Meet Bernard Van Ormelingen and Bernard Braboretz: The Revolutionary Duo Reshaping Independent Watchmaking

The independent watchmaking scene, once considered niche and exclusive, is witnessing a resurgence, fuelled by the audacity and creativity of new brands. One such brand propelling this renaissance is L’Atelier Bernard. Despite its recent inception, the brand has significantly rejuvenated independent watchmaking, challenging the status quo with its debut model, ‘The Owl’. The distinctive and striking design of ‘The Owl’ has unquestionably made waves in the luxury watch market, making it an instant favourite among collectors.

What’s truly remarkable about this partnership is the mutual respect and shared vision they foster. Their commitment to their craft extends beyond the mere functionality of a timepiece to a harmonious balance of mechanics and aesthetics. While the brand might carry both their names, they never let it become a commercial monolith. Instead, they conceived it as an expression of their shared creative journey.

Their roles within the brand reflect their areas of expertise. Bernard Braboretz is deeply involved in the mechanics of watchmaking, while Bernard van Ormelingen focuses on the timepiece’s aesthetic aspect, using skills learnt during his time with master engraver Alain Lovenberg in Belgium. Together, these talented watchmakers have crafted an intriguing narrative for L’Atelier Bernard, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, transforming independent watchmaking as we know it.