What are the French watch brands to watch?
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While a ring-watch recently attracted all eyes on TikTok, at the end of June, it was the expertise of French jewelry and watchmaking that was honored during the UBH prize for digitalization and innovation. This event recognized several French watch brands that are embedding their production within a framework of re-industrialization of manufacturing within the territory, while addressing new ecological challenges. Here’s a look at the awarded brands and those to watch out for.
Which French watches were honored at the UBH prize?
On June 25 and 26, UBH (Union Bijouterie Horlogerie) partnered with the Journal du Luxe to create an event celebrating its 10 years of existence, along with French craftsmanship.
Through 11 trophies highlighting digitalization and innovation, various aspects were recognized, including the re-industrialization of French watchmaking, CSR commitments, and even the experience offered to customers. This award ceremony was an opportunity to highlight the actions in place and the progress made, to encourage French watch brands to engage even more in this approach to develop French craftsmanship and responsible production.
How does Pierre Lannier rethink the manufacturing of its French watches?
In line with the theme of re-industrialization of French watchmaking, the Pierre Lannier house was awarded the trophy for the French watch, thanks to its new model manufactured in France, the 1977 watch.
Celebrating its 45 years of expertise, the house aimed to rethink the manufacturing of its French watches with this new model, offered in limited edition, with 500 pieces sold at €1977 (a significant number, as it marks the year the house was founded).
This watch stands out from other French watches by the brand’s commitment to having collaborated solely with artisans from our regions for its design, except for the dial, which could not be made in France due to a lack of specialists in the field, and was thus created in Switzerland.
This automatic watch showcases collaborations between various artisans and their meticulous high-quality work. Pequignet horlogerie, Berthet horlogerie, and La Pratique contributed to the elements of the mechanism, while the strap was entrusted to the Haas tannery.
Two years of reflection were necessary to combine quality, performance, and French expertise to bring this new model to life.
This is a first step for the house, which aims to move towards 100% French production in the coming years.
If you weren’t able to get your hands on the 1977, check out other watch models signed by Pierre Lannier on Modalova:
How does the Lepage house integrate the making of its jewelry into a responsible approach?
Regarding initiatives to align with French craftsmanship and environmental standards, the Lepage house has distinguished itself through its CSR efforts and its transition towards the digitalization of its activity, to better support its clients and increase sales.
Similar to Pierre Lannier, the Lepage house aimed to highlight the crafting of French pieces through its collection named Venus, made 100% on the territory. Composed of 7 pieces, this jewelry collection emerged from the idea of the winner of the house’s competition, aimed at promoting the integration of young creators into the profession through a one-year apprenticeship and support from the Lepage teams in developing their project.
The pieces in this collection are also part of a more responsible manufacturing approach, utilizing recycled gold and featuring no precious stones. This initiative echoes the RJC certification (Responsible Jewelry Council) that the house embraced two years ago, which has notably made them rethink their production chain, from creation to waste management, as well as the training of their teams.
The Lepage house was also recognized for its online presence, through its website and chatbot, with results that are more than encouraging. Many high-end models from French watch brands are notably grouped on the house’s site.
Where does French watchmaking stand?
Like other sectors, such as bicycle manufacturing, the watchmaking field has experienced outsourcing in recent years to support demand and offer more competitive prices against the growing number of brands in the market.
However, in recent years, as we see with ready-to-wear, the need for a new direction towards more transparent production, as well as the desire to support our French industry and artisans, is felt in customer behavior regarding watch and jewelry pieces. With tighter budgets for non-essential purchases, customers are more likely to invest in pieces that align with their values, thus leaning towards French watches, which guarantee quality and support our craftsmanship.
While we quickly refer to Switzerland when it comes to watch manufacturing (their expertise and history in this craft are undeniable), our beautiful France also shines with the talent of various crafts, from designing hands, mechanics, to straps…
Unfortunately, the reality is that their numbers have significantly decreased due to outsourcing in recent years, making this profession increasingly rare. It is thus still challenging to offer watches entirely created on French soil, especially if certain components require specific expertise.
Fortunately, with the desire to bring back the complete production of our French watches and the creation of organizations to encourage this movement, the sector is heading towards better days.
Which French watch brands should you turn to?
Between elegant, discreet, or more robust French watch models, the numerous shapes and variations of mechanisms allow for accommodating everyone in their daily lives, providing them with the functions and style they seek. We have prepared a selection on Modalova to help you find brands that align with this new approach, thus encouraging their development. The idea is not to limit ourselves only to brands offering 100% French watches, but to support those making the effort to do their best and aim to constantly improve to showcase our artisans.
Also, find all our tips for choosing a women’s watch, and learn how to match it to your style!
