Review Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB

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In the ever-churning ocean of horology, where trends rise and fall with the relentless tide, true artistry and unwavering dedication to craft stand as steadfast beacons. It is with immense pleasure that I cast my gaze upon a creation that embodies these very qualities: the Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB. This is a confluence of vision, a testament to the power of collaboration, and an ode to the enduring spirit of independent watchmaking. From the moment one lays eyes upon this limited edition, a mere ten pieces gracing the world, it becomes abundantly clear that this is a horological treasure destined to be cherished by connoisseurs and collectors alike. The journey to fully appreciate this watch requires delving into the rich tapestry of its creators, understanding the meticulous details of its construction, and ultimately recognizing the significance of its presence in the contemporary landscape of fine watchmaking. Prepare yourself, as we embark on a detailed exploration of this extraordinary timepiece, a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is enlightening. German translation available at the end of the article.

Sylvain Pinaud: A Rising Star Forged in the Fires of Tradition

Before we delve into the specifics of this remarkable collaboration, it is imperative to understand the provenance of the horological virtuoso behind it: Sylvain Pinaud. His name, now synonymous with innovation and meticulous hand-finishing, was not always as widely recognized. Like many independent watchmakers, Pinaud honed his skills in relative obscurity, driven by an intrinsic passion for the craft. His story is not one of overnight success but rather a gradual ascent fueled by unwavering dedication. A pivotal moment in Pinaud’s career was his participation in the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) competition. This esteemed event, held every four years, celebrates the pinnacle of craftsmanship across various disciplines within France. Pinaud’s triumph in the MOF with his monopusher chronograph served as a watershed moment, catapulting him into the limelight and solidifying his position as one of the most promising talents in independent watchmaking. His subsequent win at the 2022 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), where he was awarded the “Horological Revelation” Prize for his Origine timepiece, further cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. These accolades are not merely trinkets; they are a testament to Pinaud’s exceptional skill, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of horological excellence.

Massena LAB: Cultivating Collaboration and Championing Independence

In the realm of independent watchmaking, the name William Massena resonates with a unique blend of passion, knowledge, and a keen eye for emerging talent. Through Massena LAB, he has cultivated a platform that transcends mere commercial enterprise, becoming a vital ecosystem for fostering creativity and supporting independent watchmakers. Massena LAB operates on the principle of collaboration, seeking out artisans who possess exceptional skills and a unique vision, and providing them with the opportunity to bring their creations to a wider audience. This approach not only benefits the watchmakers themselves but also enriches the horological landscape by introducing fresh perspectives and innovative designs. Massena’s dedication to independent watchmaking is evident in his previous collaborations with esteemed names such as Habring², Luca Soprana, Raúl Pagè and H. Moser & Cie. These partnerships have consistently yielded exceptional timepieces that showcase the unique talents of the collaborators while staying true to Massena LAB‘s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

William Massena and Sylvain Pinaud at the GPHG ceremony with the Chronograph Watch Prize

It is within this context of collaboration and support for independent artisans that the Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB takes on an even greater significance, representing a harmonious fusion of talent and vision. This collaboration brought the pair a significant prize – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2024 Chronograph Watch Prize.

A Dial of Deconstructed Elegance

The dial of the Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB is a captivating study in contrasts, a deconstructed tableau that seamlessly blends modern design with vintage inspiration. Created by Comblémine SA, the dial manufacture owned by the renowned Kari Voutilainen, it is a masterpiece of meticulous hand-finishing and thoughtful composition. The upper half of the dial is dominated by a broad plate, hand-frosted with meticulously bevelled edges. This textured surface provides a subtle yet elegant backdrop for the indications.

A subdial at 12 o’clock, displaying the hours and minutes, is also hand-finished, featuring a frosted inner sector with a bevelled edge and circular graining on the hours and minutes track. The forty-five-minute counter, positioned at 3 o’clock, complements the overall symmetry of the dial.

Small seconds are displayed at 9 o’clock. The indices are rendered in a classic black-and-white scheme, providing excellent legibility against the textured backdrop. Blued steel hands are used for the chronograph and counter functions, providing a clear visual distinction from the stainless steel hour, minute, and seconds hands.

However, the true pièce de résistance of the dial is the exposed lower half, revealing the intricate gears and bridges of the chronograph movement. This daring design choice allows the wearer to admire the inner workings of the timepiece, showcasing the horological artistry that lies beneath the surface.

The Heart of the Matter: A Movement of Exquisite Craftsmanship

At the heart of the Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB lies a hand-wound movement of exceptional technical and aesthetic merit. This is not merely a mechanism for measuring time; it is a work of art, meticulously crafted and finished by Sylvain Pinaud himself in his atelier in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. The movement features an integrated, column-wheel chronograph with a horizontal clutch, a testament to Pinaud’s expertise in complex horological mechanisms.

The single pusher, discreetly located at the crown, controls the start, stop, and reset functions of the chronograph. The movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 half oscillations per hour (2.5 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 45 hours. However, the technical specifications are only part of the story. It is the meticulous hand-finishing that truly elevates this movement to the realm of haute horlogerie. Every component is painstakingly polished, bevelled, and decorated, creating a visual symphony of light and shadow.

The bridges are adorned with a frost finish, while the screws are polished to a mirror-like sheen. The sharp internal angles, a hallmark of exceptional hand-finishing, are a testament to Pinaud’s skill and dedication. The architecture of the movement is equally impressive, with its intricate arrangement of gears, levers, and springs creating a visually captivating display. The exposed chronograph mechanism on the dial side further enhances the appreciation of the movement’s complexity and beauty.

A Case Study in Refined Simplicity

The case of the Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB is crafted from titanium, a material chosen for its lightweight properties and its ability to showcase the intricate details of the design. The 42mm diameter strikes a perfect balance between presence and wearability, while the 11mm thickness ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. The polished bezel provides a subtle contrast to the grained lugs, adding a touch of visual interest.

Sapphire crystal windows on the sides of the case offer additional glimpses into the dial and movement, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. The sapphire crystal case back provides an unobstructed view of the sophisticatedly finished movement. The watch is water-resistant to 3 ATM (30 meters), making it suitable for everyday wear. The alligator strap, crafted in France by Jean Rousseau Paris for Massena LAB, adds a touch of luxury and refinement.

A Triumph of Collaboration and Craftsmanship

The Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB is a statement about the importance of collaboration, the enduring power of independent watchmaking, and the unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. This timepiece represents a harmonious fusion of Sylvain Pinaud’s technical expertise and William Massena’s discerning vision, resulting in a creation that is both technically impressive and aesthetically captivating.

The superb hand-finishing, the innovative design, and the overall attention to detail are a testament to the dedication and passion of the individuals involved. The limited production of only ten pieces further enhances the exclusivity and desirability of this timepiece. In a world of mass-produced commodities, the Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB stands as a beacon of handcrafted artistry, a reminder that true luxury lies in the meticulous execution of a vision. It is a watch that will undoubtedly be cherished by collectors for generations to come, a timeless testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the unwavering pursuit of horological perfection.

Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena LAB Technical Specifications

Limited to 10 pieces. Price available on request.

Functions

Hours, minutes, small seconds,
Monopusher chronograph with 45-minute counter.

Movement

Manual-winding,
Single pusher column-wheel chronograph with horizontal clutch.
18,000 half oscillations per hour (2.5 Hz),
Power reserve of 45 hours.
Hand-finished to the highest possible degree.

Dial

A broad plate dominates the upper half of the dial, which is hand-frosted with hand-bevelled edges.
Bearing the name of the watchmaker, a subdial at 12 o’clock displays hours and minutes and is also hand-finished, with a frosted inner sector with a bevelled edge and circular graining of the hours and minutes sector track.
Forty-five-minute counter at 3 o’clock.
Small sends at 9 o’clock.
Black and white indices.
Blued steel chronograph and counter hands are easily distinguishable from the hour, minute, and second hands in stainless steel.
The bottom half of the dial is left exposed so that the gears and bridges of the chronograph movement, which are also hand-finished, remain visible.

Case

Titanium.
Polished bezel with grained lugs for visual contrast.
Sapphire crystal window panels on the sides of its titanium case, allow for the dial to be viewed from additional angles.
Dimensions: 42mm case; thickness: 11mm.
Crystal: Sapphire crystal.
Water resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters).
Case back: Sapphire crystal.

Strap/Bracelet