Cybèle Vigneron and Carla Lanfranchini, two accomplished designers with formidable backgrounds in luxury branding and retail, have launched Version Watches, a new microbrand poised to make a significant impact on the independent watchmaking scene. Their debut collection, the V01 series, showcases a unique design philosophy that eschews conventional watchmaking tropes in favor of architectural forms, automotive elegance, and iconic furniture design. This fresh perspective, cultivated through years of experience in disparate yet complementary fields, positions Version Watches as a compelling new voice in a crowded and increasingly dynamic market.
The genesis of Version Watches can be traced back to the halls of Strate École de Design, located just outside Paris. It was here that Vigneron and Lanfranchini first crossed paths, both arriving with impressive résumés that hinted at their future entrepreneurial endeavors. Lanfranchini, with her background as an artistic director and graphic designer, had previously lent her creative vision to prestigious houses like Dom Pérignon and Château de Pommard, imbuing them with an unmistakable sense of luxury and visual narrative. Vigneron, on the other hand, had honed her expertise in the intricate world of luxury retail, meticulously planning store designs and orchestrating visual merchandising strategies for esteemed brands such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Berluti. This shared foundation in high-end aesthetics and strategic brand presentation fostered an immediate connection, leading to a fast friendship.
After jointly pursuing dual degrees in design and business management, a testament to their comprehensive approach to brand building, Vigneron and Lanfranchini officially established Version Watches in 2024. Their entry into the watchmaking industry coincided with a period of unprecedented popularity for microbrands. This burgeoning sector has provided fertile ground for designers and visionaries to explore new creative territories, unburdened by the legacy constraints of established horological houses. The accessibility of crowdfunding platforms and direct-to-consumer models has democratized the industry, allowing independent brands to connect directly with enthusiasts and build dedicated communities.
"We wanted to approach watchmaking from a pure designer’s perspective rather than just assembling off-the-shelf components or relying purely on nostalgia," stated Vigneron, articulating the core tenet that has guided their creative process. This commitment to originality and a designer-led approach has been the driving force behind their efforts over the past two years, during which they navigated the complexities of building a brand across different cities, managing branding, design, distribution, and a successful Kickstarter campaign.
The V01 collection made its international debut at Tempus Takumi in New York, a curated showcase dedicated to independent watchmaking that deliberately emphasizes creations from outside Switzerland. This setting proved to be an ideal platform for Version Watches, placing them alongside other design-forward and accessible collections from esteemed brands like Germany’s MeisterSinger, known for its distinctive single-hand timepieces, and Japan’s Minase, celebrated for its innovative case construction and finishing. The presence of both Vigneron and Lanfranchini at the event underscored their commitment to engaging directly with their audience and sharing the narrative behind their creations, marking a significant moment as they introduced their brand to an American clientele. The inherent appeal of microbrands lies in this very accessibility; collectors have the unique opportunity to hear directly from the founders and designers, gaining insight into the rationale behind every design choice, no matter how subtle or unconventional.
The initial impression of the V01 collection is undeniably compelling. The three models, including the V01-LCC priced at $1,850, immediately captivate with their layered depth and contrasting patterns. The dials are a testament to intricate craftsmanship, representing a significant departure from much of what is currently seen in the market. Yet, they manage to retain a sense of familiarity through their vintage proportions and classic case shapes, striking a harmonious balance between innovation and tradition.
A defining feature of the V01 is its bisected dial, a design element that immediately draws the eye. The upper half of the dial is adorned with a sophisticated lattice pattern, while the lower half features a series of converging etched lines that guide the gaze towards the center of the watch, reminiscent of a grid map charting a course to the horizon. This meticulously rendered latticework is presented in contrasting colorways. One iteration features a striking gold lattice over a white and silver lower dial, while another boasts a crisp white lattice against a deep, shimmering navy blue. Peeking through the latticework, a reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement operates, providing the horological engine for this artistic expression.
This unique dial treatment can be interpreted as Version’s innovative take on the skeletonized watch. Vigneron and Lanfranchini explained that many timepieces fall into one of two extremes: either entirely closed dials or fully skeletonized movements. "It’s an invitation to lean in, look closer, and lose yourself in the micro-architecture of the dial and the beauty of fine mechanics," they shared, highlighting their intention to create a dial that encourages deeper engagement and appreciation for the intricate details.
Further revealing the mechanical heart of the watch, a clear caseback offers a view of the Sellita movement. A charming detail observed through the caseback is the ability to see the dial’s grid pattern superimposed onto the movement, creating a fascinating visual interplay. Encircling the bisected dial is a wide track for hours and minutes, with rounded, bullet-shaped markers that echo the gentle curvature of the hour hand. The hour hand itself is elongated and open, its shape recalling the fat end of a sewing needle, adding another subtle yet distinctive touch. The case, measuring a modest 38mm in diameter, is capped by conventionally shaped lugs at the top and bottom. This restraint in case design appears to be a deliberate choice, allowing the intricate dialwork to take center stage without unnecessary embellishment, acknowledging that a recognizable case shape can effectively frame such complex artistry.
The inspiration behind the Vision collection extends far beyond the conventional lexicon of watchmaking. Instead of relying on the increasingly prevalent trends of stone dials or diamond embellishments, or the machismo of heritage-inspired dive and field watches, Vigneron and Lanfranchini sought inspiration from the realms of architecture, automobiles, and industrial furniture. A primary influence is the geometric purity of Bauhaus design, a movement that championed functionality and minimalist aesthetics. This is complemented by the elegant curves and proportions of iconic automobiles, most notably the Aston Martin DB5.
Perhaps one of the most profound inspirations, however, is the LC4 Chaise Longue by Charlotte Perriand. This iconic ergonomic lounge chair, crafted from curving steel tubes and flowing leather, was considered avant-garde upon its debut in 1928. Though Perriand’s work was later somewhat overshadowed by contemporaries like Marcel Breuer and Le Corbusier, who contributed to its design, the LC4 served as a crucial guide for Version Watches. It informed their approach to constructing the watch through the pure form of metallic framing, emphasizing the interplay of lines and structure.
Beyond these influential design pieces, the Version founders drew inspiration from a selection of French automotive legends. The Citroën SM, the Alpine A310, and the Matra Bagheera – a delightfully obscure yet iconic wedge-shaped French sports car that made its mark in the 1970s – all contributed to the design DNA. While these vehicles emerged slightly later than the mid-century and Bauhaus aesthetics cited on Version’s website, their design elements, such as engine louvers and rear window grilles (known as jalousies in French), inspired the concept of a semi-hidden mechanical heart within the watch. "What fascinates us about automotive design is that it is a total art form," explained Vigneron. "It demands complete aesthetic and functional harmony, from the exterior bodywork down to interior ergonomics. Watches operate on the exact same principle." This holistic view underscores their belief that true design excellence encompasses every facet of a product.
Version Watches is already looking ahead, with plans to launch a second collection in September 2026. The forthcoming V0201-TH collection will pivot towards French aeronautics, drawing inspiration from the iconic Concorde supersonic transport aircraft. In this new line, translucent colored elements are intended to evoke the visual experience of a smoky, dramatic sunrise as viewed through the windows of a supersonic cockpit, promising a new aesthetic narrative for the brand.
This deep attunement to French design heritage is a hallmark of Vigneron and Lanfranchini’s work. For their subsequent collections, they are drawing inspiration from the renowned interior architect Andrée Putman. Putman’s oeuvre, which notably includes the interior design of the very Concorde that inspired their V0201-TH collection, is celebrated for its minimalist elegance and sophisticated use of form and material. A brief exploration of her work reveals a profound understanding of space and a timeless aesthetic sensibility. The founders’ intention is clear: if engaging with design history can lead fellow watch enthusiasts down compelling avenues of discovery, much like exploring Wikipedia rabbit holes, then Version Watches will have successfully achieved its mission of finding a unique artistic foothold within the ever-expanding universe of independent watchmaking. The brand’s commitment to not only creating beautiful timepieces but also to educating and inspiring their audience about broader design influences is a testament to their vision.
The independent watchmaking sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with the global market for watches estimated to reach over $60 billion by 2027, according to some industry analyses. Microbrands, while representing a smaller segment of this vast market, are playing an increasingly significant role in driving innovation and catering to niche consumer preferences. The success of brands like Version Watches, which offer unique design narratives and direct engagement with founders, suggests a growing appetite among consumers for watches that tell a story beyond mere timekeeping.
The accessibility of microbrands, exemplified by Version Watches’ presence at events like Tempus Takumi and their engagement through crowdfunding platforms, democratizes the luxury watch market. This allows a broader range of collectors to acquire well-designed and thoughtfully executed timepieces at price points that were previously unattainable. The $1,850 price point for the V01-LCC positions it competitively within the independent watch market, offering a compelling value proposition considering the level of design originality and the use of a reliable Swiss automatic movement.
The founders’ backgrounds in luxury retail and brand management are clearly assets. Their understanding of consumer psychology, brand storytelling, and the importance of meticulous execution in high-end markets provides a solid foundation for Version Watches. This experience likely informs their strategic approach to product development, marketing, and customer engagement, setting them apart from brands that may solely focus on technical aspects of watchmaking.
The broader implication of Version Watches’ approach is the ongoing diversification of design language within the watch industry. By drawing inspiration from diverse fields such as architecture and automotive design, they are pushing the boundaries of what a watch can be. This cross-pollination of ideas enriches the horological landscape and offers collectors more varied and conceptually driven options. As the market continues to evolve, brands that can offer a distinct perspective and a compelling narrative, coupled with quality craftsmanship, are likely to thrive. Version Watches, with its clear vision and impressive debut, appears well-positioned to achieve just that.
