Gagà Laboratorio - Aqualab
Following the success of the Labormatic—those sculptural, disc-display timepieces designed by tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta that captured collector attention—Gagà Laboratorio has taken their distinctive design language into uncharted waters. The Aqualab represents not just a new category for the brand, but a philosophical statement: that technical instrumentality and emotional design need not be opposing forces.
The case architecture will be immediately familiar to Gagà devotees—fluid transitions, balanced proportions, and sculptural volumes remain central. Yet here, the signature dual-crown construction serves a functional dive purpose: the 12 o'clock crown handles time-setting, while the 6 o'clock crown operates an internal rotating bezel, preserving the case's pure, uninterrupted lines.
Three Distinct Personalities
The Aqualab launches in three interpretations, each capturing a different facet of aquatic character:
Aquamarine (AQ01-01) – The luminous coastal expression. A brushed 316L steel case frames a vibrant turquoise dial that evokes Mediterranean clarity and relaxed sophistication. This is the vacation diver, equally at home on a yacht deck or beachside café.
Anthracite (AQ03-01) – The technical instrument. PVD gun-treated steel creates a darker, more aggressive presence with golden hour markers that recall vintage military gauges. For the adventurer who treats diving as serious business.
Silver Grey and Blue (AQ02-01) – The metropolitan compromise. Discreet elegance meets sport capability, with subtle blue accents against brushed steel—a timeless configuration that transitions seamlessly from boardroom to dive boat.
All three share the collection's technical foundation: 44mm diameter, 15mm thickness, 200-meter water resistance, and that distinctive double-curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal that has become a Gagà signature.
The Movement Within
Powering the Aqualab is the La Joux-Perret G100, the same automatic calibre that impressed in the Labormatic line. With 68 hours of power reserve, 24 jewels, and a 4Hz frequency, it offers substantial performance advantages over standard ETA or Sellita alternatives. The movement is visible through a sapphire display back secured with four screws—though here, the rotor has been adapted to suit the collection's more utilitarian character.
The time display maintains Gagà's unconventional approach: digital hours appear through an aperture at 12 o'clock, while analog minutes sweep the inner ring. Central seconds are indicated by a rotating disc bearing the brand's crest—functional, yes, but also a moment of visual theater that animates the dial.
Wearing the Philosophy
What distinguishes the Aqualab from the crowded dive watch market isn't merely specification—it's intention. This is a watch engineered for the sea but designed for life, as the brand notes. The HNBR rubber strap (a high-performance nitrile compound) offers genuine dive-ready durability while the case proportions and stepped lug architecture ensure it remains wearable for terrestrial endeavors.
Case: 316L stainless steel with brushed finishing
Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Crystal: Double-curved sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
Movement: La Joux-Perret G100
Power Reserve: 68 hours
Jewels: 24
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 A/H)
Functions:
Digital hour display
Analog minutes
Central seconds disc
Inner ring with minute indications
Lume: Super-LumiNova on hour and minute indications
Crowns: Double crown system — 12 o'clock for time setting, 6 o'clock for inner ring setting
Caseback: Secured with 4 screws
Strap: HNBR rubber with pin buckle
Price: HKD 39,000