TODAY, AKRONE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY!
A decade marked by challenges, successes, and above all, a shared passion for watchmaking. It's also the perfect opportunity to wish you a happy 2025 ! A year we hope will be punctuated by surprises, new products, and wonderful moments to share together. So, stay tuned... it's looking promising!
A huge thank you to you. If Akrone is here today, it's thanks to you. For some, an Akrone watch marked the beginning of a passion; for others, it was an unexpected love at first sight. One thing is certain: your support and loyalty have been the pillars of this adventure. Thank you for continuing to write this beautiful story with us!
BEGINNINGS… NOT SO SIMPLE!
The Akrone adventure began unofficially in 2014, driven by dreams and a healthy dose of audacity. And like any great story, ours had its share of twists and turns: after validating our trademark application with the INPI (French National Institute of Industrial Property), we thought we were safe... until another brand challenged our name a few months later. The result? Back to square one, starting all over again.
Frustrating? Yes, at the time. But in hindsight, this setback allowed us to find a stronger and more unique identity. Fun fact: the original name is still visible on the INPI website… So yes, we welcome your mockery in the comments, but please bear with us!
KICKSTARTER: OUR FIRST BIG CHALLENGE
In September 2015, we launched the K-01 on Kickstarter , becoming the first French watchmaker to attempt crowdfunding. Perhaps even one of the first in Europe? Let us know if so, just in case!
With innovative design, quality materials, and transparent communication, we quickly brought together a community of enthusiasts.
The result? A successful campaign that marked a turning point for Akrone, inspiring other French entrepreneurs in the process.
The K-01, our very first creation, remains a timeless watch which, 10 years later, hasn't aged a bit... just like us (or almost).
10 YEARS OF INNOVATIONS AND RECORDS
Since then, Akrone has multiplied ambitious projects and taken on numerous challenges:
- Double diving record with the K-02, worn by Frédéric Swierczynski, to more than 267 meters (just that and we still hope for the world record at 300m).
- Viper certification for the K-02 and K-04, a rare label of excellence.
- Hand-engraved on the K-04 Métiers D'art, by Thomas Brac, one of the few master engravers in France.
- Official timer of the prestigious race: La Solitaire du Figaro.
- And above all, around a hundred special and military projects , making Akrone the French leader in personalized watches for the French army .
We are also proud to have donated more than 50,000 euros to military aid associations over the past 10 years, proving that watchmaking can also have a strong human impact.
A WORKSHOP, A SYMBOL OF EXPERTISE
At Akrone, meeting challenges is part of our DNA. Creating our own watchmaking workshop was a key step in ensuring the excellence of our watches. Here, everything is mastered: technical conception, design, assembly, quality control, and maintenance. This level of expertise and independence, rare for a company of our size, allows us to meet the growing demands of our customers.
Our technical watches, whether diving or aviation models, are designed to operate in extreme environments thanks to technical solutions pushed to the limit. At Akrone, this isn't just a marketing ploy; it's a true expertise that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking.
This now allows us to meet the very strict specifications of the armed forces and civil aviation , at the same level as the major historic Swiss watchmaking houses!
And this is just the beginning! In 2025, we'll go even further with the creation of a dedicated machining space. Our goal: to develop our own in-house complications and continue pushing the boundaries of watchmaking expertise.
2025: HEADING FOR THE FUTURE
To celebrate our 10th anniversary , we've redesigned our collections, starting with an ambitious redesign of the C-02, C-03, and C-04 collections, with several other surprises to come. Always higher in quality, but without exploding prices. This year promises to be full of promise, new products, and surprises.
Thank you for being part of the Akrone adventure. Together, let's continue to write this beautiful story. So, are you ready for the next 10 years ?
See you soon,
The Akrone Team
