Version Watches: A Distinctly French Mid‑Century Design Perspective
Version Watches, founded by Cybèle Vigneron and Carla Lanfranchini in 2024, blends design heritage with micro‑brand watchmaking. Their debut collection, highlighted by the V01‑LCC model priced at $1,850, features a distinctive bisected dial with lattice and etched‑line patterns, a clear caseback showcasing a Sellita SW200‑1 movement, and a 38 mm case inspired by Bauhaus geometry, automotive forms, and the iconic LC4 Chaise Longue. The brand emphasizes a designer‑first approach, using intricate dial architecture and automotive cues such as the Citroën SM, Alpine A310, and Matra Bagheera to create watches that feel both modern and historically resonant. Looking ahead, Version plans a second collection for September 2026, the V0201‑TH line, which will draw on French aeronautics and the Concorde, incorporating translucent elements that evoke a sunrise through a supersonic cockpit. Future releases will also reference interior designer Andrée Putman, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to merging high‑design inspiration with independent watchmaking craftsmanship.
Buying Time Analysis: This story highlights how Version Watches blends French design heritage, automotive and architectural inspiration to create innovative, designer‑focused micro‑watches, demonstrating the significance of independent brands pushing creative boundaries in the watch industry.
