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It hasn’t escaped your notice that France is renowned for its craftsmanship and timeless elegance… qualities that are perfectly reflected in its watchmaking industry. Because yes, there’s more to life than just Swiss watches!
Today, Swiss Made Watch Magazine is taking a closer look at five brands that are inseparable from French watchmaking, five houses that will surprise you with their unique offering combining tradition, innovation and style.
Lip: The legend of French watchmaking
Founded in 1867 by Emmanuel LipmannLip is perhaps the most iconic brand in French watchmaking. Known for its innovations and bold designs, it has made history with iconic models. Among these we find the “Churchill T18”, a rectangular watch on which the watchmakers of the time made their mark, or the famous “Mach 2000”, a piece whose avant-garde design came from the imagination of the talented Roger Tallon.
Today, Lip continues to seduce watch lovers with collections such as the “Himalaya,” a line that reflects classic elegance, or its “Nautic-Ski,” a robust diving watch introduced in 1967 that is still highly prized by collectors. By combining tradition and modernity, Lip today offers watches that are both historical in spirit and resolutely contemporary.
Yema: The French Explorer
Since its creation in 1948Yema has built its reputation on watches designed for adventurers. Several of its models are considered iconic by enthusiasts. For example, the “Superman” launched in 1963 is a diver’s watch that you absolutely must know. It is the very first French diving watch waterproof to a depth of 300 meters! With its integrated bezel locking system, this technical model has greatly contributed to forging the brand’s reputation.
Yema therefore stands out for its ability to produce robust and functional watches, ideal for sportsmen and adventurers. The Rallygraf, inspired by the automotive world, and the Flygraf, intended for aviators, demonstrate Yema’s commitment to offering watches adapted to specific uses while maintaining a unique French design.
If you like sports watches, you will definitely love Yema watches!
Herbelin: French elegance
Michel Herbelin founded his eponymous brand in 1947with the ambition of creating watches combining Swiss precision and French elegance. Herbelin (the new name of the house since the end of 2022) is recognized for its refined designs and attention to detail.
Inspired by the nautical world, the “Newport” collection is one of the most popular. It features timepieces with clean lines that are made from high-end materials. Other collections such as “Antarès” and “Inspiration” offer classic and contemporary models, reflecting the brand’s expertise and sophisticated aesthetics.
Herbelin is, today, the brand of choice for women and men looking for a watch that is both elegant and timeless.
Pequignet: French watchmaking excellence
Created in 1973 by Emile Pequignetthe house embodies French watchmaking excellence and innovation.
Pequignet is distinguished in part by its mechanical movements, including its famous “Calibre Royal”, entirely designed and manufactured in-house. This prestigious caliber today seduces the most demanding enthusiasts by offering them an exceptional level of precision and reliability.
The “Rue Royale” and “Moorea” collections are particularly remarkable. The first presents classic watches with sophisticated watchmaking complications, while the second offers more sporty and contemporary designs. By combining traditional methods with cutting-edge innovations, Pequignet occupies a very special place in the French watchmaking landscape.
March LAB: French retro-chic
March LAB, founded in 2008 by Alain Marhic And Jerome Mageoffers a modern vision of retro-chic watchmaking. Inspired by the design of the 60s and 70s, the brand creates watches that combine vintage elegance and modernity.
The “AM1” and “SEVENTY” collections are emblematic of March LAB’s distinctive style! The AM1 collection offers watches with clean and sophisticated lines, while SEVENTY revisits the codes of retro sports design.
With a focus on quality and aesthetics, March LAB manages to capture the essence of French chic in each of its watches.
Lip, Yema, Herbelin, Pequignet and March LAB are therefore five French brands that illustrate, each in their own way, the historical richness and diversity that characterize French watchmaking so well. Whether you are looking for a classic, robust, elegant, innovative or retro-chic watch, there is bound to be a national brand that will meet all your expectations.
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