Some, like Philippe Lebru of Utinam, are seeking to make their energy infectious. A pipe dream? After his business studies, he gained some of his first work experience at the movement manufacturer, which he then left to start his own business, one year before its collapse. The experience has certainly left its mark.
Elegant and stately, it was worthy of the clockmaking greats. In fact, Philippe Lebru invented and patented the self-balancing pendulum movement, which is suspended on an axis, keeping it perfectly vertically aligned. The energy stored in the mechanism is slowly released by the to-and-fro of the balance, providing a power reserve of eight days. All of the wheels and arbours are exposed and contribute to the aesthetic of the clock, which is also available as a wall clock.
The clocks cost between 3, and 14, euros, and Utinam produces between 80 and each year. It must be contagious! In autumn, the successive creation of three brands revitalised the region. First up is Lornet, which launched its first model, the LA, in November. The three co-founders launched their business using equity financing. The result? Only the escapement, the barrel, and the reversers do not come from the region, where they are simply not available.
The momentum for projects to bring about the return of Made in France movements is gathering, at Lip among others. The definitive disappearance of Pequignet, which was until now the only regional player with calibre expertise in the form of its Calibre Royal although in a higher price range , and which still hopes to find a buyer, would leave a void. Laurent Katz, who took over the brand five years ago, spent considerable effort getting the company, founded in by Emile Pequignet , back on its feet.
Another newcomer is Humbert-Droz, launched by the family workshops of Reparalux, a specialist in after-sales service. The Humbert-Droz family decided to move into producing finished products to celebrate its 60th anniversary in the watchmaking business. Keeper extraordinary watches gallery. The young brand has developed its own escapement patent pending in another stepping stone towards an independent watch industry in the region.
