The New Raúl Pagès RP2, a Sublime Take on the Time-Only Watch

The last few days before Watches and Wonders are undoubtedly the busiest period for the MONOCHROME team, with all the preparations for what will be the highlight of the horological year… If squeezing in more shootings and visits is becoming challenging, making time to visit Raúl Pagès to discover his latest opus was a no-brainer – even though the atelier of this discreet yet talented independent watchmaker is tucked away in the far reaches of the Swiss Jura watchmaking region. However, the drive to Les Brenets to see the Raúl Pagès RP2 was well worth it, as we’ve discovered a superbly refined, hand-decorated, minimalistic yet sophisticated time-only watch.

Our last visit to Raúl Pagès atelier dates back to 2022 when we discovered the remarkable RP1. Since then, the detail-obsessed craftsman further made a name for himself on the independent watchmaking scene, receiving a well-deserved accolade with his award at the 2024 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. As you might imagine, his new watch has been in the works for quite a while now. If the RP1 was characterized by a regulator display and its sophisticated detent escapement, Raúl Pagès now focuses on the essentials with the RP2, distilling his uncompromising ethos into an elegant time-only watch with a more traditional escapement. But designing a refined yet characterful dress watch is surely not an easy task. Perfection is in the details… and the timeless yet modern Raúl Pagès RP2 impresses in every respect.

“My goal was to design a timeless classic, where purity of form meets technical excellence. A watch that would serve as the foundation of my collection for years to come. Every detail, from the clean lines to the entirely in-house movement, reflects my pursuit of balance between apparent simplicity and absolute refinement,” says Pagès.

Building on the spirit of the RP1, the Raúl Pagès RP2 introduces a new hand-wound calibre. Pagès advises that its design was driven by the desire to enhance performance with a conical winding gear, an optimized gear train, a new barrel and a smooth transmission. Beautifully executed, its architecture and overall look are pure and classic with a host of superb details. Inspired by marine chronometers, the large 12.5mm balance wheel is fitted with screws elegantly affixed to its rim. Beating at 3Hz, it features a Breguet terminal curve. 

The lever features an elegant counterweight that back in time, like for moustache anchors, aimed at more balance and better impulsion… This is certainly not fashionable today but extremely beautiful. The integration of the click spring to the barrel bridge or the different levels of the gear train bridges down to the anchor are other refined touches. Not the mention the superb finishes throughout with mirror polishing, anglage, inward angles, satin brushing, and Côtes de Genève, all executed with a wooden grinding wheel.

This superb movement is housed in an elegant 38.5mm case, standing out for its geometric purity. Made from recycled 316L steel, it features a well-proportioned domed crown. The sapphire crystal slightly protrudes from the case to add depth and character. The pristine white dial is made of white agate on a deep cerulean blue base – a nod to the Régulateur à Détente RP1 – with a near-invisible engraved signature. The hands are a modern tribute to Breguet hands – meticulously hand-finished, these are in steel and the hour hand is made of three parts. Last, the watch comes with two handsome leather straps in subtle colours. The pin buckle is engraved with the watchmaker’s initials. 

With his RP2, Raúl Pagès has achieved the feat of offering a 3-hand watch that is discreetly elegant, while asserting a strong and distinctive character. All this wrapped up with superior craftsmanship and a multitude of details that will delight connoisseurs. Pure class. The production of the Raúl Pagès RP2 will be limited to 50 pieces over a 5-year period, and its price is set at CHF 89,000 excl. taxes.

For more details, please visit www.pageswatches.com.