminous arcs: one on the red 24-hour scale from 18 to 24, and another on the black 12-hour scale from 12 to 6.
Movement
The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph houses a patented automatic mechanical movement, designed and manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It powers the hours, minutes, a 60-second chronograph, a patented 10-minute regatta timer, a running indicator (via a disc), and a stop-seconds mechanism. It offers a 64-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz. The case back, non-transparent, is engraved with a technical illustration inspired by Ylliam IV, the six-meter boat that won the Bol d’Or in 1939. Unlike a traditional regatta chronograph, which automatically restarts when the countdown ends, the Maxigraph timer stops once the ten minutes have elapsed, while the chronograph continues to run. The countdown resets by pressing the single aluminum pusher at nine o’clock, the optimal position for thumb operation.
Strap
The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph comes with a red rubber strap featuring a stainless steel pin buckle engraved with the Albishorn logo. It also includes an additional calfskin leather strap in white.
What is the price of the Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph?
The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph is priced at 4,995 USD (excluding VAT).
Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph: A Vision of the Past in a Modern World
The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph is an intriguing model due to its concept and design. It’s 50% inspired by the 1930s and 50% driven by 2020s technology, yet 100% cool. Although this style of watch doesn’t particularly resonate with me due to my lack of interest in the nautical world, I can appreciate the ingenuity of bringing to life watches that never actually existed. At a relatively accessible price, you have the chance to own a truly unique timepiece. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this promising young brand. Special thanks to Sébastien, who managed to immerse me in his ambitious yet fascinating project. See you next week, friends.
Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Albishorn x Massena LAB
- Model: Maxigraph
- Case Material: 316 L Stainless Steel
- Dial: White and Silver Sector Dial with White Super-LumiNova®️
- Functions: Hours ; Minutes ; Monopusher Chronograph with patented ten-minute countdown regatta timer with running indicator
- Movement: ALB01 A, Self-Winding, 28’800vph frequency (4 Hz), 25 jewels
- Power Reserve: 64 hours
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Back: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 41,70 mm (Diameter) × 13 mm (Thickness)
- Lug-to-Lug: 47.7 mm
- Strap: Red Rubber with 316 L Stainless Steel Pin Buckle
- Availability : Limited quantities of about 25 pieces per batch
- Retail Price: US$4,995 (Excluding VAT)
Have you heard of this model before? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
For more information about Albishorn, click here.
