French watchmaking at INHORGENTA – Part 2

More manuscripts, more perspectives

The French watch industry thrives on its diversity – and this is evident not only in the well-known names, but also in other brands that interpret tradition, design awareness, and technical ambition in their own unique way.

They, too, represent an industry that knows its roots while also breaking new ground. Between historical identity and contemporary development, timepieces are created that combine elegance, function, and cultural independence. In the second part, we turn our attention to other companies that are further expanding the image of French watchmaking—multifaceted, self-confident, and with an unmistakable French signature.

This diversity will be on display at INHORGENTA Munich in the French Pavilion in Hall A1, Booth 228 H.

Here, established houses with a rich history meet independent brands with a fresh perspective: high-quality craftsmanship stands alongside contemporary accessibility, iconic models are reinterpreted, and technical independence meets creative courage. This presentation is supported by Francéclat, the French professional committee for the promotion of watchmaking, jewelry, and tableware culture, which curates the pavilion and brings together the strengths of French watchmaking.

Click here for part 1 of the article

LIP – Industrial history and avant-garde design

LIP is one of the most influential brands in European watchmaking history. Since 1867, the name has stood for technical innovation, social relevance, and creative courage. LIP has democratized watchmaking while repeatedly making design history.

The Mach 2000, designed by Roger Tallon, remains one of the most famous examples of functional industrial design in the context of watches. Models such as the LIP Macro and Grand Visual demonstrate a focus on legibility and graphic clarity. The recent transfer of the Mach 2000 design language to wall and table clocks underscores LIP’s ability to rethink classics without losing their identity.

Discover more about LIP: https://lip.fr/en/

Pierre Lannier – A family business with contemporary standards

Pierre Lannier was founded in Alsace in 1977 and is now run by the second and third generations of the family. The brand stands for French savoir-faire that remains deliberately affordable. Design and assembly take place in the company’s own workshops—a clear commitment to the “Made in France” label.

Collections such as Copilot draw on classic aviation aesthetics, while other lines focus on fashionable colors, materials, and clean lines. Pierre Lannier positions itself between watchmaking and fashion—with the aim of taking both seriously.

More about Herbelin: https://www.pierre-lannier.com/

Rochet Group – Over 100 years of craftsmanship on your wrist

The Rochet Group has been manufacturing watch straps since 1908 and is one of the industry’s quiet constants. As the inventor of the metal expansion strap, the company has had a lasting impact on watch comfort. Today, Rochet produces leather, metal, and high-tech straps for brands and jewelers worldwide.

With its own production facility in Besançon and international logistics structure, Rochet combines industrial expertise with artisanal specialization. Here, the strap is not seen as an accessory, but as a functional and design element of the watch.

With its Hybrid range, the Rochet Group combines two material worlds into a functional overall concept. At its core, durable yet flexible NBR rubber ensures stability and suitability for everyday use, while a full-grain leather coating gives the strap an elegant, natural look. The result is a watch strap that does not see robustness and style as opposites: technically resilient, comfortable to wear, and visually versatile—from urban environments to more demanding areas of use.the world of watches

With over 300 regularly updated models, Go Mademoiselle offers variety rather than iconic individual pieces. Colorful straps, decorative elements, and lightweight cases make these watches spontaneous purchases. The brand’s success lies less in technical innovation than in its flair for trends, color schemes, and everyday practicality.

More about Rochet Group: https://rochetgroup.fr/en/home/

Yema – Functionality, precision, and new independence

Founded in Besançon in 1948, Yema is closely linked to the history of professional tool watches. Divers, pilots, and motorsports enthusiasts have shaped the brand’s profile. Models such as the Rallygraf and, above all, the Navygraf are prime examples of this functional DNA.

Today, Yema combines this tradition with growing technical independence. Its own in-house calibers and collections such as the Navygraf Pearl demonstrate how robust functionality can be combined with sophisticated design. Yema thus stands for a modern interpretation of French tool watch expertise.