Cabestan

Cabestan emerged from the creative vision of Jean-François Ruchonnet, founder of the virtual imaging company DMC Group. The design of the watch, developed between 2003 and 2005, was inspired by a yacht theme, with the capstan (winch) giving the brand its name in old French. In 2006, Ruchonnet and banker Andreas Stricker formed Crealux SA. Famed independent watchmaker Vianney Halter was entrusted with technical development, and the first Winch Tourbillon Vertical prototype was unveiled in 2007. When Halter departed, Eric Coudray - former Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmaker and creator of the Gyrotourbillon - joined in 2008 to lead production in the Vallée de Joux. Difficulties forced Ruchonnet to sell in 2009 to Timothy Bovard, who renamed it Cabestan Watches and introduced the Nostromo (2010), Scuderia Ferrari One, and Trapezium (2011). In 2013, Lionel Betoux acquired the company and expanded with the Luna Nera and the extraordinary Triple Axis Tourbillon in 2015 - likely the only triple-axis tourbillon with fusée and chain transmission ever made. The company ceased operations around 2020.