Imagine blending the effervescent thrill of popping a bottle of finest champagne with the indulgent decadence of savoring rare caviar – now picture that as a wristwatch. That's the essence of the Studio Underd0g x Massena LAB Champagne & Caviar 03SERIES, a limited-edition timepiece that's set to redefine luxury in the watch world.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a genuine nod to opulence, or just another clever marketing ploy in a market obsessed with exclusivity? Stick around, because we're diving deep into why this collaboration might just be the talk of 2025.
Dated 07.11.25, this piece comes from the sharp pen of Tom Austin, a seasoned voice in the horology space. If we were handing out awards for the most active microbrand of the year, Studio Underd0g would absolutely sweep the category. Fresh on the heels of their triumphant series with British brand Fears – think of their collaboration like a slam-dunk in basketball, full of energy and unexpected twists – Underd0g is back with a bang. This time, they're teaming up with the collaboration wizards at Massena LAB, who specialize in turning watch dreams into reality. It's been about six months since their 'big-eye' monopusher chronograph stole the spotlight, and now, instead of playful themes like Avocado and Guacamole, they've leveled up to something downright luxurious: Champagne & Caviar.
And this is the part most people miss: How two distinct visions merge to create something truly extraordinary. This 200-piece limited edition is a celebration of excess, born from the synergy of two brilliant minds. On one side, there's William Massena, the founder of Massena LAB, who aims to inject fun and whimsy into the often stuffy realm of high-end watch collecting – imagine bringing a party to a formal gala. On the other, Richard Benc, the creative powerhouse behind Underd0g, whose genius lies in transforming wild ideas into tangible, awe-inspiring pieces that no one else could envision. Together, they've crafted a monopusher chronograph that's not just a watch, but a statement.
At its heart, this beauty builds on the successful 03SERIES monopusher chronograph – a model that's evolved from Underd0g's roots in the 01SERIES. For beginners wondering, a monopusher chronograph is a type of stopwatch with just one button to start, stop, and reset the timing functions, making it simpler and more intuitive than multi-button versions. The 03SERIES takes the playful spirit of its predecessor and refines it into something more collector-worthy, with subtle enhancements that elevate it from fun concept to serious investment. Think of it as upgrading from a casual sketch to a polished masterpiece.
Measuring 38.5mm in diameter and 13.6mm in thickness, the case is a tad larger than the base model, but it remains in that perfect 'just right' zone for wearability – comfortable for a wide variety of wrist sizes, even if you're not a giant. It still boasts that impeccable finish: brushed and polished stainless steel that catches the light beautifully, paired with a slim, non-intrusive bezel that frames a stunning double-domed box sapphire crystal. This setup ensures clarity and depth, letting you admire the dial's artistry without distraction.
As with all Underd0g creations, the dial is where the magic unfolds – a canvas where ideas intermingle. Here, it's layered with a bubbly, textured surface in a champagne fumé finish that fades lighter toward the center, evoking the sparkle of freshly poured bubbles. To complement this, an inky green ring encircles the dial, home to a miniature tachymeter scale for measuring speed or distance during timed events. The standout 'big-eye' 30-minute subdials shine with that same deep, caviar-inspired green on a bumpy, textured surface, mimicking the luxurious, pearl-like bumps of premium caviar straight from the tin.
But wait, there's a subtle surprise that could spark debate: Does hiding Easter eggs like this in design make a watch more exclusive, or is it just insider bragging? Take a closer look, and you'll spot the chronograph seconds hand's counterweight shaped like a champagne bottle silhouette – a clever, 'if you know, you know' detail that underscores why Massena LAB aligned with Underd0g's inventive flair.
What really distinguishes the 03SERIES as a step up is its movement. Ditching the manual-wound Seagull chrono from the base model, it upgrades to a Swiss Sellita SW510M calibre – a cam-operated monopusher chronograph with impressive precision at ±5 seconds per day, a robust 63-hour power reserve, and a custom-etched anthracite bridge adorned with Geneva stripes for that extra touch of elegance. For those new to watch mechanics, this means the movement is reliable, visually striking when viewed through the sapphire exhibition case back, and offers a satisfying tactile click when you operate the chrono functions.
To top it off, the Champagne & Caviar comes with Underd0g's signature strap: a 20mm tapered calfskin leather piece from the renowned Strap Tailor, complete with quick-release spring bars and an engraved stainless steel pin buckle. This one's in a pebbled black finish, but options abound if you want to customize – think of it as the cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.
Now, onto the specs and where to get your hands on one – but let's pause for a controversial twist: At $2,200, is this price tag a fair reflection of innovation, or does it border on overpriced hype in the microbrand scene?
The Studio Underd0g x Massena LAB 03SERIES Champagne & Caviar drops exclusively on underd0g.com at 3pm GMT on November 11th, 2025, with a strict limit of 200 pieces – no fleeting order window, just pure scarcity.
Brand: Studio Underd0g x Massena LAB
Model: 03SERIES Champagne & Caviar
Reference: 03CHB
Case Dimensions: 38.5mm (diameter) x 13.6mm (thickness), with a lug-to-lug of 44.5mm
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50 meters – great for everyday wear, but not deep diving
Crystal(s): Sapphire on both front and back
Dial: Textured champagne and caviar motif
Lug Width: 20mm
Strap: Pebbled black calfskin from Strap Tailor, with quick-release and stainless steel pin buckle
Movement: Sellita SW510M, manually-wound monopusher chronograph
Power Reserve: 63 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, and monopusher chronograph
Availability: Starting November 11th, 2025, limited to 200 pieces
Price: US$2,200
What do you think? Does pairing champagne and caviar on a watch elevate it to true luxury status, or is this just a fun gimmick that dilutes the purity of horology? Do microbrands like Underd0g deserve the same reverence as established houses, or are they riding a wave of hype? Share your thoughts in the comments – agreement or disagreement welcome!
