Restrepo is an independent watch brand founded in 2021 by Federico Restrepo, a prolific designer with over 30 years of experience in the luxury industry. Based in France, the brand serves as a personal creative outlet for Restrepo, who has previously designed perfume bottles, cosmetics, and accessories for major international houses. The marque is distinguished by its commitment to “magical realism” in horology, moving away from traditional round cases to embrace avant-garde, elliptical shapes.
The founder, Federico Restrepo, was born in Bogota, Colombia, in 1962 and possesses a deeply cosmopolitan and artistic background. He is the great-grandson of Henri Paul Nenot, the architect of the new Sorbonne, and the grandson of painter and humorist Hervé Baille. Before entering the design world, Restrepo studied philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris, a discipline that continues to influence his conceptual approach to object design and his desire to create timepieces that serve as “aesthetic referents of an era.”
The core design philosophy of the brand is rooted in a specific moment of inspiration during a flight from Paris to New York aboard the Concorde. While looking through the porthole at Mach 2, Restrepo observed that the curvature of the Earth appeared as a perfect ellipse rather than a sphere. This observation led to a 20-year research process to rehabilitate elliptical shapes in watchmaking, drawing further parallels to the elliptical orbits of planets in the universe as defined by Kepler’s laws.
Enthusiasts are drawn to Restrepo watches primarily for their unique visual identity and “asymmetric beauty.” The brand explicitly targets individuals who wish to stand out from uniform luxury standards, positioning its products as wearable art rather than simple utilitarian tools. Collectors appreciate the high level of detail, such as the multi-layered 3D effects on the dials, the use of enamel coatings, and the signature placement of the crown, which is often delicately signed and integrated into the case design.
The brand’s technical specifications also contribute to its popularity among watch enthusiasts. Many models utilize reliable mechanical movements, ranging from high-grade Swiss-made calibers like the Valjoux 7750 to more accessible automatic movements from Hangzhou and Seagull. This variety allows the brand to offer different complications and price points while maintaining its distinct aesthetic language. The watches typically feature 316L stainless steel cases, sapphire crystals, and custom-made vulcanized rubber straps with butterfly buckles.
One of the flagship collections is the Ellipse Mach 2 Chrono, which directly references the Concorde inspiration. This Swiss-made automatic chronograph features a tri-compax dial layout with contrasting counters and a small seconds hand at the 6 o’clock position. The design is intended to retrace the look of flight instruments found on supersonic aircraft. This collection helped the brand secure an Iron A’ Design Award in 2023, recognizing its professional and industrial design quality.
Another significant piece in the catalog is “El Caballero Sin Armas” (The Knight Without Weapons), a name inspired by Spanish literature. This model is often cited as a favorite for its minimalist appearance and represents the brand’s ability to blend literary influences with modern horology. It is available in various finishes, including polished steel, blue PVD, and 18K gold plating, catering to different stylistic preferences while retaining the signature elliptical case.
The “Lord of the Bund” collection represents a fusion of the founder’s Latin roots and his ten-year residency in Shanghai, China. These chronographs are powered by the Seagull SL4612 automatic movement and feature designs inspired by the 1930s Shanghai Bund and martial arts philosophies. The watches in this series, such as the Bund 1.1 and 1.2, utilize enamel dials and Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility, serving as a tribute to Restrepo’s family and his experiences in the East.
For collectors seeking bold aesthetics, the “Hasta La Victoria” series offers a departure into vibrant, punchy colors. These models, which feature complications such as a power reserve, utilize flashy yellow or black dials paired with turquoise or red rubber straps. The collection is designed to project a sense of freedom and creativity, contrasting the serious nature of traditional watchmaking with a dose of “good humor” and exuberant color palettes.
Finally, the Octopus collection dives into aquatic themes inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. These watches feature a raised, granite-textured bezel and porthole-like aesthetics that invite the wearer to imagine observing the depths of the ocean. Available in versions like “Ocean Pacific” and “Atlantic Ocean,” these pieces reflect the founder’s personal passion for sailing and spearfishing, rounding out a diverse portfolio that prioritizes personality and artistic storytelling in every timepiece.
