Christophe Claret, a French-born watchmaker whose career took off at age 14 after a visit to a watch restorer, has been a disruptive force over the past 20 years. Trained at the École d’Horlogerie in Geneva, he founded Christophe Claret S.A. in 1987 after receiving a commission from Ulysse Nardin for 20 minute repeater movements, marking his entry into the elite of watchmaking. His style combines technical complexity with a playful touch, as in his game watches (Poker, Roulette) and the romantic Margot, which simulates the game “He loves me, he loves me not” while picking a daisy.

Claret innovates by integrating modern technology with tradition, utilizing his own machines to create movements such as the X-Trem-1, which employs magnets — traditionally considered the enemy of mechanical watchmaking — to display the time. The watchmaker’s influence extended to brands such as Breguet, Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux, to which he contributed the development of unique complications. In contrast, his own brand explores bold pieces, such as the DualTow, his first CC-branded timepiece, which was nominated for the High Complicated Watch category at the 2009 GPHG. Claret’s workshop in Le Locle, a 19th century castle, symbolizes this fusion of history and avant-garde.

His milestones include the X-Trem-1 Pinball (2012), which uses a magnetic ball to mark the time, and collaborations with Maîtres du Temps, raising the standard of complications. Claret has shaped contemporary watchmaking by demonstrating that innovation should not sacrifice fun, inspiring watchmakers to experiment without fear. His teachings remain a beacon of technical creativity, challenging the norms with every tick.

X-Trem-1 Pinball