Here’s a list of notable French watchmakers, ranging from historic brands to modern independents. While Switzerland dominates the global watch industry, France has a rich and underappreciated horological tradition, particularly in design, innovation, and early timekeeping history.
- Historic & Prestigious French Watchmakers
1. Cartier
Founded: 1847, Paris
Famous for: Santos, Tank, Ballon Bleu, Panthère
Swiss-made today, but deeply rooted in French design.
2. Breguet
Founded: 1775, Paris by Abraham-Louis Breguet
Famous for: Inventing the tourbillon, Breguet hands/dials
Now Swiss-owned (Swatch Group), but originally French and one of the most influential watchmakers in history.
3. LIP
Founded: 1867, Besançon
Famous for: French-made mechanical and quartz watches; worn by de Gaulle, Churchill, and Che Guevara
Still active, with affordable models made in France.
4. Dodane 1857
Founded: 1857, Besançon
Famous for: Military chronographs, pilot watches (Type 21)
Still producing tool watches, often with Swiss movements.
5. Yema
Founded: 1948, Besançon
Famous for: Yema Superman (diver), Rallygraf, and Navygraf
Uses both in-house and outsourced movements. Some production remains in France.
⚙️ Modern French Watchmakers & Microbrands
6. Baltic
Founded: 2017, Paris
Famous for: Vintage-inspired watches with great finishing; popular in enthusiast circles
Assembled in France; uses Miyota and Swiss movements.
7. March LA.B
Founded: 2008, Biarritz & Los Angeles
Style: Retro-modern French design with Swiss movements
Made in France and Switzerland.
8. Reservoir
Founded: 2017, Paris
Known for: Automotive- and aviation-inspired watches with jumping hour and retrograde minutes
Swiss-made movements, French design.
9. Michel Herbelin
Founded: 1947, Charquemont (near the Swiss border)
Known for: Elegant, affordable watches with Swiss movements
Family-run, designs and assembles in France.
10. Pequignet
Founded: 1973, Morteau
Famous for: In-house French movement (Calibre Royal)
Boutique luxury brand producing mechanical watches entirely in France.
Other French or France-Based Brands to Know
| Brand | Known for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B.R.M (Bernard Richards Manufacture) | Racing-inspired watches | Hand-assembled in France |
| MAT Watches | Military and tactical watches | Supplying French special forces |
| Lornet | Bold, high-end modern design | French movement and assembly |
| Utinam | Besançon-based clock and watchmaker | Known for artistic horology |
