Raúl Pagès releases his third watch as an independent, after the successful RP1. The Pages RP2 is a classical three hand watch executed to the highest levels.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Pages RP2
The Pages RP2 has a recommended retail price of CHF 89,000 before taxes.
Commentary
This is the next stage for Raúl Pagès. After striking out on his own, and one year out after winning the prestigious Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. And his third watch with his name on the dial. The first product he made was a mechanical turtle which wanders around. And he ventured into his own wristwatch with the Soberly Onyx, a watch which is based on the movement of an vintage Cyma, but completely redone with all the haute horlogerie finishing by Raúl. We waxed lyrical about this watch, but even then (circa 2015/16), had expressed to Raúl that we wished he would make his own movement. His eyes glinted as he tried to hide his pride that indeed he was working with one. But he kept his cool, and it was not until 2022 when he dropped the RP1, did we realise that he was keeping a secret.
The RP1 was a fully conceived, designed, and produced in-house. It had a regulator movement driven by a detent escapement. This novelty is the followup. The next step so to speak. Still fully conceived, designed and produced in-house, but instead of the more showy regulator style dial layout, the RP2 is a more classical three hand watch. A Simplicity of sorts, with an obvious hints in reference to the Dufour Simplicity. The case is a very nice 38.5mm size, retained from the RP1, now made with recycled 316 steel. The bezel and case back receives a ultra-fine satin finish, which is entirely executed by hand.
And the wristwatch, reduced tp its simplest forms, in concept of the basic 3 hand watch with subsidiary small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, which is as classical as one can get, to the simple, straightforward layout of the movement. But the killer is the way this simple watch is finished!
The construction of the movement is classical. With a large half plate accompanied by three cocks for the third, fourth and fifth wheels of the movement train. Each finished magnificently with Côtes de Genève, satin finish, anglage, sharp inward angles and black polishing. Each executed with finesse and becoming a showcase of Raúl’s mastery of the craft.
But the basic layout of the RP1 is carried over, with the plates seeing a redesign. While the RP1 has a more floral language, the RP2 carries the story in much simpler lines. The cock holding the balance remains largely unchanged from the RP1, with its openworked design to showcase inward angles in the opening. The flying barrel is replaced with a traditional two pivot one, and the click is now integrated into the top of the main plate. This click is magnificently finished in black polish, and the design is traditional Swiss, but also a nod to the Dufour Simplicity. This click is also precisely calibrated so that it provides tactile feedback as one winds the watch.
Instead of the detent escapement from the RP1, the RP2 now carries the traditional Swiss anchor escapement, but equipped with two rather unusual moustache attachments which is designed for better balance and impulsion.
The dial also deserves mention. Here we see accents of the cerulean blue which Raúl favours. The same blue is used in the RP1 as the colour contrast of the sub-dial carrying the seconds hand. In the RP2, we see the design mature, and the cerulean blue is now appears sparingly as tasteful accents.
The blue forms the base of the dial. And a ring (what appears to be in steel, but could be agate as well) forms the rehaut, though it is applied with a small gap to the edge of the dial. This allows the blue to show through at the periphery. The cloudy white agate disc in the center is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the rehaut ring, showing off the blue in the space in between. Visually, it looks like two blue rings, concentric to each other at the periphery and inwards of the hour markers.
The hands chosen have a decidedly hand made character. Inspired by Breguet hands, they are tubular and riveted to a disc with an arrow head for the hour hand, with the minute hand being just sharpened at the end. The home made feel gives just the right vibe as it hovers over the smooth surface of the white agate.
Pricing at CHF 89k is par for the course. We can complain that this is indeed high, but it what the market can bear for a small series production by an independent producer working on his own concept, design, and actualisation. In line with the likes of Simon Brett, Sylvian Pinaud, and below what the super-stars like Rexhep Rexhepi or Kari Voutilainen.
Release information Pages RP2
Raúl Pagès has established himself as a defining voice in contemporary independent watchmaking. Following the success of the RP1, celebrated for its remarkable detent escapement, he now presents his latest creation: the RP2.
A distillation of his philosophy, this three-hand watch embodies his pursuit of refinement and technical mastery, conceived as a timeless companion for everyday wear. With its understated aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship, the RP2 expresses Pagès’ commitment to independent horology at its most exacting.
Building on the spirit of the RP1, the RP2 introduces an entirely new Manufacture calibre, designed and developed exclusively for this model. The result of years of research, the movement reflects an uncompromising approach to both engineering and finishing.
Inspired by 19th-century watchmaking, the calibre balances tradition with a distinctly modern identity. Beneath its apparent simplicity lies a wealth of technical sophistication—without extraneous complications, yet with a rare purity of execution.
Durability and performance were central to its design. A conical winding gear, optimized gear train, and reworked barrel ensure exceptionally smooth energy transmission. Its regulating organ, developed specifically for this calibre, features a large variable-inertia balance wheel and a counterweighted lever, underscoring the pursuit of balance and precision.
The movement is finished to the highest standards of haute horlogerie: mirror polishing, anglage, inward angles, satin brushing, and Côtes de Genève, all executed with a wooden grinding wheel. Every detail reflects the exacting nature of Raúl Pagès’ craftsmanship.
With the RP2, Pagès continues his horological journey, reaffirming his status as an independent artisan who masters every aspect of his work. Each element of this watch embodies his unwavering dedication to excellence and tradition.
The Genesis
The RP2 was born from a desire to create a timepiece of understated elegance with profound mechanical depth.
Pagès explains: “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.”
The Dial : Pure and Precise
At first glance, the RP2’s dial appears simple, yet it conceals a remarkable complexity. Constructed from five distinct elements, it features a deep cerulean blue base with a white agate center, creating a subtle yet striking contrast. This blue, recalling the small seconds dial of the RP1, establishes a visual and emotional continuity between Pagès’ creations.
The brushed minute track, polished on its inner edge, adds depth and structure, enhancing the dial’s harmonious architecture.
Pagès elaborates: “I chose white agate, a noble and meaningful material, as a tribute to my first watch, the Soberly Onyx, which was produced in just ten pieces. This reference to my beginnings reflects my deep connection to my roots and my commitment to continuity, bridging tradition and modernity.”
The hands, meticulously curved and polished by hand, draw inspiration from Abraham-Louis Breguet’s timeless designs. Comprising multiple components, they reveal an exceptional level of craftsmanship, further elevated by their hand-matte-finished counterweights—a discreet yet striking detail enhancing both legibility and character.
A near-invisible signature, delicately engraved on the dial, reflects Pagès’ philosophy: every element is designed to surprise without disrupting the watch’s overall purity. In keeping with the finest traditions of horology, this detail remains almost hidden, revealing itself only to the most observant eye.
The Case : A Study in Balance
The RP2’s case, with its refined 38.5 mm diameter, is crafted from recycled 316L stainless steel. Chosen for its exceptional resistance to micro-scratches and its long-term durability, this material aligns with Pagès’ commitment to sustainability and longevity.
Beyond its resilience, the steel ensures an unparalleled lightness and comfort on the wrist, reinforcing Pagès’ belief that true luxury is defined by effortless wearability.
The geometric purity of the case echoes his early designs, while meticulous finishing elevates its sculptural presence. The bezel and case back feature an ultra-fine satin finish, contrasting subtly with polished edges that catch the light from every angle.
The slightly domed crown, carefully proportioned for optimal grip, ensures a smooth and precise winding experience. The tactile resistance of the winding mechanism has been finely calibrated, transforming a daily interaction into a sensory pleasure.
The Movement : Complicated Simplicity
At the heart of the RP2 lies a movement of striking purity, where mechanical excellence and aesthetic refinement converge.
Pagès explains: “When I design my movements, I see them as architectural compositions. Every component must serve a purpose, stripped of the superfluous, yet executed with the utmost technical rigor. Each part must also be beautifully finished, achieving a delicate balance between performance, elegance, and longevity.”
The movement features a 12.50 mm balance wheel, inspired by marine chronometry—the foundation of modern precision timekeeping. Operating at 3 Hz, it strikes a perfect balance between tradition and contemporary performance.
A rare technical refinement, the counterweighted lever, enhances the stability of the escapement, ensuring optimal precision. Such details, seldom seen in contemporary watchmaking, exemplify Pagès’ pursuit of excellence.
Finishing: A Celebration of Craftsmanship
Every component of the RP2’s movement is decorated by hand, upholding the most demanding traditions of haute horlogerie. The bridges, adorned with large Côtes de Genève applied using a wood grinding wheel, feature polished bevels and satin-finished flanks. Ruby and screw countersinks are finely polished, subtly catching the light.
The wheels, adorned with circular graining and featuring hand-polished chamfers, are executed with a precision rarely seen today. Each wheel boasts 20 inward angles, for a total of 60—a testament to the extraordinary level of finishing that defines the RP2.
Among the most exquisite details, the counterweighted anchor is entirely hand-beveled—a miniature work of art, reflecting the highest standards of craftsmanship. The steel components, including screws and the balance bridge, undergo mirror polishing, enhancing both their brilliance and resistance to corrosion.
Through the sapphire caseback, this masterfully executed movement is fully revealed—an interplay of light, form, and texture that rewards the most discerning collector.
Pages RP2 – Technical specifications
Case Material : 316L recycled stainless steel * Diameter : 38,5 mm * Thickness : 11.5 mm with the glass box * Between lugs: 19 mm * Water resistance: 3 atm – 30m – 100G * Sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating, bezel and caseback
Movement In-house movement with manual winding. * Escapement: counterweighted swiss lever. * Balance wheel: variable inertia, 12,50 mm diameter. * Power reserve: 60 hours * Number of jewels: 21 * Balance frequency: 21’600 vibraJons per hour / 3 Hz
Strap and buckle Supplied with two hand-stitched straps in grey/blue and beige leather, fi[ed with bars featuring a tool-free removal system. * 316L stainless steel buckle with “Pagès” logo engraving
