Manufacture Royale

The Manufacture traces its origins to the Enlightenment, when the philosopher and brilliant entrepreneur Voltaire opened his watchmaking workshop near Geneva in neighbouring France. Almost 250 years later, Manufacture Royale takes the liberty to play with its founder's captivating past, values and horological creation to instil passion and spirit into its timepieces.

Manufacture Royale was founded in 1770 under the impetus of Voltaire, who also led curiously a life as an entrepreneur and businessman. When production was at its height, over four thousand watches would come out of the Manufacture's workshop, destined for the crowned heads and elite of Europe. An achievement for the time.

Made by acclaimed master-watchmakers, Jean-Antoine Lépine among them, the watches that bore the Manufacture Royale name were the epitome of excellence in time measurement at the end of the eighteenth century. Movements featured the most challenging complications, such as striking mechanisms and repeaters. Equal importance was dedicated to exteriors, with gold cases embellished with elaborate engraving, enamel or set with gems.

These unique origins in the history of watchmaking will trigger its rebirth in 2010. Here again, it is a question of translating a new approach of the art of watchmaking. This renewal has since been consolidated under the impetus of the Gouten family, who have joined forces to take over the management of Manufacture Royale. With its vast experience in the field, Manufacture Royale designs timepieces that reflect a new spirit, inspired by Voltaire's temperament and values. In other words, the freedom of creation, the need to offer a new look at the world, the determination that this implies and the courage to assume an unconventional position set the course.

Manufacture Royale watches find their balance between audacity and beauty, tradition and modernity, humility and passion by constantly seeking to offer accessible luxury.