WATCHMAKING ORIGINS

A GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY

During the 1770s in Paris, the workshops of the world's most influential and celebrated watchmakers resided in the western tip of the Île de la Cité. These famous French watchmakers transformed mechanical watchmaking to higher levels than what was previously established by their predecessors.

According to Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, acknowledgment for outstanding performance drove French watchmaking to gain notoriety. He furthers this point by explaining that “unlike in Switzerland, everything the French invented was recognized by the king, so there was a real incentive to excel.”

Many French Horological accomplishments surpassed the developments of marine chronometers, which were the prime technology. Notably, the most talented French watchmakers were Pierre Le Roy and Berthoud, followed by Breguet. With the knowledge that technical achievements were nothing without style, Breguet borrowed other watchmakers’ architectures and united dials with true artistry of the hands, numerals, and case design.

Watchmakers continued to strive throughout the French Revolution, thanks to their ability to draw inspiration through their technical genius.

Villandry perpetuates this incredible watchmaking heritage both in elegance and technology.