Three years after his RP1 wristwatch, Raúl Pagès has taken the covers off the RP2. Inheriting the clean aesthetic that characterised his earlier creation, the RP2 is a three-hand watch with a dial of white agate. Inside is a hand-wind movement modelled on historical precision chronometers.

Mr Pagès has turned to specialists for many of the raw components of the RP2, and instead focuses on decorating and completing the watches, allowing him to plan to produce the 50-piece edition over two years.

Initial thoughts

The sheer number of time-only watches launched by “artisanal” independent watchmakers has made the concept mostly uninteresting for me. Mr Pagès’ new creation is yet another time-only watch with a highly finished movement.

But Mr Pagès is the real deal. He is an actual watchmaker who can create with his hands, and more than that, Mr Pagès is also a restorer who worked for Parmigiani in the past. His background and skill set him apart, and because of this the RP2 also stands out from the rest of the time-only crowd.

Though simple on its face, the RP2 incorporates interesting details, ranging from the hands to the raised flange around the dial. These reflect Mr Pagès’ thoughtful approach to watchmaking. But above all, his approach is exemplified by the movement, which is clearly a calibre that has a robust construction and refined finishing.

Personally I would change a few elements  of the design, which feels too empty and stark as it stands. However, I can see the RP2 is an evolution of Mr Pagès’ earlier watches so it makes sense from that perspective.

The RP2 movement features a counterweighted pallet lever, a detail typically found on early 20th century pocket watches

Unlike his RP1, the RP2 was conceived to be produced at scale – 50 pieces over two years – so he has turned to suppliers to produce the raw components for the RP2 movement. While this makes the RP2 less artisanal than its predecessor, it is enjoys the advantage of being more accessible in terms of both price and availability.

Stark white

The RP2 has the dimensions of a classical time-only watch, with the steel case measuring 38.5 mm in diameter and 11.5 mm high including the domed crystal. The case has a narrow, stepped bezel that maximises the opening for the dial.

Interestingly, the case is made from recycled stainless steel, perhaps a nod to the trend towards sustainability in watchmaking.

The multi-part dial is made up of a brass base that’s coated a pale blue and then topped with a white agate disc. According to Mr Pagès, the mineral stone was chosen as a reference to his first-ever wristwatch, the Soberly Onyx, which had a black onyx dial.

The hands are steel and hand finished. According to Mr Pagès, the hands are inspired by Breguet but the hour hand features an unusual detail with its tip secured by a visible rivet.

The RP2 movement sticks to the traditional styling of the RP1. The large, 12.5 mm balance wheel is secured by an open-worked cock, while finger bridges hold the wheels of the going train.

But because it was conceived to be produced as a limited edition of 50, the RP2 is a straightforward hand-wind movement, unlike the RP1 that featured a detent escapement.

Given Mr Pagès’ background in restoration, the historical inspiration behind the movement details is unsurprising.

Amongst them is the counterweighted lever, a feature found in historical pocket watches that was meant to enhance the stability of the escapement. While not truly practical in modern watchmaking, it is a neat historical detail that also offers additional space for decoration.

The decoration is, needless to say, outstanding. All of the components are decorated by hand in Mr Pagès’ workshop.

Even the concealed steel parts of the keyless works are straight grained and chamfered, while the wheels of the going train have chamfered spokes and inner edges.

Key facts and price

Raúl Pagès RP2

Case diameter: 38.5 mm
Height: 11.5 mm
Material: Recycled stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: RP2
Functions: Hours, minutes, and small seconds
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Manual
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Leather strap with pin buckle

Limited edition: 50 pieces
Availability: Direct from Raul Pages, with 25 pieces delivered per year
Price: CHF89,000 before taxes

For more, visit Pageswatches.com.