Raul Pagès - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Raúl Pagès is an independent watch brand founded in 2012 in Le Locle, Switzerland, by independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès. Trained in the restoration of antique clocks and complicated pieces, he quickly gained recognition for his artisanal approach and contemporary vision of haute horlogerie. Before launching his own watches, he worked in the restoration of museum pieces, notably for the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. His philosophy is based on manual excellence, carefully balanced proportions and deliberately limited production aimed at seasoned collectors.

A heritage of restoration and a contemporary vision

Raúl Pagès first made his name in restoration, working on complex historical pieces such as automata and complicated pocket watches. This experience gave him exceptional mastery of traditional techniques, while developing a taste for expressive mechanics. Building on this foundation, he decided to launch his own creations. His philosophy is to combine respect for traditional know-how with a modern language, so that each Pagès watch embodies a bridge between horological heritage and contemporary interpretation.

Remarkable beginnings: the tortoise automaton

The very first creation signed Raúl Pagès was a unique automaton turtle, completed in 2012. This mechanical artwork continues the tradition of 18th and 19th century Swiss automata, but with a modern interpretation. The animal, driven by a miniature mechanical movement, actually moves forward thanks to an ingenious internal system. Presented as a manifesto, the turtle established Pagès’ reputation by showcasing his exceptional micromechanical skill and taste for originality. From this first piece, Pagès demonstrated that his watchmaking would tread unconventional paths.

The Soberly Onyx and the poetic entry into watchmaking

After the automaton, Pagès designed his first wristwatch, the Raúl Pagès Soberly Onyx, launched in 2016. As its name suggests, it features a dial in polished black onyx, an exercise in absolute sobriety. This aesthetic choice reflects the watchmaker’s philosophy: to strip the object of distractions and highlight purity of form and finishing. Powered by a restored and hand-decorated movement, the watch demonstrates his commitment to handcraft and rare exclusivity. The Soberly Onyx was warmly received by collectors and secured the brand’s place in the world of independent watchmaking. It remains an example of horological minimalism elevated by craftsmanship.

The RP1 Detent Regulator: mechanical independence

In 2021, Raúl Pagès took a decisive step with the presentation of the Raúl Pagès RP1 Detent Regulator. This watch is powered by a fully in-house calibre, the result of years of research and development. The choice of a regulator with a direct detent escapement reflects rare technical ambition, since this type of escapement was historically reserved for marine chronometers. Its adaptation to a wristwatch is an achievement. With a compact 38.5 mm diameter, the RP1 stands out for its elegance and refinement, while offering remarkable precision. Through this piece, Pagès asserts his technical independence and ambition to explore demanding mechanical territories.

• Raúl Pagès Soberly Onyx — Black onyx dial, sobriety and hand finishing.
• Raúl Pagès RP1 Detent Regulator — Direct detent escapement, in-house calibre, 38.5 mm case.

Limited production and targeted collectors

The brand’s production is deliberately very limited. Only a handful of watches leave Pagès’ workshop each year, each requiring hundreds of hours of manual work. This rarity explains the strong demand and difficulty of acquiring a piece. Collectors often join waiting lists, and distribution takes place through very selective channels. This artisanal model ensures that every watch retains an exclusive and highly desirable dimension. Pricing reflects this rarity and sophistication, with amounts reaching tens of thousands of Swiss francs depending on the model.

International recognition

In just over a decade, Raúl Pagès has established himself as a reference among independent watchmakers. His creations have been praised in specialist press and displayed at prestigious fairs such as Baselworld and Watches and Wonders. The collecting community sees him as an artisan capable of offering unique pieces in both conception and execution. Membership in the AHCI further strengthened his status and legitimized his role as a spokesperson for creative, demanding watchmaking. Today, Raúl Pagès is considered one of the most promising independent watchmakers of his generation.

Conclusion

With a philosophy blending heritage, creativity and technical independence, Raúl Pagès offers watchmaking of the highest standard. From the automaton turtle to the Soberly Onyx, and then the RP1 Detent Regulator, his career reflects a constant will to innovate while respecting tradition. His watches target enthusiasts willing to wait months or even years for a rare piece. They stand out for their aesthetic sobriety, mechanical refinement and exclusivity. To determine whether a Pagès watch matches your expectations, and to discover real owners’ perspectives, consult Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)