Gráinne Hanley is a co-founder of 47ZERO, an independent watch brand based in Annecy, France. Of Irish origin, Hanley has lived in France for approximately 15 years and holds dual Franco-Irish nationality. She established the brand in 2023 alongside her husband, Cormac Hanley, a designer and watchmaker.

The founding of 47ZERO was deeply influenced by a significant life event in 2017, when Cormac suffered a stroke at the age of 47. The brand’s name, 47ZERO, reflects this “reset to zero” and the couple’s shared commitment to transforming adversity into a creative and positive venture. Within the company, Hanley plays a central role in the brand’s development and operations, supporting the start-up’s growth within a business incubator in Greater Annecy and through local professional networks like the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haute-Savoie.

Hanley’s contribution to the brand is rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes uniqueness and craftsmanship over mass production. 47ZERO specializes in producing small series of timepieces that feature Swiss-made movements and handcrafted dials. The brand is known for its “LIFE>TIME” slogan and its focus on creating watches that serve as reminders to cherish personal moments. Together with her husband, Hanley has positioned the brand as a participant in the artisanal watchmaking scene, with a focus on high-quality materials and individualized finishes.