Cassiel_II

Cassiel_II is MAKINA's latest industrial design experiment. Rather than treating the chronograph as a nostalgic motorsport instrument, the project explores a fundamental design challenge: how to transform one of watchmaking's most familiar chronograph movements into something new, visually distinctive, and unmistakably its own, without altering its underlying mechanical architecture. The result is an unconventional display system and a new case architecture that together give the watch a distinct character and visual identity.

The watch is built around a 42mm case defined by sharply faceted geometry, where rough sandblasted planes contrast with hand-polished surfaces. Water resistant to 100 meters, Cassiel_II is fitted with an asymmetrical integrated rubber strap that continues the architectural language of the case, creating a cohesive and highly recognizable silhouette on the wrist.

Its layered dial replaces conventional chronograph subdials with cut-out rotating displays that reveal information and luminous elements beneath. The rotating displays remain faithful to the native layout of the ETA/Valjoux 7750 while presenting information through a unique visual language. Hours and minutes are indicated through two-pronged hands that continue MAKINA's contemporary design language. A bevelled sapphire crystal introduces additional depth through peripheral light refraction, while the application of lume reveals a distinct secondary identity in low-light conditions.

Powering the watch is the ETA/Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement, selected for its robust construction, long-term serviceability, and reputation as one of the industry's most enduring chronograph calibers. Its purposeful, workhorse nature complements Cassiel_II's industrial character, pairing an unconventional exterior with one of watchmaking's most trusted mechanical chronograph engines. The movement is visible through an exhibition caseback and fitted with a custom MAKINA rotor.

Cassiel_II seeks to balance industrial character with refinement, transforming the traditional chronograph into a contemporary piece of mechanical architecture designed for the wrist.