One look at a Trilobe timepiece is all it takes to know that it’s one of those rare creations that feels more like art than utility – a piece of French poetry in motion, if you will. Co-founded in 2018 by Gautier Massonneau, a finance professional turned watchmaker, and luxury sector veteran Volcy Bloch, the Parisian independent watch maison’s timepieces take a defiantly modern approach and offer a novel visual experience. It is this very departure from standard design that has made Trilobe a name worth knowing among independent watch enthusiasts, as it stands out with an effortless Parisian cool that feels current yet timeless.
Massonneau’s ambitious foray into watchmaking was anything but predictable. He envisioned a watch that wouldn’t just keep time, but would reshape how it is experienced. With no formal training in horology, Massonneau relied on his innate curiosity and keen eye for design.
Seeking the help of Swiss watchmaking experts, his first timepiece, Les Matinaux (The Morning), introduced a unique three-disc time display that has since become a Trilobe hallmark. Inspired by French poet Rene Char’s mid-century book of poems, this model presented a fresh, non-linear way to read time and captivated collectors with its understated elegance. The dial’s trio of concentric rotating rings feature Trilobe’s signature trefoil pointers, which move in a subtle, mesmerising pattern.
Les Matinaux paved the way for Nuit Fantastique (Fantastic Night) and Une Foll.
