Simon Brette, an independent watchmaker with a promising future

The beginnings of an independent watchmaking company

Looking back on 2021, with the limited perspective we have now, we can see that it was a pivotal year for many people. The isolation caused by the global pandemic was the catalyst for many, who found the courage to embark on projects that had previously lain dormant. One such project we are pleased to present to you today is the work of a young watchmaker named Simon Brette.

Trained as an engineer, this son of a carpenter specialized in watchmaking and began his career as a draftsman, then as a movement builder, and finally as a methods engineer at Chronode. Based in Le Locle, this Swiss company is one of the best known in the field of movement manufacturing.

They created the movement for Czapek's "Quai des Bergues," Hermès' "L'Heure de la Lune," and MB&F's "Legacy Machine N°1." After a brief stint at MCT, MB&F noticed the young French prodigy and his exceptional work, offering him a position as development project manager, which he held until April 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, and as it ended, the entrepreneurial and artisan spirit within Simon was stronger than ever, and he decided to launch his own company.

Chronometer Artisans Subscription: A first achievement celebrating the work of 12 artisans.

In April 2023, the company's first creation was presented under the name Chronomètre Artisans Souscription, a limited edition of 12 pieces. This choice reflects the values ​​of the company and Simon Brette: to allow talented artisans to contribute to a watchmaking project that enables them to demonstrate the full extent of their talent.

• Matthieu Allègre – Watch designer
• Yasmina Anti – Hand engraver
• Marc Bolis and Alyna Rouelle – Micromechanical machining
• Barbara Coyon – Watch decorator
• Pierre-Alain Dornier & Co. – High-precision machining
• Julien Ducommun & Co. – Manufacturing, micromechanics and machining
• Damien Genillard – Surface finisher
• Nadine Görgl – Specialist in regulators for hair springs
• Alexis Greco & Co. – Watch decorator
• Nathalie Jean-Louis – Watch decorator
• Luc Monnet – Prototype watchmaker, artistic mechanic
• Anton Pettersson – Prototype watchmaker, artistic mechanic

A dial full of detail, bordering on perfection

What immediately stands out is the exceptional quality of the finish, comparable to that of a highly experienced independent watchmaker. The case, crafted from zirconium, measures 39mm in diameter and 10.5mm in thickness. Composed of five distinct elements, the case is incredibly complex. The first element is the engraved 5N red gold dial, which makes the flame-blued hands particularly stand out. Interestingly, this dial was designed by Yasmina Anti, who has worked for designers such as Romain Gautier and the renowned Philippe Dufour.

Each lug is secured to the center of the case by internal screws, allowing the case to be finished flush with the movement. The sides and top surfaces are satin-finished and divided by a prominent, polished, concave bevel, echoing the watch's most distinctive feature: the finely polished, concave screw heads. The tapered lugs feature two sets of drilled holes to accommodate straight and curved spring bars, a thoughtful design element that allows for the use of two different types of straps.

A movement with a clean aesthetic and meeting certification requirements.

The movement is designed like a modern chronometer, housed within the case and visible through the transparent case back. It is clean, simple, and symmetrical, with two mainsprings providing a 72-hour power reserve. The enormous balance wheel beats at the conventional frequency of a marine chronometer, 2.5 Hz. The rounded and polished bridge is made of grade 5 non-magnetic titanium, and all steel components near the balance wheel are made of Phynox non-magnetic steel alloy. For precise adjustments, the watch incorporates a Breguet balance spring and a stop-seconds function. The ratchet wheel and vertically toothed crown allow the watch to be wound with a haptic click. All this expertise enables the movement to meet chronometer certifications while maintaining a superb aesthetic.

As you might have guessed, Simon Brette has made a strong impression with his first model, which naturally sold out as soon as it was announced. We eagerly await his future creations, which promise to be a brilliant start for him as an independent watchmaker. If you wish to acquire a watch, you'll need to be patient, as Simon Brette has announced that he will initially produce no more than 12 watches per year.