Pequignet Breathes Fresh Life into the Royale Paris, Restating French Luxury Watchmaking In A Modern Frame

The French horological terrain is experiencing a rebirth, as dormant brands reawaken and enterprising micro-brands dare to enter the fray. Foremost among them is Pequignet, a pinnacle of true French Haute Horlogerie, famed for its unique and rich legacy. Recovering from past uncertainties, Pequignet is once again sailing confidently, guided by a reinvigorated strategy and vision. At the epicenter of this resurgence is the Royale Paris model, a captivating blend of conventional style and modern detailing, first unveiled at the Watches & Wonders event.

Embracing the freedom to pursue its in-house manufacturing dreams within France, Pequignet marked its 50th anniversary in 2023 with the Concorde line. Aiming for a sleeker and more chic aesthetic, the company streamlined its collections, replacing the somewhat elaborate and ornate styles of yore. The freshly modernized Royale Paris stands as a testament to this transformation.

Nestled within the Royale family, the Royale Paris houses the brand’s first uniquely crafted automatic Calibre Royal. While maintaining the core features of its predecessors in terms of day, date, moon phases, power reserve, and small seconds, the case of the new Royale Paris version has been remodelled. The case’s size has been reduced from 41mm to 39.5mm, and the bezel slims down for a minimalistic but eye-catching appearance. The case exhibits a meticulously executed redesign, evident in its polished flanks and satin-brushed bezel and caseback. Perhaps one of its most striking aspects is the large winding crown that houses the brand’s fleur-de-lys logo in relief, reminiscent of timepieces of the past. The separately made lugs, a defining feature of the Royale collection, undergo a modern renewal with satin-brushed surfaces and brightly polished sides. The revamped bezel effortlessly adds a touch of luxury with its satin-brushed surface and polished bevels.

The modernized Royale Paris reveals a stimulating interplay of textures and finishes. Notable features include an inviting trench that rings the silvery dial, distinguishing the peripheral minutes from the central area hosting the complications. Creative elements like indices that bridge the trench, connecting the external track to the central sandblasted dial area, add intrigue. The high-quality finishes are further visible in the slim, faceted indices that flaunt brushed surfaces and polished sides. Off-centered yet harmoniously balanced, the two intersecting sub-dials for the small seconds and moon phases display an eloquent union of tradition and innovation.