Ambroise Parlos is a French entrepreneur and a foundational figure in the contemporary French watchmaking industry, best known as the co-founder of the independent watch brand Charlie Paris. His professional journey is defined by a commitment to revitalizing traditional French horological expertise through a modern, accessible, and eco-responsible business model.

Parlos’s path into the watch industry began with his education at ESSEC Business School, where he developed the entrepreneurial skills that would later support the growth of his venture. In 2014, driven by a shared passion for timepieces, Parlos and his childhood friend Adrien Sangle-Ferriere launched Charlie Paris. Originally known as Charlie Watch, the brand was established to fill a perceived gap in the market for high-quality, elegant watches that remained affordable to a younger generation of enthusiasts.

Under Parlos’s leadership, Charlie Paris has grown from a Parisian startup into a significant player in the “New Watchmaking” movement. He has been instrumental in steering the brand’s technical evolution, transitioning from quartz models to more complex mechanical timepieces. Key milestones during his tenure include the 2018 launch of the Concordia, an automatic watch designed for extreme conditions and tested during a solo expedition in Antarctica, and the 2019 release of the Sully, a hand-wound mechanical model that pays homage to traditional watchmaking.

A central tenet of Parlos’s philosophy is the preservation of French heritage. He oversees a production model where watches are designed in Paris and assembled in Besançon, the historical heart of French watchmaking. This approach emphasizes local craftsmanship and transparency, ensuring that the brand supports the regional economy while maintaining high standards of quality control.

Beyond product development, Parlos has been active in fostering creative collaborations that bridge horology and other artistic fields. He has overseen partnerships with contemporary artists to produce limited-edition artist series, such as the collaboration with the Love & Collect gallery, and has worked with athletes like freestyle footballer Pola Gomez to expand the brand’s cultural reach.

Today, Parlos continues to serve as a director of Charlie Paris, operating from the brand’s workshop and boutiques in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Le Marais districts of Paris. His work remains focused on combining classic French elegance with sustainable manufacturing practices, contributing to the ongoing renewal of France’s historic watchmaking reputation.