The Albishorn x Massena LAB Maxigraph is a Regatta Chronograph from a Newly-Created Brand

Albishorn is a new independent brand born to create “imaginary vintage” – watches that could have existed, capturing the allure of the past while exploring the possibilities of what might have been. Inspired by a “what if” spirit, the brand’s inaugural model seeks to answer the question: “What would a modern regatta chronograph have looked like in the 1930s?” Originating from pocket watches, regatta chronographs would later evolve into wristwatches, to become water and shock-resistant. However, while the necessary technical requirements for this evolution existed by the late 1930s, it wasn’t applied to these timers until later. Albishorn’s answer to this question is the Maxigraph, a hypothetical 1930s wrist chronograph that might have been commissioned by a competitor in the 1939 Bol d’Or regatta on Lake Geneva, which is launched in collaboration with studio Massena LAB. 

Named after a chain of hills stretching near Zurich, Albishorn is the brainchild of Sebastien Chaulmontet. Known as a chronograph specialist, Chaulmontet has served as the Head of Innovation and Marketing at Sellita Watch Co SA and Manufacture AMT since 2017. Before that, he oversaw innovation and product development at Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA and was in charge of the revival of Arnold & Son and Angelus.

The brand’s first imaginary timepiece, the Albishorn Maxigraph, is a hypothetical 1930s regatta wrist chronograph. This original mono-pusher chronograph is powered by a proprietary automatic movement featuring a 10-minute regatta countdown positioned at 7 o’clock. Unlike traditional regatta timers that restart endlessly once the countdown is over, the Maxigraph stops when the 10 minutes have elapsed (while the chronograph second keeps running). The calibre ALB01 A runs at 28,800vph and boasts a 64-hour power reserve. This patented mechanism is built on a heavily modified 7750 architecture. In addition to its unique functionalities, it features among other specificities a new mainplate, shortened pivots and a redesigned chronograph start mechanism. These modifications result in a significantly thinner calibre measuring 6.6mm in height, compared to the 7.9mm thickness of an automatic Valjoux 7750, making the watch much more wearable.

Fashioned out of stainless steel, the round case of the Albishorn Maxigraph measures 39mm (41mm including the bi-directional rotating bezel). For optimal functionality, the crown is positioned at 10 o’clock and the red aluminium chronograph pusher is at 9 o’clock. This allows the wearer to operate the chronograph with the thumb, the best finger for actuating a pusher. The watch offers water-resistance up to 100 meters. At the back of the watch, the solid screwed caseback is engraved with the profile of the Ylliam IV, the six-meter sailboat that won the first edition of Le Bol d’Or regatta on Lake Geneva in 1939.

The box sapphire crystal is seamlessly integrated into the bezel to minimize distortion. The silver-tone sector dial, with its vintage-inspired colours, pays homage to the 1930s while ensuring excellent legibility. A small round aperture at 4 o’clock allows you to verify that the regatta countdown is active. Superluminova highlights enhance readability in low-light conditions, with subtle lume arcs along the hour scales – spanning from 18 to 24 (red scale) and 12 to 6 hours (black scale).

The watch is presented on a red rubber strap fitted with a pin buckle. It is delivered with a spare white calfskin strap. Available with Massena LAB, this cool Albishorn Maxigraph will be produced in small quantities of about 25 watches per batch with first deliveries planned for 12 September 2024. The price is set at USD 4,995, which seems reasonable given the work on the movement and niche production.

For more information and orders, please visit www.massenalab.com.