Herbelin

Michel Herbelin: 78 Years of History, One Obsession—Authentic French Elegance

The story of Michel Herbelin begins well before 1947.
It begins in the 1930s, in the curious gaze of a young boy from Charquemont, a small village in the Haut-Doubs region just a stone’s throw from the Swiss border. Against his parents’ wishes, young Michel spent his evenings and Sundays in his uncle’s workshop—his uncle was a watchmaker—taking apart and reassembling watch movements. He fell in love with precision, with meticulousness, and with the silence of perfect movements.

In 1947, at the age of 23, he decided to found his own watchmaking company. Not in Geneva, not in Paris, but in Charquemont, where he was born. He wanted to prove that it was possible to make beautiful French watches using local expertise, without ever compromising on quality. He started out in a barn, with two workbenches and a handful of local artisans. Very quickly, Michel Herbelin ’s reputation grew: his watches were precise, elegant, and above all, 100% French.

Our values have remained unchanged since that day:
• Absolute independence
• Family-run business
• French artisanal craftsmanship
• Uncompromising quality
• Accessible, timeless elegance

In 2025, 78 years later, the founder’s grandchildren—Pierre-Michel, Maxime, and Cédric Herbelin—are still at the helm of the company. The headquarters and workshops remain in Charquemont, in the Doubs department. There are still no foreign shareholders, no pension funds, and no outsourced production. Every Michel Herbelin watch—whether automatic or quartz, for women or men—is still crafted by the same French hands that learned the trade three generations ago.

The collections that carry on this legacy

Newport — launched in 1989 to celebrate France’s victory in the Newport Yacht Club Cup, it remains Michel Herbelin’s ultimate icon: central porthole, protected crown, H-shaped links. The quintessential French yachting-chic watch.

Cap Camarat — inspired by the Var peninsula, this is the star collection of the 2020–2025 era: ultra-thin square cases, sunburst or gradient dials, integrated bracelets, or FKM rubber straps. The watch that turns heads along the Mediterranean coast.

Antarès — the patented interchangeable revolution: over 300 possible combinations in 3 seconds. The jewelry watch that adapts to every lifestyle.

Inspiration — the Art Deco revival: cushion-shaped cases, hand-engraved guilloché patterns, Breguet numerals. For those who want a French dress watch that’s one of a kind.

Why, 78 years later, we still choose Michel Herbelin

• Because it's the last major 100% French, family-owned brand still in business
• Because every Michel Herbelin watch—for men or women —is assembled in Charquemont
• Because the perceived quality far exceeds the listed price
• Because our customer service is French, personal, fast, and has known your watch since it was first made
• Because you can have a 1995 Newport overhauled for €200, and it’ll run for another 30 years
• Because you’re wearing a piece of the living history of “Made in France”

Club de la Montre — your official Michel Herbelin retailer

When you shop with us, you’ll enjoy:

• a very wide selection from all the flagship collections (Newport, Cap Camarat, Antarès, Inspiration, etc.)
• the latest Michel Herbelin 2025 releases as soon as they are officially launched
• limited editions and additional bracelet sets as soon as they become available
• an extended warranty of up to 5 years on many automatic models (offer valid through December 31, 2025)
• 24- to 48-hour delivery anywhere in metropolitan France
• premium gift packaging and 100% French customer service