Christophe Claret
Le Locle, Switzerland · Est. 1989
Founded by Christophe Claret
Christophe Claret is a master watchmaker and movement developer based in Le Brassus, Switzerland, who has designed major complications for numerous prestigious brands. His eponymous label, launched in 2009, produces spectacular grand complication watches including tourbillons with striking mechanisms and highly unusual displays.
- Founded
- 1989
- Headquarters
- Le Locle, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Ultra
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Maestro — Flagship complication watch featuring a minute repeater with cathedral gongs, showcasing Claret's mastery of chiming mechanisms.
- Poker — Playful complication watch with a fully functional poker game built into the movement, dealing cards via micro-mechanics.
- X-TREM-1 — Avant-garde piece using magnetically suspended steel spheres instead of hands to indicate hours and minutes.
Timeline
- 1987 — Christophe Claret founds his movement manufacture in Le Locle, initially creating complications for other prestigious brands.
- 1989 — Delivers his first minute repeater movement, beginning a reputation as the go-to supplier of chiming complications.
- 2009 — Launches watches under his own name for the first time, debuting the 21 Blackjack — a working card game on the wrist.
- 2012 — X-TREM-1 debuts with magnetically levitated hour markers, pushing the boundaries of horological innovation.
- 2014 — Poker watch launches, featuring a fully playable poker hand dealt by the movement's micro-mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christophe Claret
- Did Christophe Claret make movements for other brands?
- Yes. Before launching his own collection, Claret's manufacture created complex movements — particularly minute repeaters — for houses like Harry Winston, Ulysse Nardin, and others.
- What are Christophe Claret's 'game' watches?
- Claret is famous for integrating fully functional games into watch movements, including Blackjack, Poker, Baccara, and dice games, all using real micro-mechanical randomisation.
- What is the price range of Christophe Claret watches?
- Christophe Claret watches typically range from approximately CHF 60,000 to over CHF 500,000, reflecting the extreme complexity and hand-finishing involved. Many pieces feature striking complications like minute repeaters, Westminster chimes, or innovative game mechanisms, placing them firmly in the haute horlogerie category.