Two French designers have launched a watch brand that seeks to challenge traditional norms in the luxury timepiece market. Version Watches, co-founded by Cybèle Vigneron and Carla Lanfranchini, debuted its first model in March 2025 and has since positioned itself as a Swiss-made brand driven by a modern, design-centric philosophy.
The idea for the company emerged in 2023 when Ms. Vigneron encountered resistance while trying on a men’s watch at a Paris boutique, an experience that highlighted the gendered assumptions often present in the watch industry. She and Ms. Lanfranchini, longtime friends and graduates of Strate École de Design and Grenoble École de Management, decided to create a brand that emphasized innovation and inclusivity in design rather than relying on traditional labels.
Version Watches’ inaugural product, the VO1-LCC, was launched via Kickstarter, raising 68,200 euros to fund an initial limited edition run of 300 pieces. The brand supplemented this crowdfunding with additional financing from family, personal savings, and a bank loan, totaling approximately 2 million euros. The 38-millimeter watch is notable for its split dial design, featuring a semi-transparent grid overlay that partially reveals the movement beneath, complemented by a sundial-inspired pattern on the lower half. The watch is available in three variations featuring combinations of steel and gold-colored cases with lizard-embossed leather straps. The retail price is set at €1,495 in France and $1,850 in the United States.
About one-third of the VO1-LCC run has been sold, according to Ms. Vigneron. The brand plans to release a second model, the VO2-LTH, in September 2025. This follow-up design will maintain the split dial motif with a more opaque and vivid upper section. The VO2-LTH will be produced in three colorways, with 100 units per variant.
Operating from a modest setup—a spare bedroom in Ms. Vigneron’s Paris apartment shared with her wife and their puppy—the brand sells directly through its website and select retailers including Legacy Store and Ocarat in Paris as well as Tempus Takumi in New York City, which acts as its U.S. distributor.
Both founders have left other professional roles to focus on steering the company forward. Ms. Vigneron, 32, previously worked as a product manager for an electric car charging station company, while Ms. Lanfranchini, 30, is a freelance design consultant. Despite the challenges of balancing a nascent business with ongoing careers and managing a long-distance partnership—Ms. Lanfranchini resides in Lyon—both women dedicate significant time and effort to building the brand.
Industry observers have taken note of their hands-on approach. Jack Nazy, founder of Tempus Takumi, praised their marketing and distribution engagement, stating that their level of commitment and brand-building is rare for a two-person team.
The founders intentionally selected an English name to emphasize the brand’s international outlook and design philosophy. “Version” reflects their iterative creative process, underscoring continuous refinement and evolution rather than emphasizing personal identities.
Ms. Lanfranchini acknowledged that the pair sometimes face surprise or skepticism at watch fairs due to their gender, with instances of unsolicited advice or mansplaining noted. Despite these challenges, the founders remain focused on carving out their niche.
Notably, Ms. Vigneron is the daughter of Cyrille Vigneron, former president and CEO of Cartier. Initially hesitant about the competitiveness and high barriers of the industry, her family has since expressed pride in the founders’ determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
As Version Watches prepares to expand its offerings and sales, Ms. Vigneron and Ms. Lanfranchini aim to continue blending craftsmanship, design innovation, and inclusivity in a market known for tradition and exclusivity.