HUGUES SOUPARIS
President, PEQUIGNET
When you decided to invest, what strengths of Pequignet stood out to you the most?
The exceptional potential of the company — and the fact that Pequignet possesses a unique know-how in France, from movement design to manufacturing. I saw in Pequignet two complementary DNAs that could be the foundation of great success: the engineer — with its high technical capabilities — and the artist — with a long history of creating both men’s and women’s watches that are aesthetically innovative. Moreover, being the only French haute horlogerie brand gives Pequignet a singular position in this market — a unique and compelling proposition, both in France and internationally, built on a distinctive and attractive story.
How do you see Pequignet’s role today within French haute horlogerie?
Pequignet is the spearhead of French haute horlogerie. As far as we know, we are the only team in France capable of designing and manufacturing a movement with complications entirely in-house. Our mission is to make exceptional pieces accessible not only to horology enthusiasts but also to those who appreciate elegant and meaningful design. We embody the revival of French technical and artistic excellence in watchmaking.
The term “Made in France” is often debated. What does it truly mean to you, and how is Pequignet working to make it more authentic?
We don’t use the term “Made in France,” which has been diluted by brands that only assemble watches using foreign movements and components. Instead, we use “Fabriqué en France” or “Manufacture Française” to highlight our difference. We design and produce our movements in France, using as many French components as possible, and we proudly collaborate with local craftsmen and engineers to make that authenticity tangible.
Calibre Initial already features around 80% French-made components. How far do you plan to go in localizing production further?
Our goal is to keep increasing the proportion of French components. It’s not about ideology, but about coherence: a French calibre must rely on French expertise whenever it meets our standards of precision, reliability, and beauty. We want to contribute to rebuilding a complete watchmaking ecosystem in France.
Beyond movements, Pequignet now produces dials, bracelets, and polishing in France. How important is this vertical integration for quality and brand identity?
It’s essential. Vertical integration gives us control over quality, design harmony, and production timelines. It also provides the flexibility to meet our clients’ expectations — even for highly personalized pieces. This independence reinforces our identity as a true manufacture, where every detail reflects both technical mastery and artistic intent.
Since 2021, Pequignet has launched the Concorde and Tourbillon collections, opened a Paris boutique, and participated in Watches & Wonders. What do these milestones signal about the brand’s future?
They mark a new era of confidence. We are investing for today and for the long term. Pequignet is asserting itself internationally while staying true to its French roots. We aim to stand among the independent haute horlogerie houses that truly matter, with creations that embody both precision and emotion.
Who is Pequignet’s ideal customer today? Are you targeting connoisseurs, or aiming for a broader international audience?
Internationally, Pequignet remains a niche brand, known and appreciated by connoisseurs. But our goal is to extend beyond this narrow audience — to women and men who value meaning, discretion, and refinement, and, like the new generation, seek authenticity over ostentation. Pequignet speaks to those who see watchmaking as an art form rather than a status symbol.
Exports currently account for roughly 25% of sales. How do you plan to expand globally while preserving the brand’s French identity?
We believe that embracing our French roots and history makes Pequignet a unique proposition in the independent watchmaking world. It’s precisely by staying true to our identity that we will gain new market share — inviting the world to experience French horological culture. Our international growth will always be selective, organic, and driven by partnerships that share our values.
With the 50th anniversary behind you, what are Pequignet’s key goals for the next five years?
To consolidate our position as the reference in French watchmaking, continue developing in-house calibres, and strengthen our recognition beyond Europe. We want Pequignet to remain a successful, growing company — capable of generating the resources needed for further innovation and artistic creation. In short, to contribute to the future of French haute horlogerie on solid, independent foundations.
France was once considered the “watch capital.” In your view, what sets French haute horlogerie apart from its Swiss counterpart?
French engineering has always been known for thinking “out of the box.” Many unique, groundbreaking timepieces were conceived and produced in France. If you look at our Calibre Royal®, with its distinctive architecture often compared to a French garden, you understand that French watchmakers know how to bring poetry into technical design. French horlogerie is guided as much by proportion and elegance as by precision and performance.
Finally, what would success at Pequignet look like for you? When will you feel your mission is accomplished?
When Pequignet is universally recognized as the emblem of French haute horlogerie — independent, creative, and timeless. That will mean the Pequignet team has restored not just a brand, but a sense of national pride. Success, for me, will come the day Pequignet becomes both a symbol of excellence and a source of inspiration for the next generation of French watchmakers.
