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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dead beat seconds wristwatch

Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin "Massena Lab"

Partially verified

The Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin "Massena Lab" dead beat seconds wristwatch, case number 01/50, dates to 2019. Measuring 38.5 mm in diameter, the timepiece is cased in polished bronze and powered by the manually wound calibre A11MS with 21 jewels. According to source documentation, the collaboration model incorporates an in-house dead beat seconds complication and a black glossy sector dial with gilt printing. The movement and caseback display an exhibition view revealing perlage finishing, blue screws, and limitation engraving. The piece is fitted with a tan leather strap and a bronze pin buckle.

Caseback view of Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin numbered 01/50 showing calibre A11MS
Caseback view of Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin numbered 01/50 showing calibre A11MS — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dead beat seconds wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Habring 2 X Massena Lab
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
144
Source-reported date
2019
Country
Austria
Source-reported serial
01/50

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Collaboration and Identity

Designated as lot 144, this wristwatch represents a collaboration between Austrian watchmaker Habring² and William Massena's Massena LAB. According to the auction essay, while Massena had worked with Habring² in the past, this piece represents the first collaboration under the Massena LAB umbrella.

The model is titled Erwin "Massena Lab" in the catalog header and specifications, but the catalog essay alternates between calling it the "Erwin LAB1" and "Erwin LAB01". Catalogued with a year of 2019, it was issued as a limited edition of 50 pieces, with this specific watch bearing the case number 01/50.

Evidence for this section
  • “the Erwin LAB1 is the very first collaboration under the Massena LAB umbrella”
  • “The Erwin LAB01 was definitely a watch collectors had been hoping for, it was presented early 2019 as a limited edition of 50 pieces”
  • “Case No 01/50”
  • “Model Name Erwin "Massena Lab"”

Case and Movement Construction

The watch features a bronze case measuring 38.5 mm in diameter, described in the catalog essay as a polished "Calatrava" style case with a tone closer to vintage yellow gold than matte bronze. Physical observations note that the bronze surface displays light natural patina, and the caseback bezel is engraved with 'HABRING 2 X MASSENA LAB' and limitation '01/50'.

A sapphire exhibition caseback displays the manually wound calibre A11MS, which has 21 jewels and a dead beat seconds mechanism. Observations note perlage decoration on the baseplate, circular brush finishing on the bridge, and blue screws. The movement bridge is signed 'Habring²' within an oval cartouche and stamped '21 JEWELS MADE IN AUSTRIA'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housing the movement is a surprising polished bronze “Calatrava” style case closer in color to vintage yellow gold than to the matte bronze we are more used to seeing.”
  • “Dimensions 38.5mm Diameter”
  • “Calibre Manual, cal. A11MS, 21 jewels”
  • “Sapphire exhibition caseback showing movement with perlage decoration on the baseplate and circular brush finishing on the bridge”
  • “Movement bridge signed 'Habring²' within an oval cartouche and stamped '21 JEWELS MADE IN AUSTRIA'”
  • “Engraved caseback bezel with 'HABRING 2 X MASSENA LAB' and limitation '01/50'”
  • “Case displays light natural patina across the bronze surface”

Dial, Strap, and Accessories

The provided photograph depicts only the movement and caseback; the dial is not directly visible in the image. Per catalog text, the timepiece features a black glossy sector dial with gilt printing, described as an homage to sector dials from the 1930s. The lot listing records the dial as signed Habring².

The piece is fitted with a tan textured leather strap secured by a bronze pin buckle, with underside stampings noted on the strap. According to the catalog listing, the watch is accompanied by a Habring² fitted box, spare parts, guarantee, and paper.

Evidence for this section
  • “The black glossy dial with gilt printing is an homage to the gorgeous sector dials found in some of the most beautiful watches in the 1930s.”
  • “Clasp/Buckle Bronze pin buckle”
  • “Fitted with a tan textured leather strap stamped on the underside”
  • “Accompanied by Habring 2 fitted box, spare parts, Guarantee and paper.”
  • “Signed Case, dial and movement signed Habring2, caseback further signed Massena LAB”

Open research questions

  • What specific text and layout are printed on the dial surface, which is not shown in the available lot photo?
  • What specific spare parts are included in the Habring 2 packaging?
  • Does the accompanying paperwork list the model designation as Erwin LAB1, Erwin LAB01, or Erwin "Massena Lab"?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Habring 2 X Massena Lab Erwin "Massena Lab"
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Number01/50“Case No 01/50”
MaterialBronze“Material Bronze”
CalibreManual, cal. A11MS, 21 jewels“Calibre Manual, cal. A11MS, 21 jewels”
Dimensions38.5mm Diameter“Dimensions 38.5mm Diameter”
BuckleBronze pin buckle“Clasp/Buckle Bronze pin buckle”
AccompanimentsHabring 2 fitted box, spare parts, Guarantee and paper“Accompanied by Habring 2 fitted box, spare parts, Guarantee and paper.”
ComplicationDead beat seconds“features a dead beat seconds mechanism meaning a seconds hand that advances perfectly once every second”
Case SignatureSigned Habring2 and Massena LAB“Signed Case, dial and movement signed Habring2, caseback further signed Massena LAB”

Visible details

  • Sapphire exhibition caseback showing movement with perlage decoration on the baseplate and circular brush finishing on the bridge
  • Movement bridge signed 'Habring²' within an oval cartouche and stamped '21 JEWELS MADE IN AUSTRIA'
  • Engraved caseback bezel with 'HABRING 2 X MASSENA LAB' and limitation '01/50'
  • Case displays light natural patina across the bronze surface
  • Fitted with a tan textured leather strap stamped on the underside

Research qualifications

  • The auction essay references both 'Erwin LAB1' and 'Erwin LAB01' for this model.
  • The provided photograph depicts the caseback and movement; dial details are sourced from catalog text.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Habring 2 X Massena Lab The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d162d757bf

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.