Vincent Bonnaud is a French entrepreneur and watch enthusiast who founded the independent watch brand BND in 2021. Born in 1991, Bonnaud developed an interest in horology at an early age, eventually becoming a dedicated collector of vintage timepieces. His professional background includes studies in law and brand strategy, which provided a foundation for his transition into the watch industry.

The creation of BND Watches was driven by Bonnaud’s personal passion for the “golden age” of dive watches, motor racing, and exploration, spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s. To fund the launch of his brand, Bonnaud took the significant step of selling his entire personal watch collection, which included notable pieces such as a 50th Anniversary Rolex Submariner. His goal was to create a “neo-vintage” brand that offered tool watches with historical aesthetics at an accessible price point for collectors.

Under Bonnaud’s leadership, BND has focused on a philosophy of slow and consistent iteration. The brand’s debut collection, the MN series, draws heavy inspiration from watches issued to the French National Navy (Marine Nationale), as evidenced by the “MN” prefix in model names. Since the initial launch of the Mk. 1 series, Bonnaud has overseen subsequent releases, such as the Mk. 2 and Mk. 3, which introduced technical improvements including increased water resistance, sapphire crystals, and refined Seiko movements based on his own testing and customer feedback.

Bonnaud’s work has gained recognition within the watchmaking community, receiving praise from industry figures such as former Rolex ambassador Théo Mavrostomos and industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver. Based in France, Bonnaud continues to manage the design and commercial strategy of BND, emphasizing limited production runs and a minimalist, purpose-driven design language that avoids modern industrial clutter. His approach reflects a commitment to preserving the legacy of mid-century sub-aquatic adventure through contemporary manufacturing.