Billy Bichon is the founder and creative force behind BBGear, an independent French watch brand that has established a niche in the field of tactical and tool watches. Based in France, Bichon’s professional journey into horology began through the “modding” community, where he gained initial recognition under the name BBmod. This early experience in modifying and customizing timepieces, particularly Seiko models, provided the technical foundation and market insight necessary to transition from a customizer to an independent manufacturer.
In 2020, Bichon launched BBGear with a focus on creating robust, functional timepieces designed for specific professional and outdoor use. His approach to watchmaking is characterized by a strong emphasis on “tool watch” utility, often incorporating features such as rangefinders, compass scales, and high-impact resistance. This technical focus led to notable collaborations, most significantly with members of the French National Police (FTSI) and “Sylvain l’Armurier,” a well-known figure in the firearms and shooting community. Together, they developed the Impact collection, which was engineered to withstand the recoil and rigors of tactical environments.
Bichon has utilized digital platforms to build the brand’s identity, maintaining a significant presence on YouTube and social media. Through these channels, he provides transparency into the assembly process, often showcasing the manual work involved in building and testing his watches. This direct-to-consumer model has allowed BBGear to cultivate a dedicated community of enthusiasts interested in sports shooting, long-distance shooting (TLD), and outdoor adventure.
Under Bichon’s leadership, BBGear has expanded its catalog to include various collections such as the Patriot and FieldMaster series. Each release reflects his commitment to blending traditional mechanical movements with modern, utilitarian design. By focusing on specialized niches and practical functionality, Billy Bichon has positioned himself as a significant figure in the contemporary landscape of French microbrands, contributing to the democratization of specialized horological tools for both professionals and enthusiasts.