HERBELIN - The factory of French know-how
1947 - The beginning of a great story
Michel Herbelin, only 26 years old, opened his own watchmaking workshop in Charquemont, a village in the heart of the Jura. However, the story could have been quite different since his parents intended him to take over the family business. After a few years of training in a local watchmaking workshop, the adventure began with the creation of the first timepieces, whose requirements were attention to detail, manufacturing in France, and impeccable functioning. This is how the first piece came out under the name "IMPEC"!
In 1965, buoyed by the success of his collections, he decided to create the eponymous brand: Michel HERBELIN
1980 - A family succession
After more than 40 years of passionately dressing the time, it was only natural that he should pass on his passion for watchmaking to his two sons, Jean-Claude and Pierre-Michel, who joined him in his career.
At this time, quartz was making its appearance, and some saw it as a harbinger of the decline of French watchmaking. For Michel Herbelin and his sons, on the contrary, it was a tremendous opportunity to perpetuate the love of detail and unleash the creativity of designers to offer innovative, high-quality watchmaking.
Passing on expertise is a core value at Michel Herbelin. Today, two of the founder's grandchildren are contributing to the success of the family business. Their creativity and expertise are giving the brand new impetus.
2018 - In perpetual motion since 1947
The Maison has managed to survive over 70 years while remaining true to its original values. Still located in the heart of the French Haute Horlogerie region, all watches are designed, assembled by hand, and inspected in the brand's workshops in Franche-Comté, always with the same philosophy: creating timepieces designed to last, respecting artisanal know-how while adding French elegance.
Since 1947, Michel HERBELIN has adapted to changes and trends, while respecting its DNA. At Basel 2017, with Newport Connect, Michel HERBELIN entered a new era: that of digital. In 2018, the new generation Newport made its appearance: a more modern, stealthy look but still marked by the brand's DNA. Finally, in 2020, the Newport Régate Carbone limited to 300 copies in collaboration with skier and skipper Aurélien Ducroz made a big impact: a bold look completely wrapped in carbon designed to withstand shocks and temperature changes.
2022 - Michel HERBELIN becomes HERBELIN
Today led by Maxime and Mathieu Herbelin, celebrating their 75th anniversary, Maison HERBELIN highlights a new identity without losing sight of their roots: watchmaking expertise, refinement and French elegance for international influence.
