The Maison is born in Charquemont
In his modest apartment in Charquemont, Michel Herbelin creates its first watches and names them “Impec” (by mint): a free and independent watchmaking workshop is born.
The first «Impec» watches
Independent French watchmaking since 1947
Herbelin
Herbelin is a maison French watchmaker founded in 1947 by Michel Herbelin at Charquemont, in the heart of the French watchmaking arc. Its first watches, christened «Impec» (for mint), are born of their refusal to sacrifice quality.
In 1965 he created his eponymous brand and, with the arrival of his children, the house became a family adventure that spans generations. In 1988, the Newport, its iconic marine-inspired model. Today, with almost 80 years of history behind it, Herbelin continues to design and control its watches in France, faithful to a timeless elegance.
1940s
1940s
1960s
1960s
The eponymous brand
Following the success of its collections, Michel Herbelin decided to create its eponymous brand and assert its ambition in the French watchmaking landscape.
Herbelin, a maison with its own signature
1970s
1970s
A new generation
Two of his sons, Jean-Claude and Pierre-Michel, join the firm and take charge of design, export sales and the technical side of the models.
A family adventure
1980s
1980s
Newport, the nautical icon
Jean-Claude and Pierre-Michel create the Newport in tribute to his father's passion for the sea and sailing. It becomes the model emblematic of the Maison.
Maritime inspiration
1990s
1990s
In the heart of the watchmaking arc
The Herbelin workshops expand into a building of 3,000 m², consolidating its local roots and its mastery of production in France.
3,000 m² of workshops
2000s
2000s
Antarès: elegance and freedom
Launch of the women's collection Antarès, the first with a patented interchangeable bracelet system. Since 2007 it has been worn on the wrist of Brigitte Macron.
Patented interchangeable strap
2020s
2020s
A course set for modernity
New logo and new signature: «Horloger contemporain depuis 1947». The brand opens its first boutique in Paris, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
First boutique in Paris
Herbelin at the Élysée
Maison Herbelin is among the French brands selected for the diplomatic gifts of the State, a recognition of its savoir-faire.
Institutional recognition
“HERBELIN — Horloger contemporain depuis 1947”
Herbelin
Brand Signature
2022
Almost 80 years of French watchmaking
From a modest workshop in Charquemont to wrists all over the world, Herbelin carries on the vision of one man and one region: exacting, family-run and timeless French watchmaking.
