10 French Watch Brands to Know

French watchmaking, although often overshadowed by Swiss dominance, boasts a rich heritage and renowned brands with international influence. From traditional fine watchmaking to contemporary creations, several brands embody French excellence and expertise. Discover our selection of six French watchmaking brands that deserve your full attention.

1. Bell & Ross: French instrumentation of the time
Founded in 1992 by two French designers, Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo, Bell & Ross is a watchmaking company that draws its inspiration from the military, aeronautical, and scientific worlds. Its signature: robust, functional, and legible watches, with an aesthetic inspired by aircraft instruments.
The brand is now based in France, and although its watches are produced in Switzerland, it remains true to its French roots. Its flagship model, the BR 01, with its iconic square case, has won over fans of technical watchmaking around the world.

2. Breguet: The pioneer of modern watchmaking
Founded in Paris in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, considered one of the greatest watchmakers in history, Breguet revolutionized the world of watchmaking. He is credited with the invention of the tourbillon, the Breguet balance spring, and numerous technical innovations still in use today.
A symbol of elegance and refinement, the house is now based in Switzerland, but its heritage remains profoundly French. Each piece reflects an exceptional level of excellence, at the crossroads of art and precision.

3. Cartier: The icon of French luxury
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier is one of the most prestigious jewelry and watchmaking houses in the world. It has established itself with iconic models such as the Tank, the Santos, and the Ballon Bleu, all imbued with an elegant and timeless design.
Cartier combines watchmaking tradition with artistic creation, combining Swiss movements with French aesthetics. Its influence extends far beyond the boundaries of watchmaking to embody a true French art de vivre.

4. Charlie Paris: The contemporary relief
Founded in Paris in 2014, Charlie Paris embodies the new wave of French watchmaking. Its mission: to offer durable, elegant, and affordable watches, while showcasing French watchmaking expertise. All of its watches are assembled in Paris, France, with particular attention paid to technical and aesthetic details.

From the Alliance collection to the Concordia diving watch, Charlie Paris offers collections that combine tradition, innovation and refined design. Committed and independent, the brand is aimed at those looking for a French, responsible and quality alternative in the world of watchmaking.

5. Hermès: French artisanal elegance
A French brand founded in Paris in 1837, Hermès is world-renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. Although primarily known for its leather goods and silk, Hermès has been offering high-end watchmaking for several decades, faithful to its high standards of quality and its taste for beautiful materials.
Hermès watches, such as the Arceau, the Cape Cod, and the Heure H, are distinguished by their poetic design, meticulous finishing, and creativity. Assembled in its own Swiss factory, they embody French refinement and discretion.

6. Pequignet: High-precision watchmaking
Since its founding in 1973, Pequignet has established itself as a leading name in French luxury watchmaking. With production entirely carried out in France, the company has successfully revived exceptional mechanical movements, including the Royal caliber, a true technical feat that places Pequignet among the great names in fine watchmaking.

7. Poiret: The alliance of style and technique
An exceptional brand founded by the renowned fashion house Poiret, this watch collection embodies the sophistication of French watchmaking. The creations combine timeless elegance with technical innovations, offering watches with refined design and impeccable precision.

8. Richard Mille: The avant-garde of French watchmaking
Founded in 2001 by Richard Mille, a French entrepreneur with a passion for mechanics, the eponymous brand has established itself as a revolution in the world of fine watchmaking. Its credo? Combining cutting-edge technology, innovative materials (carbon, titanium, graphene, etc.), and futuristic design.
Although the watches are produced in Switzerland, the brand retains a visionary French spirit and a strong identity. Worn by top athletes, Richard Mille creations embody performance and exclusivity, with pieces often produced in very limited editions.

9. Trilobe: The quirky and modern watch
Trilobe, founded in 2014, embodies the creative and bold spirit of contemporary French watchmaking. Its unique design, featuring a handless dial, is based on an innovative and poetic way of reading time. Each Trilobe watch is a tribute to the art of movement and originality.

10. ZRC: French diving watchmaking
ZRC is an iconic French brand specializing in diving watches. Founded in 1904, it stands out for its technical and robust models, such as the Grands Fonds, a watch created for diving professionals. ZRC combines traditional expertise and innovation to offer quality watches, suitable for the most extreme conditions.

French watchmaking, between heritage and renewal

Whether it's historic houses like Breguet or Cartier, or contemporary brands like Charlie Paris, French watchmaking offers a diversity and expertise that rivals its Swiss counterparts. These leading French watch brands all embody a unique vision of time, at the intersection of art, technology, and style.