Top 10 most popular French watch brands

The brand Atelier Caradant comes from a Kickstarter campaign. It was created in 2022 by Julien Caradant in Vernon, France. After spending more than 10 years as a railway project engineer and completing a CAP in Watchmaking in one year, he created his own brand. Atelier Caradant offers an original watchmaking concept by selling watches with dials and oscillating masses made of paper, which makes each watch unique.

Indeed, the brass dial is worked with one or more layers of paper, dressed using traditional techniques (overlay, airbrush, watercolor, etc.) or innovative (laser cutting and engraving). There will be several ways to choose your watch in one of the 3 universes: signature watches (already finished creations available for direct sale with the possibility of choosing your bracelet and adding an engraving), semi-custom watches (with a configurator allowing you to choose from limited variations) and custom-made watches (on request and on quote).

The range includes watches such as the Atelier Caradant CityMaps, the Atelier Caradant Patterns and the Atelier Caradant Solar workshop6. Each watch is assembled in Normandy and tells its own story, decided by the customer who is involved in the design and manufacturing stages here.

How much does an Atelier Caradant watch cost?

Prices of Atelier Caradant watches different depending on the models offered in its catalog. Most cost between € 495 and € 595 depending on the models and finishes. An Atelier Caradant Patterns costs € 495, while an Atelier Caradant City Maps costs € 595. The brand also offers bespoke models starting at € 745.

Atelier Caradant: A watch to carry your story

Atelier Caradant is an independent watch brand and produces around 150 to 200 watches per year, all models combined. Atelier Caradant is part of the Ranking of the best microbrand watches. To choose an Atelier Caradant that best suits you, Dialicious owners’ reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

(Updated November 2024)

The brand MU:N comes from a collaborative program launched on Kickstarter in 2022 by Thibault Jungbluth and Victor Schouder. MU:N has the concept of offering a new way to participate, influence and follow the entire process of watchmaking creation by co-creating with its community a collection of Moon phase watches. More than 5,500 people participated in the co-creation of the brand's first models.

MU:N offers an ephemeral collection of 3 "Creators" models, Number 11, Number 15 and Number 29 equipped with the Swiss Made Sellita automatic caliber SW288-1a, as well as a permanent collection called "Origine 51" available in automatic version automatic movement or quartz, in steel or gold PVD and with blue and red details.

Note that at the beginning of 2024, the Origine 51 collection was renamed Artemis 51 and presents a new limited series version with a smoke blue dial called Artemis 51 Blue Edition.

How much does a MU:N watch cost?

The prices of MU:N watches differ depending on the automatic or quartz models. The collection MU:N Origine 51 Quartz is offered at € 380 and where the models MU:N Origine 51 Blue Automatic are sold for € 1,280. The Createurs series offered at € 1,460 was a victim of its success and the model MU:N Createurs Numéro 11 limited to 150 copies is already sold out in full.

MU:N: Journey to the Moon

MU:N is an independent watch brand and produces a few hundred automatic or quartz watches each year. To choose the MU:N model that best suits you, the Dialicious Owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience. The MU:N brand is one of the most popular micro watch brands.

(Updated May 2024)

The brand Serica was created in 2019 by Jérôme Burget and 3 friends in Paris, France. The name Serica comes from a lost region at the end of the Far East that the Greeks and Romans named it like this. This place echoes the genesis of the brand, which aims to design quality mechanical watches in a neo-retro style, ready to follow you to the ends of the world.

The range includes watches such as the Serica 4512, the Serica 5303 and the Serica 8315 GMT Stopwatch. One of the particularities of this brand is that its name does not appear anywhere on the dial, in order to encourage the enthusiast to buy a design, finishes and proportions, and not just a name. In July 2023, Serica launched the Serica 5303 COSC, a chronometer version certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.

Their penultimate model is the Serica 6190 surfing on the bases of the brand's first reference, the Serica 4512. This 6190 follows the stylistic codes of the brand, lyre handles, a choice of different dials and the possibility of choosing the position of the crown at 3 o'clock or at “Destro” mode at 9 o’clock. This Serica 6190 is powered with the Soprod M100 caliber COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing) certified, like the current productions of the other 5303 and 8315 models. 

Since November 21, 2024, Serica has been offering a very daring new collection... A dress watch off the beaten track called “Parade” under the reference 1174. These 4 figures, like all other Serica references, offer a symbolism derived from the golden number or divine proportions whose ratio between length and width is 1.174... A novelty offered for pre-order at € 1,490 for one delivery planned for March 2025...

How much does a Serica watch cost?

The prices of Serica watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between € 990 and € 1,890 depending on the models and finishes. The brand's GMT model, Serica 8315 GMT Chronometer costs € 1,890 while the latest model launched by Serica, the reference 6190 is offered to € 990.

Serica is independent and produces around 5,000 watches per year, all models combined. Serica is part of the Top 10 most popular French watch brands, as well as Ranking the best micro watch brands. To choose the Serica model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners’ reviews are an essential resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience

(Updated November 2024)

The brand BND was created in 2021 by Vincent Bonnaud. Tool watches evocative of the past, for collectors looking for authenticity, at affordable prices. This is how we could summarize the brand BND. The founder of the brand has managed to capture the essence of vintage watchmaking and watches, to offer unique, refined watches that catch the eye. His passion for watchmaking is felt in every detail of his watches.

BND Watches pay homage to vintage tool watches from the 60s-70s-80s, worn by icons such as Roger Moore, Steve McQueen and Jacques-Yves Cousteau. They evoke a bygone era when exploration and adventure were at the forefront.

The collection BND MN consists of 3 models with a variation of several dials, one black, one blue and one brown. The latter recalls the “chocolate” patina specific to “Tool Watches” from the 60s to the 80s. Each of these models is produced in 150 pieces. This rarity is not a simple marketing ploy, but rather a desire to satisfy watch enthusiasts looking for exclusivity, at an affordable price. BND Watches timepieces feature bold technical features, such as a double-domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and painted hour markers. These choices demonstrate the brand's commitment to remaining faithful to the watches of the time, while making technical improvements.

Every detail is carefully designed, from the minimalist dial, to the luminous hands and indexes. The brushed steel case and nylon strap reinforce the robust and versatile character of these watches. The Seiko NH35A automatic movement, chosen for its reliability and its 40-hour power reserve, ensures precise and durable operation. With a water resistance of 200 meters, BND Watches watches can accompany their owners on all adventures. They are designed to be worn and used, without compromising on quality and performance.

The collection BND MN is reminiscent of the initials of the French Navy which were engraved on the back of the watches provided in particular to officers. BND Watches offers watches that appeal to collectors with their authenticity, their evocative aesthetics of the past and their accomplished quality.

How much does a BND watch cost?

The BND MN is available in 3 color variations: black, brown and blue. They are all offered on the brand's website at the price of € 546.

BND: Tool watches evocative of the past at affordable prices

For those looking for unique, historic and affordable watches, BND Watches is a brand to absolutely discover through numerous reviews from authentic customers. Dialicious Owners’ reviews aim to make known all the motivations of BND Watches owners.

Check out the Ranking of the best microbrand watches, including BND.

(Updated September 2023)

The brand SYE [Start Your Engine] was created in 2020 by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 and the SYE MOT1ON Chronograph.

This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.

How much does a SYE watch cost?

The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from € 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from € 599.

SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including SYE.

(Updated November 2023)

Created in 2017 by designer Nicolas Ducoudert, Beaubleu brings a new dimension to watchmaking by creating watches that are aesthetic, astonishing and deeply symbolic. The round hands, signature of the House, reflect singularity and sophisticated simplicity. Each model features a deliciously contemporary design, where every detail, every surface, interacts with light.

Breaking the codes of traditional watchmaking by providing a new vision of time, Beaubleu watches go off the beaten track by featuring round, hollowed-out hands, inspired by the work of Galileo in his understanding of the solar system. These hands poetically display the hours, which do not point to an index or a graduation, but which indicate a position, an instant from the center of the dial.

What are the main models of the Beaubleu brand?

Beaubleu has just announced on June 5, 2024, the launch of a new limited series collection called Beaubleu Seconde Francaise. A beautiful aesthetic and poetic innovation as the brand has the secret, with a flying seconds hand and a French caliber from France Ébauches. The Beaubleu Seconde Française is one of the nominees for the 2024 GPHG (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève). 

The collection Beaubleu Ecce remains the permanent collection of the brand launched in October 2023. Despite its young history, Beaubleu has already marketed 3 collections in limited series:

Beaubleu B01
Beaubleu Union
Beaubleu Vitruvius Date And Beaubleu Vitruve GMT

How much does a Beaubleu watch cost?

The prices of Beaubleu watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between € 800 and € 1,600 according to the references. As an example, a Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal is offered at € 890 on the leather strap and the new collection Beaubleu Seconde Francaise is sold from € 1,490 on a leather strap as well. All Beaubleu prices on the brand's website.

The Beaubleu brand is independent and sells several thousand watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Beaubleu model that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews on Beaubleu are a valuable resource for evaluating the different models through the real experience of the brand's customers.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including Beaubleu.

(Updated November 2024)

The brand in Akrone was created in 2015 in a Kickstarter campaign by Jean-François Kerboul and Erwan Kerneur in Nantes, France. Akrone comes from "Achrone" which means outside of time, timeless. As the name of the two founders begins with a K, they replaced the CH with the K. This brand aims to collaborate with its customers to create French, high-end, technical and aesthetic watches.

The range includes models like the Akrone C-02, the Akrone C-03 Alat, the Akrone K-05, the Akron K-GMT and the Akrone C-04. The watches are assembled in France with French movements including the new collection Akrone C-02 Héritage, Swiss, Japanese or French more recently.

How much does an Akrone watch cost?

The prices of Akrone watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between € 600 and € 1,190 depending on the models and finishes. An Akrone C03 MD costs 499 €, then the top of the brand is represented by the C-02 Héritage collection offered at € 1,190 with in particular the Akrone C-02 Maréographe.

Akrone: The watchmaker from Nantes in France

Akrone is an independent brand and produces several thousand watches per year, all models combined. Akrone is part of Top 10 most popular French watch brands. To choose the Akrone model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable and authentic resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.

(Updated November 2023)

The brand Cartier, recognized worldwide as a symbol of prestige and luxury, has a rich history spanning more than a century and a half. Founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, it has since been associated with royalty and the worldly elite. During the post-war period in the 1950s, Cartier began to consolidate its position as a leader in the field of fine watchmaking. Innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship have led to global brand recognition.

History of the Cartier brand

One of the key moments for Cartier was the creation of the Tank watch in 1917. Inspired by British tanks from the First World War, it quickly became a symbol of modernity and elegance. Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, Catherine Deneuve and Yves Saint-Laurent were among the famous wearers of this model. During the 1960s and 1970s, Cartier continued to innovate with bold designs and new collections. In 1972, the company came under the control of the Pearson Group, marking a crucial step in its international expansion.

Cartier's commitment to excellence, innovation and unique design has allowed the brand to remain at the top of the fine jewelry and watchmaking industry, an integral part of global luxury culture.

What are Cartier’s iconic models?

Cartier Tank

The model Tank is undoubtedly one of the most iconic watches of all time. Designed in 1917 by Louis Cartier himself, the design is inspired by Renault military tanks which could be observed from the windows of Cartier's studio in Paris during the First World War. The silhouette of the Tank is simple but bold, characterized by its straight and parallel lines of the case, symbolizing the tracks of the tank, while the bezel evokes the turret of this same war machine.

Cartier Santos

The Cartier Santos holds a special place in watchmaking history, as it is considered one of the first wristwatches created specifically for men. Born from a friendship between Louis Cartier and the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Santos was designed in 1904 to meet Santos-Dumont's need to be able to tell the time while piloting his plane.

Cartier Pasha

The Cartier Pasha is more than a watch; she is a style statement. It embodies a time when luxury and adventure went hand in hand, and where elegance was not incompatible with robustness. The Pasha is a watch for those looking to stand out from the crowd, and it continues to be a pillar in the Cartier collection. The Pasha's bold design and refined details make it a timeless piece that transcends generations.

Cartier Ballon Bleu

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a watch that combines tradition and innovation. Its soft shape and clean dial make it a refined choice for those who appreciate both classic style and modernity. Whether in simple version or with exquisite complications, the Ballon Bleu stands out for its timeless beauty and discreet elegance. It embodies the very essence of what a Cartier watch should be, with a distinctive design that is both instantly recognizable and universally appealing.

Cartier Panthère

The Cartier Panthère is more than a watch; it's a jewel, a style statement. She captures the essence of the modern woman: independent, elegant and daring. The Panthère continues to be a preferred choice for those seeking a watch that is both a fashion accessory and an emblem of Cartier's rich and innovative history. Its timeless design ensures that it will remain a beloved classic for generations to come.

Cartier: The Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers

Cartier embodies the quintessence of luxury and elegance in the world of watchmaking. Each model tells a story, reflecting the cultural richness and innovation that are at the heart of the brand. Its royal heritage and commitment to artisanal excellence position Cartier as a go-to brand for those seeking to express sophistication and status. The variety of designs, ranging from classic to modern, ensures that every wearer finds a piece that suits them.

The brand's website is an essential source of useful information, as are watchmaking blogs. The Dialicious Owners' reviews are also essential to make the right choice of models from this prestigious brand. Choosing a Cartier watch is choosing a piece of history, an object of art, and a symbol of status and success in today's world.

Check out the Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands, including Cartier.

(Updated December 2023)

Charlie Paris is a French watch brand born from the passion of two childhood friends, Ambroise Parlos and Adrien Sanglé-Ferrière. Launched in 2014, the company's mission is to create elegant, durable and accessible watches, while supporting French watchmaking know-how. Since its beginnings, Charlie Paris has always made it a point of honor to design timeless and elegant watches, while respecting an eco-responsible approach.

History of the Charlie Paris brand

One of the major dates in the brand's history is 2018, when Charlie Paris launched the Concordia, their first automatic watch. This meets the specifications of French adventurer Matthieu Tordeur's expedition to Antarctica. He then crossed Antarctica in total autonomy over nearly 1,150 kilometers.

In 2019, Charlie Paris also launched the Charlie Paris Sully, a hand-wound mechanical watch, marking a return to the essence of traditional watchmaking. The same year, the brand was recognized as a “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”, a mark of recognition from the France Authorities which rewards companies with excellent artisanal and industrial know-how.

What are the flagship models of the Charlie Paris brand?

Charlie Paris offers a varied range of watches, each having its own personality while respecting the brand's DNA: elegance, simplicity and quality.

Charlie Paris Initial

The Initial is the historic Charlie Paris model. It is equipped with a 40mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 50 meters, French leather strap, automatic or quartz movement, pure white dial with indexes applied, and a date complication. It is appreciated for its minimalist and timeless design.

Charlie Paris Concordia

Launched in 2018, the Charlie Concordia is the brand's flagship range with automatic or quartz watches designed for adventurers. With a robust 40mm case, water resistance up to 300 meters, a screw-down crown, a 3mm thick domed sapphire crystal, the collection Concordia is prepared to face the most demanding challenges. The collection has more than 20 distinct references with white, blue, smoked or green dials in quartz or automatic versions mainly equipped with the Swiss Soprod P024 mechanical caliber. Note the Kraken limited series entirely dressed in matte black with a PVD treatment on steel.

Charlie Paris Sully

The Sully is a manually wound mechanical watch, a tribute to traditional watchmaking. It features a 40mm steel case, water resistance up to 30 meters, a leather strap, an ETA 2801-2 mechanical movement, a navy blue dial with stick indexes and a small complication. second at 6 o'clock.

Charlie Paris Aurora

The Aurore is a women's watch that stands out for its delicate and feminine design. It features a 34mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 30 meters, French calfskin strap, Swiss Ronda quartz movement, a clean white dial with stick indexes and a discreet date complication at 3 hours.

The watch Aurore model is a perfect choice for women looking for an elegant and quality watch, capable of adapting to all situations, from everyday life to more formal events. Like all Charlie Paris watches, the Aurore is assembled by hand in France, demonstrating the brand's commitment to French watchmaking know-how.

Charlie Paris Alliance

The Alliance is an elegant, dress watch for men. It features a 39.5 mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 30 meters, a French calfskin strap, the Swiss G100 automatic movement from the La Joux-Perret factory, A white or blue dial with applied indexes, and a date complication at 6 o'clock. The particularity of the Alliance lies in its transparent glass case back which allows you to admire the mechanical movement at work, a detail which appeals to watchmaking enthusiasts.

How much does a Charlie Paris watch cost?

The prices of a Charlie Paris watch vary and differ depending on the model. Most cost between € 400 and € 800 depending on the models and finishes. A Charlie Paris Horizon Quartz is sold for € 165 and a Charlie Paris Alliance Perpetual Moon Phase costs € 2,195.

Charlie Paris: The quiet strength of French watchmaking

With an approach centered on craftsmanship, sustainability and accessibility, Charlie Paris has established itself as a leading brand in the renewal of French watchmaking. It demonstrates that it is possible to offer quality watches, made in France, while respecting affordable prices. Indeed, the brand sources its supplies mainly from France and Switzerland, while assembling its watches in Besançon, the cradle of French watchmaking.

The Charlie Paris brand is also recognized for its eco-responsible commitment, whether through the choice of its suppliers, the local assembly of its watches in France or through its initiative to offer a repair service to extend the life of the watch. its products.

In conclusion, Charlie Paris is a brand to discover for all those who appreciate French elegance, simplicity and French watchmaking know-how. For more information, do not hesitate to consult the brand's official website. And to make the right choice among the models of this brand, the Dialicious owners’ reviews are a valuable source of information that will help you understand the real user experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including Charlie Paris.

(Updated October 2023)

 

The brand March LA.B was created in 2011 following the meeting of Alain Marhic, based in Biarritz, and Jérôme Mage, based in Los Angeles. The brand was born thanks to Joseph Chatel, a long-time friend and Business Angel of the project. We find in this brand an omnipresent green signature on small details such as the stitching as well as the return of the bracelets; on automatic models, the transparent case back; on the date window, the number 3.

The name of this premium watch brand is the union of MARCH and LA.B. MARCH or Mars in French is a symbolic month for the founders (among others the month of birth of Alain Marhic). LA.B, the fusion of the historical heritage of Biarritz and the modernity of Los Angeles. In this architectural sense, they are very different, but they come together on one point: lifestyle, because they are linked to the ocean and the rhythm of surfing.

It is this DNA that has been transmitted to these shaped watches inspired by the 70s, combining classicism and modernity. The brand offers French watches with raw elegance whose simplicity provides the refinement of today's urban dandy. The range includes watches like March LA.B AM1, March LA.B AM2, March LA.B AM3, March LA.B Seventy or March LA.B Sixty.

How much does a March LA.B watch cost?

The prices of March LA.B watches sold on the brand's website change and differ depending on the model. Most are sold between € 800 and € 1,200 depending on the models and finishes. As an example, count € 595 for a March LA.B AM69 quartz and € 1,895 for a March LA.B Belza Automatic Forest. The brand also offers promotions a few times a year. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper March LA.B.

March LA.B is independent and produces more than 10,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose a March LA.B that best suits you, Dialicious owners’ reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including March LA.B.

(Updated November 2023)

Yema was created in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont in Besançon in France. It became famous for its sporty and robust watches made in France and in particular the Yema Superman which in 1963 became the first French watch waterproof to 300 meters. After difficult years during the quartz crisis, Yema has regained momentum by promoting its historical heritage and offering in-house movements like its micro-rotor caliber launched in 2022.

The range includes historic models like the Yema Rallygraf, Yema Superman, Yema Meangraf or Yema Navygraf, as well as more recent models like the Yema Wristmaster Traveller, equipped with the in-house micro-rotor caliber, or the collaboration with Alpine with the Yema Rallygraf Alpine Endurance Team. The brand is also an official partner of the French Air & Space Force, the French Navy and the National Center for Space Studies (CNES).

How much does a Yema watch cost?

The prices of Yema watches vary and vary depending on the model. Most cost between € 350 and € 1,200 according to the references. Prices also vary depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. For example, a Yema Urban Field is offered at € 999 on the brand's website.

Yema is a brand owned by the company Montres Ambre SA and produces several tens of thousands of watches per year, all models combined. To choose a Yema that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including Yema.

(Updated January 2024)

The brand Baltic was created in 2017 during a Kickstarter campaign by Etienne Malec and his associates in Paris, France. Inspired by the aesthetics of watches from the 1940s, this brand pays homage to Étienne's father, a great fan of watches, photography and vintage automobiles. The name of the brand Baltic is also a tribute to the Polish origins of his family.

Their ambition is to create timeless watches, to be worn and kept for future generations. The range includes models such as the Baltic Bicompax 001, the Baltic Aquascape, the Baltic MR01, the Baltic HMS 002 and the Baltic Tricompax.

How much does a Baltic watch cost?

The prices of Baltic watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between € 600 and € 800 depending on the models and finishes. A Baltic Hermétic Tourer costs € 660 whatever its color, while a Baltic Tricompax Panda Chronograph is sold € 1,902. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to find the Baltic that suits you at an even more attractive price.

Baltic: Timeless watches to wear every day

Baltic is an independent brand that produces several thousand watches per year, all models combined. To choose a Baltic that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including Baltic.

(Updated January 2024)

The brand Bell & Ross was created in 1992 by two watchmaking enthusiast friends, Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo, in Paris, France. They founded the brand with a clear motto: the essential never leaves room for the superfluous. Bell & Ross offers high quality tool watches intended for extreme professionals, inspired by aeronautical instruments and military life.

Readability, waterproofness, functionality, precision and reliability are the key words of the models offered by the brand. The range includes models such as the Bell & Ross BR 03 Chrono, la Bell & Ross BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor, la Bell & Ross BR-X1, la Bell & Ross BR 05 and the Bell & Ross WW1 Regulator.

How much does a Bell & Ross watch cost?

The prices of new Bell & Ross watches change regularly and vary depending on the models and finishes. Most cost between $4,000 and $10,000 depending on the finishes. For example, a Bell & Ross BR V2-92 Coast Guard in steel costs $3,200, while the brand's very high-end, a Bell & Ross BR X2 Tourbillon Skeleton, is sold for $69,000. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Bell & Ross.

Bell & Ross: From cockpit to wrist

The Bell & Ross brand is partially owned by Chanel International BV and produces around 20,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Bell & Ross model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands, including Bell & Ross.

(Updated September 2023)

The brand Herbelin was created in 1947 by Michel Herbelin in Charquemont, in the French Jura. First known under the name "Impec", a means of highlighting the high quality of its watches, it became an eponymous brand in 1965 as “Michel Herbelin”. With the ambition of restoring the nobility of French watchmaking, the brand is today recognized for the quality and resolutely contemporary style of its watches made in France.

All the watches are designed, assembled by hand and controlled in the Franche-Comté workshops with the same philosophy: to create timepieces at affordable prices designed to last while respecting artisanal know-how, while adding the French elegance. The range includes watches like the Herbelin Newport, Herbelin Inspiration, Herbelin Cap Camarat, Herbelin Odyssey or the Herbelin Trophy.

In the 1980s, Michel Herbelin retired and left the company in the hands of his son. It is only in 2020 that Pierre-Michel Herbelin will also give way to his young partners to continue the family adventure: Maxime Herbelin, Mathieu Herbelin, Cédric Gomez-Montiel and Benjamin Theurillat. The brand was rebranded as “Herbelin”.

How much does a Herbelin watch cost?

The price of Herbelin watches evolve and differ depending on the model. Most mechanical watches cost between € 1,000 and € 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. A Herbelin Cap Camarat Square Automatic is priced at 899 € while a Newport Carbon Titan costs € 1,999.

The brand Herbelin is owned by the holding company MH Dev and produces around 90,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose a Herbelin that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.

Check out the Ranking of the best French watch brands, including Herbelin.

(Updated September 2024)

The French watch brand LIP is an emblematic figure of the watch industry, recognized for his innovation, his avant-garde design and his history rich in twists and turns. Founded in 1867 in Besançon, LIP has gone through periods of glory, economic challenges and social struggles, while leaving an indelible mark in the history of French watchmaking.

The Beginnings: Foundation and Expansion (1867-1930)

The history of LIP begins in 1867 when Emmanuel Lipmann founded a small watchmaking workshop in Besançon, the French capital of watchmaking. Initially named "Comptoir Lipmann", the workshop specializes in the manufacture of high quality pocket watches. In 1893, the company became the "Société Anonyme d'Horlogerie Lipmann Frères" and adopted the brand LIP, acronym of the founder's initials.

At the beginning of the 20th century, LIP stood out for its technical and aesthetic innovations. In 1904, the brand introduced the "Lip" pocket chronometer, which met with notable success. LIP is quickly positioning itself as a major player in French watchmaking, combining precision and elegance in its creations.

The Age of Innovation: The 1930s-1950s

Under the direction of Fred Lip, son of Ernest Lipmann, LIP enters a period of intense innovation. In 1933, the brand launched the model Lip T18, a rectangular wristwatch equipped with a high-precision movement. This model became emblematic and was offered in 1948 to Winston Churchill in recognition of his role during the Second World War.

In the 1950s, LIP continued to innovate by introducing Lip Electronic in 1952, the first French electronic watch. This model uses a quartz crystal to keep time, constituting a significant advancement in watchmaking technology. Lip offered at this time the first models Lip Himalaya which still remain in the catalog today.

The 1960s: Expansion and Avant-Garde Design

The 1960s marked a period of expansion for LIP like the Lip Nautic-Ski presented during the Grenoble Olympic Games in 1968. It was also the beginning of collaborations with renowned designers to create watches with innovative designs. In 1967, the brand called on Roger Tallon, famous industrial designer, to design the collection Lip Mach 2000. These watches are distinguished by their futuristic aesthetic and their bold shapes, breaking with traditional watchmaking codes.

At the same time, LIP develops watches intended for specific uses, notably for pilots and divers, thus strengthening its reputation as a manufacturer of technical and reliable watches.

The 1970s: Crisis and Social Struggles

Despite its successes, LIP faced financial difficulties at the end of the 1960s, exacerbated by international competition and changes in the watch market. In 1973, the company was placed in liquidation, triggering a series of strikes and factory occupations by workers. This social movement, known as "LIP Conflict", became emblematic of workers' struggles in France and attracted national media attention.

The employees, led by the trade unionist Charles Piaget, took control of production and continued to manufacture and sell watches under the slogan "It's possible: we make, we sell, we get paid!". This experiment in self-management aroused broad popular support and symbolized workers' resistance to factory closures.

The 1980s-1990s: Relaunch Attempts and Changes in Ownership

After the liquidation of LIP in 1977, several attempts at revival were undertaken. In 1984, the brand was bought by the "Kiplé" company, but this initiative failed, leading to another liquidation in 1986. In 1990, the businessman Jean-Claude Sensemat acquired the brand and successfully relaunched production, relying on modern marketing methods and reissuing iconic models. Under his leadership, LIP experienced a renaissance and achieved significant sales.

The 2000s: Renewal and Modernization

In 2002, Jean-Claude Sensemat signed a worldwide licensing contract with Jean-Luc Bernerd, who created the Manufacture Générale Horlogère in Lectoure, in the Gers region, to produce LIP watches. This collaboration makes it possible to modernize the collections while respecting the brand's heritage. LIP continues to offer reissues of historic models, while introducing new creations adapted to contemporary tastes.

The 2010s: Back to Basics and Sustainable Development

In 2015, the brand was bought by the "Société des Montres Bisontines" (SMB), based in Châtillon-le-Duc, near Besançon, France. This return to geographical sources marks a new stage in the history of LIP, which strengthens its local roots and its commitment to sustainable development. Production is relocated to France, and the brand strives to promote French watchmaking know-how. LIP continues to offer its emblematic collections which have marked its history, seeking to meet the expectations of modern consumers.

Check out the Ranking of the most popular French watch brands, including LIP.

(Updated November 2024)