Introducing the Pequignet Royale Paris Icy Blue: A Watch That Tells a Story of French Craftsmanship
A True French Watchmaker's Journey
Pequignet, one of the few genuine French watch manufacturers, is on a mission to redefine its brand identity. With the recent redesign of the Royale Paris collection, they've taken a bold step towards a more contemporary look, and now, they're unveiling a captivating new variant: the Royale Paris Icy Blue.
A Timeless Design, A Fresh Twist
The case, measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 11.5mm in thickness, remains unchanged from the latest Royale Paris generation. Crafted with precision, it showcases stainless steel with polished and satin-brushed surfaces, featuring Pequignet's signature extended lugs and a slim, screw-secured bezel. The domed glassbox sapphire crystal adds a touch of elegance, while the integrated moon phase corrector at 8:30 ensures easy adjustments.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the icy blue dial. It's neither a pastel dream nor a sporty statement. Instead, it's a thoughtful interpretation of the winter light over the Jura mountains, where Pequignet's Morteau manufacture is located. This cool, metallic hue enhances the dial's unique surface treatment, combining a grained texture, sandblasted engravings, and a fluted small seconds subdial at 3:30.
The asymmetrical layout, a signature of the Royale Paris, continues to captivate with the power reserve displayed at 8 o'clock and the day-date window centrally positioned above.
A Celestial Touch
At 6 o'clock, the double moon phase display is a true masterpiece. Through two apertures, one for each hemisphere, the moons are diamond-polished, creating a subtle sparkle against the icy backdrop. The polished steel hands, filled with blue Super-LumiNova, provide excellent contrast and readability.
The Heart of the Matter
Powering this exquisite timepiece is the Calibre Royal, Pequignet's flagship in-house automatic movement. Developed and manufactured in Morteau, with components sourced locally within an 80km radius, this movement is a testament to Pequignet's commitment to craftsmanship. It boasts an impressive 96-hour power reserve and integrates all complications on a single plate.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the Calibre Royal showcases a large balance with compensation screws, a beautifully decorated oscillating weight, and finishing that aligns with Pequignet's high standards.
A Comfortable Companion
The Royale Paris Icy Blue is designed for comfort and versatility. It comes with an interchangeable pearl-grey nubuck leather strap, secured with a folding clasp. This permanent edition, available from April 2026, is priced at EUR 8,000 (incl. VAT).
Technical Specifications
- Case: 39.5mm x 11.5mm, stainless steel with polished and satin finishes, domed glassbox sapphire crystal, sapphire caseback secured by 6 screws, crown with embossed fleur-de-lys, water-resistant to 50m
- Dial: Icy blue with grained and sandblasted textures, bevelled indices, power reserve at 8 o'clock, small seconds at 3:30 with fluted subdial, double moon phases at 6 o'clock, day-date display, polished steel hands with blue Super-LumiNova
- Movement: Calibre Royal, in-house automatic, 21,600vph, 96-hour power reserve, 39 jewels, single-plate architecture, large balance with compensation screws
- Strap: Pearl grey nubuck leather, interchangeable system, steel folding clasp
- Availability: April 2026 - permanent collection
- Price: EUR 8,000
And this is the part most people miss: Pequignet's attention to detail and local craftsmanship sets them apart in the world of watchmaking. It's a brand that tells a story, and with the Royale Paris Icy Blue, they've crafted a timepiece that's both elegant and unique.
What do you think? Is this watch a masterpiece of French craftsmanship, or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
