Best French Watch Brands for 2024

From the runways of Paris to the streets of Marseille, France boasts a rich legacy of style.

It’s also the birthplace of haute couture, with designers shaping the global fashion landscape.

This significant impact extends into watches too.

French watch brands, often overlooked by their Swiss neighbors, offer a unique fusion of classic elegance and innovation.

And it’s not just Cartier. From the Chronometric Revolution to the contemporary greats, different French watchmakers contributed to the evolution of watchmaking.

So, here are the best French watch brands every gentleman should know of.

Breguet

Established in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, Breguet is one of the oldest and most prestigious French watch brands.

Known for its innovation, Breguet introduced the tourbillon and designed the first wristwatch commissioned by Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.

Today, Breguet continues its tradition of ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Its timepieces are characterized by guilloché dials, coin-edge cases, and Breguet hands, offering a combination of classic heritage and modern aesthetics.

Notable models include the Classique, Marine, and the iconic Tourbillon.

Some might say that Breguet has lost its French roots after being acquired by Swatch Group.

However, the French Panache is still visible in their designs and remains an inherent part of the brand’s DNA.

Cartier

It’s impossible to talk about French watch brands without mentioning Cartier.

Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, this Parisian luxury house quickly rose to fame for its exquisite jewelry and watches.

Cartier has always been at the forefront of innovation, with iconic designs such as the Santos-Dumont and the Tank.

But it was in 1904 that Cartier created one of the first wristwatches for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, cementing its place in horology history.

These days Cartier continues to embody French elegance. It’s the face of French watchmaking and one of the top 10 watch brands in the world.

Pequignet

Straight from the heart of French watchmaking, Mortain is Pequignet.

It’s a bit of a dark horse but a true testament of French watchmaking.

Founded by Emile Pequignet in 1973, their story is one of resilience. They’ve faced challenges but always bounced back. It’s the French spirit.

Pequignet’s focus is on creating top-quality watches in-house.

Their Moorea Elegance line is their masterpiece. The design is sleek, and the movement is top-notch, the Calibre Royal, is their own.

Pequignet may not be Cartier or Breguet, but they’ve carved their space with dedication.

If you are seeking a timepiece that challenges the status quo, then Pequignet is your brand.

Bell & Ross

I don’t why but people always think that Bell & Ross might be a centuries-old brand.

However, it’s not even 30 years yet; Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo founded Bell & Ross in 1992.

The brand age doesn’t comply with their craftsmanship and bold timepieces.

Inspired by the military, Bell & Ross created some rugged timepieces.

The iconic BR01 Instrument was inspired by aircraft instruments, making it one of the most recognizable designs in the industry.

The same goes for BR03 and BR05.

Bell & Ross also produce some sophisticated timepieces, but rugged sporty watches are their strength.

If you live to “be different” Bell & Ross can be a suitable choice.

Baltic

I hate to admit that a brand that started in 2017 is on this list.

Baltic is an expectation to that rule that a watch brand doesn’t do much in their early years.

This success is partially due to their right marketing and the rest is because of craftmanship.

Baltic focuses on bringing back vintage vibes in modern times.

Etienne Malec created the brand as an homage to his grandfather, who used to work as a watchmaker for Tissot.

Each model of theirs has a backstory and represents something special.

The outcome is some great aesthetics and exceptional quality, all within an affordable budget.

So, if you’re looking for a “value to money” French Watch Brand, Baltic can be a good option.

Yema

Unless your name is Omega, it’s hard for a watch brand to go into space. But not for Yema.

In 1982, French Spationaut Jean-Loup Chrétien wore a Yema watch in his historic spaceflight, making it a one-of-a-kind French Watch brand.

Originally founded in 1948 by Henry Louis Belmont, Yema has gone through many ups and downs.

But their achievements are remarkable; They produced their in-house automatic chronograph with a micro-rotor.

Recently they launched their new Superman Heritage, which resembles their original 1963 design.

Yema is a brand that sets itself apart by trying and succeeding in something different.

L. Leroy

French watchmaking is interesting. On one hand, you see watch brands launching every year and, on the other, there are brands with centuries of history.

Leroy falls in the second category. Started In 1785 by Basile Leroy, the watch brand is been through many obstacles.

In the early days, Leroy made clocks for The French Royal Navy. Plus, it was one of few watchmakers with a license to produce marine chronometers.

However, in 1845. the brand was sold from the Leroy family to Casimir Desfontaines. But the brand’s name remained the same.

In the 1980s, when the Quartz Crisis was at its peak, and the last member of the Leroy family died, the iconic “Leroy 01” was discontinued.

This was a sort of demise for the brand.

In 2004, the Festina Group acquired Leroy. The brand remained dormant for some time, but made a comeback in 2015, via in-house L200 movements.

These days, Leroy is providing watches in limited numbers but full of French elegance.

Michel Herbelin

Although not as well-known internationally, Michel Herbelin is an affordable luxury French watch brand with over 70 years in business

It’s a family-owned brand, known for its classic designs and exceptional quality.

Each timepiece is handcrafted in their workshop in Charquemont, France.

Their Newport Heritage collection is one of their most notable. It’s inspired by the spirit of yachting, featuring a sporty design.

Note that Michel Herbelin uses Swiss movements. Combined with their French roots, you get accurate movement with a modern flair.

Dodane

The list of French watch brands would be incomplete without mentioning Dodane.

The brand started in 1857 and had a glorious past.

In their early days, they supplied watches to the French Air Force.

Later on, they transitioned into pilot watches with outstanding chronographs.

They also developed the Type XX series of pilot chronographs for the French Ministry of Defence.

In 2013, the brand was revived by the fifth generation of the Dodane family and is now producing type 21 and 23 chronographs.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail are the same, delivering heritage pilot watches with French sophistication.

ZRC

If you have ever been into dive watches, then the ZRC doesn’t need an introduction.

However, for the rest, ZRC is just another name.

The brand was founded in 1904 by Edmond Zuccolo and Joseph Rochet.

The inspiration was to make reliable watches for underwater adventures.

Their most notable creation is the Grands Fonds 300 (GF300).

It’s the among early diver’s watches with a crown on the left side to avoid pressure-induced accidental movement.

The French Marine National adopted it in 1953, followed by other underwater forces.

Recently, ZRC launched a new version of GF300 that retains its functional design but adds modern touches.

Fugue

Most French watch brands are often perceived as classic and traditional, but Fugue is here to break that stereotype.

Started in 2017 by a young French entrepreneur, the brand offers bold and contemporary designs.

Their flagship Chronostase watch showcases a unique concept of modular design.

It enables you to interchange the watch’s core with various casings and straps to suit your style.

Fugue’s approach to watchmaking resonates with the modern consumer, who values versatility, individuality, and sustainability.

The brand’s commitment to these values, combined with its quality craftsmanship make it a standout French watchmaker.

Serica

Born and bred in the heart of Paris, Serica brings a fresh take to the age-old craft of watchmaking.

It’s a brand for modern watch connoisseurs.

Serica’s signature collection 5303 is inspired by the dive watch of the 1970s, featuring a retro yet contemporary design.

Serica also pays homage to classic designs like the GMT while adding their unique style and flair.

The result? Timeless elegance and exceptional quality that appeals to both vintage enthusiasts and modern watch lovers alike.

Alain Silberstein

Known for his playful designs, Alain Silberstein has been popular in the French watch market since the 1990s.

Their watches are often characterized by bold colors, asymmetrical shapes, and whimsical elements.

Plus, the brand is known for its use of unconventional materials like titanium and rubber.

In recent years, Alain Silberstein has collaborated with other brands to create limited-edition pieces, making them even more exclusive.

But they are not your everyday watch. Instead, it’s more like a collector’s team.

BRM

If you’re into watches that scream “speed,” then BRM should be right up your alley.

Born out of a passion for motorsport, Bernard Richards Manufacture (BRM) is all about creating timepieces that capture the essence of racing.

From their checkered flag-inspired straps to the piston-like pushers, each detail reflects a love for the track.

Their golf watch collection is also worth mentioning.

Note that BRM produces all their watches in limited numbers. So, if you prefer exclusivity, it’s a great value-to-money French watch brand.

Closing Thoughts

From classic to modern, French watch brands offer a diverse range of styles and designs.

What sets them apart is their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and unique heritage.

Whether you are looking for an elegant dress watch or a functional tool watch, there’s a French brand that caters to every taste and budget.

Plus, most of them come under the affordable luxury segment.

If you want to deviate from Swiss excellence without compromising quality, do consider French watch brands.