SERICA
Paris, France · Est. 2016
Founded by Benjamin Schmitt
SERICA is a French independent watch brand founded in 2016 by Benjamin Schmitt, based in Paris. The brand creates modern reinterpretations of mid-20th century French watchmaking with Swiss-made movements, known for elegant dial designs and restrained aesthetics rooted in vintage French horological tradition.
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Paris, France
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- 5303 — The brand's flagship field/dive watch with a distinctive double-domed sapphire crystal, beads-of-rice bracelet, and mid-century French military design cues.
- 4512 — Chronograph collection inspired by 1960s French aviation instruments, featuring a clean bi-compax layout and domed crystal.
- 8315 — GMT model with a vintage-inspired pepsi or root beer bezel, maintaining the brand's mid-century aesthetic and legible dial design.
Timeline
- 2016 — 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.