Blackout Watches is a Swiss independent horological brand headquartered in Geneva. The company was originally founded in 2007 by Fabrice Letellier, a former racing driver and luxury car customizer. Letellier’s background in automotive aesthetics heavily influenced the brand’s early identity, which focused on the high-end customization of timepieces from prestigious maisons like Rolex and Audemars Piguet using matte black PVD and DLC coatings. In 2022, the brand was acquired and revitalized by entrepreneurs Étienne Rousseaux and Tymothy Plubeau, who shifted the focus toward developing original collections while maintaining the brand’s signature technical aesthetic.
The brand has gained a following for its “hybrid” approach to watchmaking, which aims to make high-level complications more accessible. This method involves using a reliable Asian-produced movement base that is then dismantled, inspected, and enhanced in their Geneva workshop. Under the supervision of technical lead David, a master watchmaker with experience at Patek Philippe, critical components are replaced with Swiss-made parts to ensure durability and precision. This strategy allows the brand to offer avant-garde designs and complex mechanisms at a price point significantly lower than traditional Swiss luxury manufacturers.
Key pieces in the Blackout catalog include the XP1 Tourbillon and the P-ONE. The XP1 Tourbillon serves as the flagship model, featuring a 44mm case constructed from UAC forged carbon and grade 5 titanium. It is notable for incorporating a flying tourbillon, a skeletonized movement, and a 72-hour power reserve into a modern, architectural design. Another significant line is the Adventure series, which includes the XP1 and XP2 models. These watches are recognized for their use of high-tech materials such as transparent sapphire or polycarbonate cases, often paired with skeletonized dials and integrated vulcanized rubber straps to emphasize a sporty, technical character.
