1939

MAXIGRAPH

Albishorn x Massena LAB
Strap color
  • White leather strap
  • Maxigraph rouge
  • Night mode
MAXIGRAPH
MAXIGRAPH
MAXIGRAPH
MAXIGRAPH
MAXIGRAPH

USD 4’995.00

i

Delivery in September 2024

Only available at Massena LAB

Swiss Made

The Maxigraph is a single pusher nautical chronograph, featuring a unique and innovative design and a patented mechanical movement. It is an imaginary vintage chronograph hypothetically commissioned for the first edition of the esteemed regatta race on Lake Geneva, Le Bol d’Or, in 1939

Imaginary history

The missing regatta chronograph from the 1930s

Regatta chronographs are among the most interesting and joyful chronographs ever produced, thanks to their original designs and often colorful dials. Their appeal goes far beyond skippers and sailing enthusiasts. These timepieces have captured the interest of watch collectors and aficionados due to their unique functionality and aesthetic appeal.

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Regatta chronographs have an incredibly rich history that predates their adaptation to wristwatches. Originating as pocket or stopwatches, they emerged alongside the first regatta competitions.

The transition from pocket watches to wristwatches brought greater convenience and accessibility to sailors. This evolution mirrored broader trends in watchmaking, where the wristwatch became increasingly popular across various fields due to its practicality and portability.

Over time, watchmakers continued to innovate, incorporating specialized features such as brightly colored countdown markers, rotating bezels, and pushers designed for ease of use even in the challenging conditions at sea. These enhancements made the watches not only practical for regattas but also visually striking.

Interestingly, all the technical ingredients for modern-day waterproof chronographs were available by the end of the 1930s but were never applied to regatta chronographs at the time. The specific requirements of regatta timing functions, combined with the niche market for such specialized timepieces, likely contributed to the delay in integrating these waterproofing technologies into regatta chronographs.

Albishorn decided to fill this gap in the history of regatta chronographs by creating such a technically advanced, prototype-like, automatic regatta chronograph from the end of the 1930s.

Crafted with precision, purpose and a touch of madness too, the Maxigraph may have been commissioned by the owner of a cutting-edge racing sailboat, such as the Ylliam IV, for the first edition of the legendary regatta race on Lake Geneva, Le Bol d'Or, in 1939.

MAXIGRAPH

Technical
specifications

Case
316 L stainless steel case with polished and satin finished surfaces and with chamfered and polished edges
Case diameter: 39 mm
Bezel diameter: 41,7 mm
Lug to lug: 47,7 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Case thickness: 13 mm (with sapphire);
12.1 mm (without sapphire)
Waterproof to 100 meters
Movement
Patented proprietary chronograph caliber ALB01 A
Self-winding
Monopusher
Height: 6,60 mm
Diameter: 30,00 mm
Hours and minutes
60 seconds counter in the center
Patented retrograde 10-minute regatta function
Running indicator by disc
Stop second device
28’800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
25 jewels
Typical power reserve: 64 hours
 

The watch

The challenge was to develop a timepiece that would be period correct and aligned with the era, while meeting the requirements and expectations of navigators. That’s how the chronograph Maxigraph was born: a single pusher nautical chronograph, featuring a unique and innovative design.
 

Movement

The Maxigraph incorporates a refined and reliable proprietary automatic monopusher chronograph movement, expertly crafted in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
 

Instruction manual

You can download the instruction manual for the watch you are currently viewing by clicking on the link below. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make the most of your chronograph and learn more about its history.