Massena LAB, a watch creative studio engaged in designing and developing watches either under its own name or in collaboration with renowned brands, is the brainchild of William Massena, a watch collector and industry veteran. Besides models created in collaboration with Ming, Habring², or Unimatic, Massena LAB has also recently launched the Uni-Racer chronograph collection, inspired by vintage motifs. Following the two initial models (which are now sold out), the lab returns with three new colorways inspired by holidays and outdoor activities. Meet the new Massena LAB Uni-Racer models: Cruise, Safari, and Rally.
The overall formula has not undergone significant changes compared to the original models released at the end of 2020. After the success of the first Uni-Racer releases, Massena LAB returns with a new batch of 3 limited models with completely new (and rather attractive) dials, each with its own personality and inspired by a specific activity.
The idea for these watches, produced by several suppliers for Massena LAB and not in collaboration with another existing brand, was to recreate some of William's favorite models from the past. Specifically, in this case, William has a particular fondness for the Universal Genève Uni-Compax watches, released in 1963 and discontinued in 1965, which featured a 'Big Eye' chronograph counter and a rather striking case design. Mixing contemporary trends with vintage inspiration, Massena LAB released the Uni-Racer, a compact hand-wound chronograph in retro style.
The foundation for today's three new models is identical: a 39mm diameter and 13mm height case made of matte and polished stainless steel, with classic mushroom-shaped chronograph pushers and a large crown. Although the watches represent a modern embodiment of 1960s design, they are topped with a cool domed plexiglass crystal. The watch's shape is also appealing with pointed angular lugs, straight straps, and a flat polished bezel.
Inside the case is a modern hand-wound Sellita SW-510 movement. This hand-wound version based on the Valjoux provides a comfortable 58-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz. The movement is hidden under a solid steel case back.
New this year are the dials: Cruise, Safari, and Rally. While the two-register display layout and oversized 30-minute counter have remained unchanged, as well as the characteristic handset, the colors are new. LAB states that these colors were inspired by adventures and summer leisure activities. The first model, Cruise, is a marine-style watch with an indigo dial and aqua-blue accents, combined with a red crosshair. Polished steel hands run across silver sub-dials and a tachymeter scale. This summer edition is complemented by a pigeon-gray leather strap.
Safari is perhaps the brightest edition of the trio and also the most original. This warm version features a gradient green dial with khaki sub-dials and a tachymeter scale. While the hour and minute hands are made of polished steel, the sub-dials and central seconds hand are blued, creating a pleasant contrast. The watch is equipped with a charcoal deerskin leather strap. Finally, the Rally model, as the name suggests, is the most sporty of all, with an attractive silver dial with contrasting blue elements, as well as a red crosshair and a five-minute indicator on the 30-minute 'Big Eye' counter. The watch is adorned with a brown deerskin leather strap to give it a vintage style.
Availability and Price
Each of the new Massena LAB Uni-Racer models - Cruise, Safari, or Rally - will be released in a limited edition of 35 pieces. They are now available on MassenaLAB.com priced at 3,495 USD.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - MASSENA LAB UNI-RACER
Case: 39mm diameter x 13mm height - stainless steel case, matte and polished - domed plexiglass crystal - water resistance 50m
Dial: UR-001-CRU (Cruise) - indigo blue, matte, with light blue and red accents.
UR-001-SAF (Safari) - green gradient, khaki and blue accents
UR-001-RAL (Rally) - silver, matte, with blue markers.
Movement: Sellita SW-510 - hand-wound chronograph, cam-lever architecture - 23 jewels - 28,800 vibrations/hour - power reserve 58 hours - hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute counter
Strap: Leather strap with steel buckle
UR-001-CRU (Cruise) - pigeon-gray leather strap
UR-001-SAF (Safari) - charcoal deerskin leather strap
UR-001-RAL (Rally) - brown deerskin leather strap
Availability: Now in stock. Limited to 35 pieces per color. Available on MassenaLAB.com and Hodinkee.shop.
Price: 3,495 USD