Raúl Pagès is not just one of the very best independent watchmakers I’ve had the pleasure to know for decades, he is also one of the nicest and most unassuming gentleman I have the pleasure to know.

After his long sold out Soberly Onyx and Régulateur à Détente RP1 models, and winning the inaugural 2024 Louis Vuitton Prize for Independent Watchmakers, Pagès now releases the RP2 White Agate.

The Pagès RP2 distills incredible high watchmaking and hand finishing in an apparently ‘simple’, very wearable – 38.5 mm diameter – three handed watch.

The RP2 is absolutely stunning, however, the bad news is that it costs 89,000 Swiss francs and there will only be 50 pieces.

I expect them to sell out soon (if they haven’t already).

From the press release:

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 caliber, 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 caliber 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 caliber, features a large variable-inertia balance wheel and a counter-weighted 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.

A Free and Committed Craftsman

More than just a watch, the RP2 embodies Raúl Pagès’ philosophy: a pursuit of purity, authenticity, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Designed with absolute attention to detail, it blends timeless aesthetics with horological excellence.

Limited to just 50 pieces over five years, the RP2 is destined for collectors who seek true independent watchmaking—defined not by trends, but by substance.

About Raúl Pagès

Trained in the restoration workshop of Michel Parmigiani, Pagès has worked on some of the most extraordinary timepieces from the Sandoz Collection and the Patek Philippe Museum.

His independent journey began in 2013 with the Tortue automaton, inspired by Jaquet-Droz and Maillardet. In 2016, he introduced the Soberly Onyx, an elegantly minimalist timepiece.

His RP1, launched in 2022, redefined the detent escapement within a contemporary wristwatch. It received the inaugural Louis Vuitton Prize for Independent Watchmakers in 2024.

With the RP2, Raúl Pagès continues to shape a singular vision of independent haute horlogerie—rooted in heritage, yet profoundly modern.

For more information, please visit https://pageswatches.com/

Quick facts: Raúl Pagès RP2
Case: 316L recycled stainless steel
Dimensions: 38,5 mm diameter x 11.5 mm high
Water resistance: 30 meters/100’
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 vibrations per hour / 3 Hz
Strap and buckle: supplied with two hand-stitched straps in grey/blue and beige leather featuring a tool-free removal system. 316L stainless steel buckle with “Pagès” logo engraving
Limitation: 50 pieces
Price: CHF 89’000 swiss francs (excl. taxes)

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