Introducing: Stéphane Pierre Launches His Namesake Brand With The Impressive 'l’Impétrant'

What We Know

If you’re looking for a watch (and a watchmaker) with a backstory, then it’s best to pay attention to Stéphane Pierre. Trained in mechanics, then engineering from studies in micro-mechanics at Besançon, a subcontractor for the Swatch Group. Pierre then spent years working for the naval and military sector before revisiting Swiss watchmaking (and specifically Geneva-based manufactures). Pierre has had quite a career. And with l’Impétrant, his first watch under his own name, he’s now stepping out of the shadows.

“l’Impétrant” (the name given to a young submariner who has yet to prove himself to his larger team), was started in 2023 with prototypist Julien Tixier (who we have covered before). Tixier is the perfect partner if you want to prototype an ambitious watch. Every time I see him, he’s got a new watch to show, and I always ask if he’ll make more. He always answers, “No,” and adds that making something once is enough of a challenge for him. I can imagine prototyping this watch was a challenge and a half. In 2024 and 2025, Gaylord de Lamarlière and David Sibille joined, respectively undertaking the construction and assembly of l’Impétrant.

The souscription series, limited to 15 pieces, was made of rose gold and zirconium, while the 50-piece current model is made of grade 23 titanium and measures 39mm by 10.8mm (12.2mm with the crystal). The lugs are machined as a single piece around a central container for the movement. The design leans heavily on the impressive double-retrograde display, with overlapping 20mm hands pointing to 19mm-long, curved, white ceramic retrograde displays. The minute hand creeps along while the hour hand jumps every hour, then returns every 12 hours. There’s also a running seconds display at the rear of the watch and a hand indicating the power reserve (which can also be read via a red cone jewel on the front).

The watch uses a lower-beat-rate 11.5mm balance, running at 3Hz, which extends the power reserve, while the watch otherwise uses a lower-power mainspring for chronometric stability. The movement also uses a Maltese cross stop mechanism, which eliminates balance wheel knocking when the movement is fully wound and prevents precision drift when the mainspring is nearly discharged. This is all rendered on an anthracite ruthenium mainplate and bridges (frosted on the upper plate more so than the lower parts), with a titanium bridge. The barrel is finished in rose gold on the reverse with a sunburst finish, while the rest of the movement features other high-end finishing touches.

Stéphane Pierre’s “L’Impétrant” is available directly from the man himself and retails for CHF 84,000.

What We Think

This is entirely impressive and slots well into a type of independent horology that fell a bit by the wayside as we lived through the age of demand for three-hand watches like Simplicity, Chronomètre Contemporain II, and others. The sweeping ceramic display, central balance, and symmetrical design do create an aesthetic that (together) looks a bit like a De Bethune. 

But there’s something slightly more artisanal about it. The case itself is an interesting and complex construction, which is a good antedote to many early independent releases that lack in case design. The compact measurements are impressive as well. Most importantly, the CHF 84,000 price feels fair compared to recent prices for other independents on the market, especially given its complexity. I’m hoping I’ll get to see one in person so I can bring you a Hands-On. Stay tuned.

The Basics

Brand: Stéphane Pierre
Model: l’Impétrant

Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 10.8mm (12.2mm with crystal)
Case Material: Souscription series of 15 pieces in two-tone zirconium and rose gold. 50 pieces in Grade 23 titanium
Dial Color: Anthracite openworked dial with white ceramic retrograde tracks
Indexes: Printed double retrograde hands on two separate tracks, with printed seconds track on reverse
Lume: None
Water Resistance: None stated
Strap/Bracelet: Calf leather with titanium clasp

The Movement

Caliber: In-house developed movement made in collaboration with watchmaking prototypist Julien Tixier
Functions: Retrograde hours and minutes with hour jump, power reserve visible front and back, small seconds on caseback
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 3Hz
Jewels: 22 (not including cone and probe)
Chronometer Certified:
Additional Details: 11.5mm diameter balance wheel with four adjustment weights; Breguet curve hairspring with mobile stud

Pricing & Availability

Price: CHF 84,000
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: limited “souscription” series of just 15 pieces featuring a two-tone zirconium and rose gold case; 50 pieces in grade 23 titanium

For more, click here.