THE GENESIS OF FRANCE EBAUCHES
The history of France Ebauches (FE) , an emblematic player in the French watchmaking industry, began on April 3, 1967 with the merger of four historic ébauche factories: Joseph Jeambrun et Cie, Technic Ebauche, Ebauches Cupillard and Fabrique d'Ebauches de Montres du Genevois Annemasse . This union led to the creation of a French leader in the ébauches market, while only seven companies were active in this sector in France at the time.
THE RISE OF FRENCH WATCHMAKING WITH FRANCE EBAUCHES
In the 1970s , France Ebauches became a key player, producing up to 8 million ébauches per year and exporting 58% of its production. The manufacturer established itself as a pioneer of watchmaking modernization in France, by standardizing its calibers and adopting automated manufacturing processes.
However, the 1980s marked a difficult turning point with the rise of quartz movements and Asian competition. To adapt, France Ebauches invested in new technologies and diversified its ranges, becoming the leading movement manufacturer in Europe.
THE DECLINE AND RENAISSANCE OF FRANCE EBAUCHES
In the 1990s , the company faced drastic price drops and a reorganization of the watch market. After several attempts at revival, the factory gradually ceased its activities.
But in 2017 , the Festina Group decided to relaunch France Ebauches , thus giving new life to this flagship of French watchmaking. Drawing on the historical know-how of FE and Soprod , production resumed with modernized calibers positioned in a premium segment .
AKRONE, A PLAYER INVOLVED IN THE RETURN OF FRENCH MOVEMENTS
Since its creation in 2015 , Akrone has actively campaigned for the return of a French movement . Convinced that French watchmaking must regain its industrial autonomy, the Nantes-based watchmaking company has supported this initiative from its very beginnings.
It was only natural that Akrone was one of the first brands to integrate these movements into its collections from the end of 2023 , thus launching the dynamic for other watchmaking houses.
A CUSTOM MOVEMENT BY AKRONE "TOP GRADE" FINISH
The France Ebauches movements equipping Akrone watches benefit from specific customization : ✔ Guilloché bridges , giving a refined and distinctive design. ✔ Blued screws , a symbol of careful and high-end finishing. ✔ Oscillating weight engraved with the Akrone logo , with a gold rhodium finish for an additional touch of elegance.
FRENCH WATCHMAKING BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Thanks to the commitment of Akrone and other French brands , France Ebauches has now regained a prominent place in the French watchmaking world. This return marks a crucial step in the relocation of the production of mechanical movements to France .
Discover our watches equipped with the new France Ebauches calibers .
