Arilus is a French independent watch brand founded in 2022 by Christophe Quillon and Alexandra Carle. Based in the Savoie region of the French Alps, the brand was born from Quillon’s extensive experience in research and development for luxury products and his desire to celebrate regional heritage. Quillon, a designer who has previously worked with prestigious houses like Raymond Weil and Caran d’Ache, partnered with Carle, a local artist from Métiers d’Art Shaïla, to infuse the brand with Savoyard craftsmanship and artistic depth.
The brand has gained a following among enthusiasts who appreciate its commitment to a circular economy and the use of authentic, locally sourced materials. Arilus watches are distinguished by their integration of regional elements, such as dials made from Morzine slate, cases crafted from stainless steel produced in Ugine, and straps made from muletière, a durable material traditionally created from Alpine sheep’s wool. This technical and contemporary approach to ancestral professions allows the brand to tell the story of the Tarentaise region and the historic ascents of Mont Blanc.
The flagship model of the brand is the Grand Arc, a high-end timepiece named after a prominent summit in the Tarentaise region. The Grand Arc features a Swiss-made manual-winding mechanical movement and a visible case back finished with Côte de Genève and circular graining. A notable iteration is the Grand Arc Edition Chamonix – Métiers d’Art, a limited release of only nine pieces. These watches are individually numbered and feature hand-decorated designs by Alexandra Carle, celebrating the history of the Maison de Savoie and the prestige of mountain exploration. Each timepiece in this collection is also provided with a biometric certificate to ensure its origin and traceability.