The watchmaker Hegidknown for its evolving approach to watchmaking, takes a crucial step in its development by unveiling its first movement entirely made in France: the Caliber Specimen FE-01. With this new caliber, Hegid marks its commitment to French watchmaking heritage, by repatriating the production of its movements to the national territory. This robust and efficient movement reinforces the brand’s place in the renaissance of French watchmaking.
A movement with French roots
Since its founding, Hegid has cultivated a strong French identity in the world of watchmaking. With the launch of the Caliber Specimen FE-01, most of the production of Hegid watches is now concentrated in theFrench Jura Arca region where watchmaking know-how has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This decision represents much more than a simple industrial approach for Hegid; it is a return to its roots for a house that wishes to place its work in the French watchmaking heritage, which once dominated this sector.
The development of this caliber is based on a collaboration with France Draftsrecently relaunched by the Festina group. The historic manufacture, which was one of the largest producers of mechanical movements in the world, is now enjoying a second life thanks to this reindustrialization effort. France Ebauches thus ensures the production of the new Hegid calibers, demonstrating the potential for renewal of the French watchmaking industry.
The Specimen FE-01 Caliber: power and performance
The Specimen Caliber FE-01 was designed to offer robustness and longevity, allowing Hegid watches to cross generations. Inspired by the foundation of proven movements by Soprodthis automatic movement presents high technical specifications which meet the standards of the major Swiss houses. The frequency of the caliber is 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)ensuring remarkable timing precision, with a drift of -4 to +6 seconds per day.
Equipped with a 44 hour power reservethe Caliber Specimen FE-01 guarantees comfortable autonomy for daily use. Among the remarkable technical elements, we find the system Incabloc® double cone and a crossing balance bridge, which ensure the solidity of the regulating organ against shocks. These features give the watch enhanced strength and stability, making Hegid watches a durable and reliable choice for watch enthusiasts.
A refined watchmaking aesthetic
The Specimen FE-01 is not just a precision movement; it is also a tribute to the art of watchmaking through its careful design. There rhodium-plated platinumengraved with the Hegid monogram and the inscription “Caliber Specimen FE-01”, adds a touch of elegance, while the hollowed out balance bridge offers a view of the regulating organ. In addition, the golden oscillating weight, openworked and engraved with the word “Evolution”, evokes the concept of adaptability specific to the brand.
Hegid has succeeded in combining aesthetics and robustness in this movement, which will become the beating heart of all the capsules of the brand’s collections. This attention to detail recalls the artisanal know-how and precision necessary to create an exceptional caliber, while remaining faithful to Hegid’s elegant and timeless visual identity.
A brand serving evolving watchmaking
Hegid has stood out in the industry by offering modular watches, designed to evolve according to the desires and needs of their owners. Thanks to its concept EVOLeach Hegid watch can be transformed in a few seconds, by simply changing its case, its capsule or its bracelet. This innovative concept offers Hegid watch owners the opportunity to personalize their timepiece, without sacrificing quality or durability.
With the integration of the Caliber Specimen FE-01, Hegid reinforces its promise of adaptable and durable luxury watchmaking. This caliber provides a reliable foundation for watches that can be passed down from generation to generation, without losing their brilliance or performance.
The renaissance of French watchmaking
The return of a caliber made in France is part of a broader trend of revitalization of the French watch industry. If France has long been a pioneer in the art of watchmaking, the upheavals of the 1990s marked a turning point, with the closure of many factories. However, a new generation of brands and manufacturers, such as Hegid and France Ebauches, are today reinventing this heritage by combining tradition and innovation.
By launching the Specimen FE-01, Hegid displays its ambition to become a key player in this renewal. The choice to repatriate the production of its calibers demonstrates a desire to engage in a local manufacturing process and to encourage the international influence of French watchmaking know-how.
A future focused on evolution
For Hegid, the launch of the Caliber Specimen FE-01 is a major step which illustrates the motto of the House: “Make your Evolution”. This vision, inspired by Darwinian adaptability, invites each watch wearer to evolve and appropriate their style. Through this innovation, Hegid offers not just a watch, but a concept that values individuality and transformation.
With the Caliber Specimen FE-01, Hegid is not only asserting its place in luxury watchmaking; it redefines its contours by combining performance, aesthetics and modularity. This movement, the fruit of a creative vision and local manufacturing, carries within it the ambition of a House which brings French watchmaking into the 21st century.
