Briston - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

The French watch brand Bristol embodies sporty elegance and casual chic, fusing watchmaking tradition and British influences. Founded in 2012 by Brice Jaunet, Briston quickly established itself on the market thanks to distinctive designs and a philosophy focused on accessibility without compromising on quality.

Origins and Foundation

Brice Jaunet, passionate about watchmaking and with 15 years of experience in the industry, notably at Cartier, Baume & Mercier, Raymond Weil and Zenith, decided in 2012 to create his own brand. His studies at Oxford and his affection for British “preppy” style inspire him to design watches reflecting this sport-chic spirit. The name "Briston" is chosen in homage to this English influence.

Innovative Design and Materials

From its beginnings, Briston stands out for its use of cellulose acetate for the cases of its watches, a material mainly used in high-end eyewear. Made by the Italian house Mazzucchelli, this acetate gives the watches a unique appearance, notably with “tortoiseshell” finishes reminiscent of iconic glasses. This innovation is particularly visible in the collection Clubmaster, launched in 2013, which quickly became the brand's flagship model.

Briston watches also feature interchangeable NATO straps, inspired by straps developed by the British Ministry of Defense for the military. These straps add a casual touch and allow for easy personalization of watches.

Evolution and Diversification of Collections

Over the years, Briston expanded its range by introducing new collections and integrating automatic movements. In 2015, the line Briston Clubmaster Sport is launched, offering chronograph and HMS models with steel cases, meeting the expectations of customers looking for sportier watches.

In 2017, Briston made a foray into the field of diving watches with the Briston Clubmaster Diver, its first automatic watch waterproof up to 300 meters. This model maintains the brand's signature cushion case while offering diving-friendly features, such as a crown at 4 o'clock and a ceramic bezel.

The collection Briston Streamliner, introduced later, features barrel-shaped acetate cases, combining retro and contemporary style. The model Streamliner Urban is particularly appreciated for its sleek design and embossed dial.

Expansion and International Presence

Since its inception, Briston has experienced significant growth, boasting nearly 1,000 points of sale worldwide. In 2018, the brand opened its first boutique in its own name in Paris, in the Marais district, thus strengthening its presence on the French market. The Briston collections are also available online, on the brand's official website as well as on specialized platforms in France such as Ocarat for instance.

Philosophy and Commitments

Briston positions itself as a brand offering quality watches at affordable prices, without sacrificing design or materials. The brand favors noble and natural materials, such as cellulose acetate composed of 70% cotton fiber flower, which is hypoallergenic and very resistant. This approach allows Briston to offer watches with a competitive quality-price ratio, attracting customers looking for stylish and accessible products.

Recognition and Notice

Briston watches have been well received by watch enthusiasts and critics alike, who praise the combination of innovative design and build quality. Value for money is often highlighted, with watches under € 500 offering features and aesthetics comparable to competing brands. However, some customers have reported issues with premature wear on the watch glass, but overall, Briston is particularly appreciated for its “small” budgets.

Conclusion

In less than a decade, Briston has established itself on the watch market by offering watches combining tradition and modernity, with a distinctive British touch. Thanks to innovation in the choice of materials and particular attention to design, the brand continues to attract customers looking for elegant and accessible watches. With a growing international presence and constant diversification of its collections, Briston is establishing itself as a French-speaking player in contemporary watchmaking.

(Updated November 2024)