Habring² x Massena LAB ERWIN LAB03
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Introducing the Massena LAB x Habring² ERWIN LAB03, featuring a bronze, engine-turned dial by J.N. Shapiro and, for the first time ever, official Chronometer Certification from the Horological Society of New York. The dial of the LAB03 was designed by William Massena and hand-crafted by Joshua Shapiro in his Los Angeles workshop. The tone of the dial, which shifts from salmon to rose depending on the light, is the natural color of the bronze metal and is not the result of painting or plating as is common practice. The dial of the LAB03 is J.N. Shapiros first dial to utilize bronze. J.N. Shapiro uses an eighty-year-old straight-line guilloché machine to achieve the striking basketweave pattern, a centuries-old and arduous process which few dial makers will attempt today. The outer ring of the dial is then grained using Water of Ayr stone, a traditional watchmaking tool which is exceedingly rare today. The markings on the dial, along with the hands, are a deep midnight blue, providing excellent legibility against the bronze metal. The leather strap of the LAB03 is made in Italy from deerskin, also in a deep blue tone. The ERWIN LAB03 is made in Austria by Habring² with their in-house caliber A11MS hand-wound movement, featuring a patented deadbeat seconds complication. Turning the timepiece over reveals the movement, visible through a display back of sapphire crystal. The movement of the LAB03 has a unique and special finishing: it is first plated with a layer of rhodium, followed by a second layer of 5N rose gold. The LAB03 is the first watch to receive official Chronometer Certification from the Horological Society of New York, Americas first watchmaking guild. A keen eye will observe that the movement of the LAB03 has been stamped with the official HSNY Seal. Chronometer Certification from the HSNY indicates that a timepiece has met its rigorous testing protocols and has exceeded the international standards outlined in ISO 3159. Watches that pass the HSNYs visual rate testing procedures are issued a physical certificate detailing that individual timepieces results, which is included with your delivery of the LAB03. The Habring² ERWIN LAB03 will be produced in a limited edition of 66 pieces to commemorate 1866, the year the Horological Society of New York was founded. The LAB03 will be shipped in batches monthly, beginning in late January 2022. Bronze develops a unique patina whenever it is exposed to oxygen, and the dial of LAB03 will change in color over time. This patina is natural and will vary depending on the climate of the region where the watch is worn.
Who this watch is really for
strong dataBest for
- Collectors who want a chronograph from an independent brand rather than the usual big-brand shortlist.
- Smaller wrists or buyers who prefer compact proportions over oversized wrist presence.
- Buyers who care about Swiss-style movement credibility and long-term service familiarity.
Skip if
- You need a swim-ready sports watch with more water-resistance headroom.
- You want quartz convenience with minimal setting, winding, or service concerns.
Value note: The value case is helped by a familiar Swiss-style movement platform at the high-end level. The rest comes down to finishing, fit, and whether the design feels distinct enough.
