Pequignet is an independent French luxury watchmaking manufacture, notable for being one of the few French brands to develop and produce in-house mechanical movements. The company stands out in the modern watch industry for its commitment to French craftsmanship, with movements designed, developed, and manufactured at its historic workshops in Morteau near the Swiss border.
Founded in 1973 by Emile Pequignet in Morteau, France, the company began as a design-focused watchmaking concern. A passionate horseman and breeder from Haut-Doubs, Emile infused his equestrian interests into the brand, launching the 'Equitation' line in 1980 featuring horse head engravings. The brand also drew inspiration from exotic locales, creating collections like Moorea (French Polynesia), Sakkara (Egypt), and Massai (Africa). When Emile sought retirement in 2004, Didier Leibundgut, former marketing director at Zenith, acquired the company and transformed it into a fine watchmaking manufacture. In 2006, an in-house movement laboratory was established, and by 2010-2011, Pequignet unveiled its first in-house mechanical movement: the Calibre Royal, featuring 8 patents. Financial difficulties in 2012 led to near-bankruptcy, but the brand was rescued by Laurent Katz and Philippe Spruch (former LaCie managers). In 2021, Pequignet joined Enowe Excellence, a structure founded by Hugues Souparis to promote French craftsmanship, and launched the Calibre Initial movement. The brand now focuses exclusively on manufacture movements, with a tourbillon version unveiled in 2024.
PRICE SEGMENT
LuxuryMOVEMENT TYPES
MANUFACTURING
Full ManufactureHEADQUARTERS
France1973 Emile Pequignet (founder)
1973 Didier Leibundgut
2009 Laurent Katz & Philippe Spruch
2015 Enowe Excellence (Hugues Souparis)
Current Enowe Excellence