Akrone is an independent French watch brand founded in 2015 by Erwan Kerneur and Jean-François Kerboul, later joined by Jérémy. Based in Nantes, the brand was born from a desire to shake up traditional watchmaking codes by offering high-specification, technical timepieces at accessible prices. Akrone successfully launched its first model, the K-01, via a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, marking its entry as a pioneer for modern French microbrands utilizing this direct-to-consumer model.
The brand’s identity is deeply rooted in its connection to professional and military sectors. Akrone has built a strong reputation by collaborating with elite French units, including the GIGN, Marine Commandos, and ALAT (Army Light Aviation), to develop bespoke tool watches tailored to extreme professional requirements. These partnerships often serve as the foundation for their civilian collections, lending an authentic “field-tested” credibility to their designs.
Enthusiasts are drawn to Akrone for its commitment to “Made in France” transparency and its “fair price” philosophy. The brand carries out design, final assembly, and quality control at its workshop in Nantes. Furthermore, Akrone has been a vocal supporter of the revival of French movement manufacturing, recently integrating the France Ebauches mechanical movement into its collections to increase the national component of its watches.
Key collections within the Akrone catalog include the C-02, a robust diving series known for its technical specifications and distinctive “Heritage” editions. The C-03 series focuses on aviation, featuring pilot-inspired designs like the Horizon and the Carbon Fury. Additionally, the S-05 collection offers an urban and motorsport-inspired aesthetic, featuring meca-quartz chronographs. Each series reflects the brand’s focus on durability, legibility, and a technical design language that celebrates its French heritage and decade-long presence in independent horology.
