Pequi-what? PequiGNET! You likely haven’t heard of this brand as they haven’t even looked in the direction of the US yet (as far as I know), but this France-based watch maker is one you should know about. They have a range of pieces with some unique styles. Some are their interpretations of other popular look, but all seem to have pretty nice values. Pequignet is also a true manufacture, and makes some of their own movements. For the rest they use Swiss-made ETA movements.

First, the problems. Aside from not being available in the US, they have a name that sounds silly to US ears, and product names that follow suit. “Pequignet” looks about as fun to pronounce as “chartreuse.” It sounds simple enough out loud, but the word itself is intimidating. These models for example are in the Moorea Triomphe collection. Moorea just isn’t a name I would give to a masculine watch collection, but I suppose I can forgive that.

The Moorea Triumph collection has a number of pieces. The simple of which runs about $1,000, looks very Sinn/Bell & Ross in the dial, and has an ETA 2892 automatic movement. The collection have 44mm wide cases that have a variety of finishes and materials. The cases are also thin, with three-hand models being only about 10mm thick. Pequignet likes PVD black over steel, but there are also models in gold. Some of the bezels are more classic, and other looks to be highly Breitling inspired. The watches are pretty solid, and of course there is that interesting bracelet they have. The bracelet comes in at least two forms. One of large metal links with smaller joints, and others where the larger links are actually rubber.

At the bottom is a particularly cool chronograph model. Reminds of what happens if you mix Hublot and Breitling (would that be a “Breitblot” or maybe “Heitling?” That was is in a steel case with black elements, and has an ETA 2984 automatic chronograph movement. The dial is carbon fiber and it isn’t too shabby looking. If you look carefully, you can find a few dealers who offer these online (brand new) for prices under $3,000. Nice!

I mentioned that Pequignet makes their own movements. The image in this article is of their EMP01 automatic movement made in France. You can see it inside of one of their Moorea Triomphe watches. The movement has a three day power reserve (with indicator), sub seconds, and a centrally mounted day/date indicator. I personally quite like the layout a lot.

Right now (if you can find them) Pequignet watches are a good value and make some nice stuff. I tried on one of their watches in when I was in Europe last and was quite impressed. I will certainly keep a close eye on this brand (even though it has been around since the 1970s).