Laps is a Parisian watchmaker founded in 2015 by Antonin Mercier, a photography collector and design enthusiast who transitioned from the art market to horology. Operating from a workshop in the historic Marais district of Paris, the brand holds the “Fabrique a Paris” label, signifying that all its timepieces are designed and assembled locally. The brand’s identity is rooted in the concept of using the watch dial as a canvas for artistic expression, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural and global sources.
Enthusiasts are drawn to Laps for its unconventional and artisanal approach, which prioritizes rare materials and unique textures over traditional horological ornament. The brand is recognized for its ability to blend vintage-inspired aesthetics, often echoing 1970s fashion trends, with contemporary creativity. By collaborating with various artists and utilizing materials such as fine art paper, exotic woods like Birdseye Maple and Makassar Ebony, and distinctive textiles, Laps offers highly personalized timepieces produced in limited, numbered series.
The brand’s catalog is primarily organized into two main segments: the Editions and the Studio collections. The Editions collection is characterized by quartz-powered, rectangular-cased watches such as the Signature, Prima, and Oria models. These pieces are notable for their pop-art influence and interchangeable braided wristbands. In contrast, the Studio collection represents a move toward mechanical complexity with the introduction of the Arche. As the brand’s first automatic model, the Arche features an architectural 37.5mm stainless steel case and a Miyota 9015 movement, while maintaining the label’s signature focus on materiality through matte mineral and enamel-style finishes.