Now in their fourth collaboration together, Swiss brand Mathey-Tissot and Massena LAB have once again brought their individual strengths to give us the Chronograph ‘68. This vintage-inspired watch is the best of both worlds: providing a great timepiece, while also being a stylish, vintage inspired accessory for anyone looking for an upgrade to their wrist rotation.
The impetus for this watch’s design comes from the tumultuous year of 1968. As Mathey-Tissot recounts the various cultural shifts during this period in history, one really has the sense that there was a dramatic change happening as the world was preparing to ring in a new decade. Mathey-Tissot and Massena cite events like Arthur Ashe’s historic victory at the U.S. Open and the emergence of “mod” culture in London as important cultural touchstones from the year, and the Chronograph ‘68 exists as a kind of tribute to a very specific point in history by adhering to particular aesthetic choices rooted in late ‘60s watch design.
To commemorate this period, Mathey-Tissot and Massena LAB looked at various reference points of watches that were sold during the 1960’s. The result is an amalgamation of design elements that work seamlessly together to make a timeless watch that could easily be made today or 60 years ago. From the black dial against the 41mm stainless steel case, to the reflective hour markers, to the three colorful registers in red, white, and blue, the balance of neutral design and pops of color make for a sporty but versatile look. In fact, the blue leather strap enhances the overall tonal balance of this watch. The lollipop chronograph hand and a unidirectional 120-click bezel with a luminous plot at zero only add to the small touches that show the care and attention to detail that has gone into this watch.
The Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Chronograph ’68 is powered by the Swiss-made, self-winding Landeron caliber 73, which promises a 43-hour power reserve.
The watch is available now via MassenaLAB.com with a limited quantity of 99 pieces produced. The Chronograph ‘68 retails for $1,495.
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