Version Watches: A French Designer's Take on Midcentury Modernism

Introducing Version Watches

Version Watches is a new French microbrand founded by Cybèle Vigneron and Carla Lanfranchini, two designers who met at Strate École de Design near Paris. With backgrounds in luxury branding and visual merchandising for houses like Cartier, Bulgari, and Berluti, they bring a refined aesthetic to the world of independent watchmaking. Launched in 2024, the brand aims to approach watch design from a pure designer's perspective, avoiding the common pitfalls of assembling off-the-shelf components or relying solely on nostalgia.

The V01-LCC: A Study in Contrast

The debut collection, V01-LCC, priced at ,850, showcases a distinctive bisected dial. The upper half features a lattice pattern, while the lower half displays converging etched lines that draw the eye toward the center. This design creates a dynamic interplay of textures and colors, with options like gold over white and silver, or white over deep navy blue. The latticework partially reveals the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, offering a unique take on the skeleton dial that invites closer inspection.

Design Inspirations

Vigneron and Lanfranchini drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Bauhaus geometry, the curves of the Aston Martin DB5, and notably, the LC4 Chaise Longue by Charlotte Perriand. This iconic piece of midcentury furniture influenced the watch's construction, emphasizing pure metallic framing. Additionally, French automotive legends like the Citroën SM, Alpine A310, and Matra Bagheera inspired the semi-hidden mechanical heart, with their engine louvers and rear window grilles serving as metaphors for the dial's latticework.

Future Collections

Version Watches is already planning a second collection, the V0201-TH, set to launch in September 2026. This line will shift focus to French aeronautics, specifically the Concorde, with translucent colored elements evoking a sunrise seen from a supersonic cockpit. The brand also looks to interior architect Andrée Putman, who designed the Concorde's interior, for further inspiration, ensuring a deep connection to French design heritage.

Buying Tips and Authenticity

When considering a Version watch, note that it is a microbrand with a focus on design and craftsmanship. The Sellita SW200-1 movement is a reliable Swiss automatic, and the unique dial work sets these watches apart. As with any independent brand, authenticity is key—purchase directly from the official website or authorized dealers to ensure you receive a genuine product. The price point of ,850 offers good value for the level of design and finishing.