Watchatlas

SERICA

Paris, France · Est. 2019

Founded by Benjamin Schmitt

SERICA is a Paris-based French independent watch brand founded in 2019 by Benjamin Schmitt. Its 4512 field watch, 5303 diving chronometer and 8315 GMT apply a restrained, mid-century French design language to modern Swiss mechanical watchmaking.

Founded
2019
Headquarters
Paris, France
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Entry
Status
Active

Why this brand matters

SERICA has built a distinct French independent identity by treating field, dive and travel watches as cohesive modern instruments rather than heritage replicas.

Key Collections

  • 5303 (2021) — The SERICA 5303 is a 300 m diving chronometer distinguished by a double-scale bezel that separates hours and minutes. Since 2023 it has used SERICA's COSC-certified M100 calibre and an antimagnetic soft-iron inner case. Key references: 5303-1 Enamel Black, 5303-2 Porcelain White, 5303-3 Crystal Blue.
  • 4512 (2020) — The SERICA 4512 is the successor to the brand's 2019 W.W.W field watch. Introduced in 2020, it brought reworked case finishing and 20 bar water resistance to SERICA's military-influenced field-watch idea. Key references: W.W.W (2019), 4512 (2020), 4512 California TXD.
  • 8315 (2022) — The SERICA 8315 is the brand's GMT travel chronometer, introduced in 2022. Its current Enamel Black and Desert Red executions apply SERICA's compact, tool-watch approach to a dual-time display. Key references: 8315-1 Enamel Black, 8315-2 Desert Red.

Timeline

  • 2019 — Benjamin Schmitt founds SERICA in Paris, inspired by mid-20th century French military and diving watches.
  • 2018 — Launches the 5303 — the brand's first production watch — which sells out almost immediately and establishes SERICA's cult following.
  • 2021 — Introduces the 4512 chronograph, expanding the collection while maintaining the signature vintage-modern design language.
  • 2023 — Launches the 8315 GMT, the brand's third collection, meeting demand for a travel watch in the SERICA style.
  • 2025 — French microbrand continues strong growth with the 5303, 4512, and 8315 field/dive watches; known for excellent value and clean vintage-inspired design with quick-sellout launches.

Frequently Asked Questions about SERICA

Why are SERICA watches hard to buy?
SERICA produces in small batches and sells direct from its website, with drops that typically sell out within minutes. The brand does not use traditional retail distribution.
What movements does SERICA use?
Swiss-made movements, primarily from Soprod and Sellita, selected for reliability and value. The brand focuses its design investment on case, dial, and bracelet quality.

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