Sartory Billard is a French independent watch brand founded in 2015 by industrial designer Armand Billard and his colleague Ludovic Sartory. Based in Paris, the brand was established as a personal project born from a passion for hand craftsmanship and a desire to create beautifully detailed wristwatches for collectors. While the brand was originally a co-creation, it is currently led by Armand Billard, who utilizes his background in industrial design to oversee the creation and finishing of each timepiece in France.
The brand has gained recognition primarily for its commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and its philosophy of “creative collaboration”. Collectors are drawn to Sartory Billard because it allows them to personalize nearly every aesthetic element of a watch, from case materials and handset designs to intricate dial textures and finishes. This process often involves the use of rare and exotic materials, such as meteorite, Damascus steel, mother of pearl, and hand-guilloché titanium. By moving away from “off-the-shelf” solutions, the brand offers a highly individualized design experience where each watch is created on a piece-by-piece basis.
Several key pieces define the Sartory Billard catalog: – SB04 Series: Launched in 2020, this collection marked a turning point for the brand by moving to a classic 40mm round case that serves as a platform for extensive customization. It is noted for its elaborate, multi-part dials and the use of specialized machinery for precision finishing.
– SB04-E: An evolution of the SB04, this series features a slightly slimmer 39.5mm case with improved 100m water resistance. It includes specialized variants like the Ruby Platinum, featuring a natural Tanzanian ruby dial, and the Tantalum Hand-Engraved, which showcases intricate patterns engraved directly into tantalum.
– SB05 and SB07: These collections continue the brand’s emphasis on modern ergonomics and traditional hand-finishing, often powered by high-grade Swiss movements such as those from La Joux-Perret.
– Collaborative Editions: The brand frequently partners with retailers and enthusiasts for limited releases, such as the SB04-E Exquisite Blue Guilloché and the SB07 GMT Milano Edition.
