The Beaubleu Seconde Francaise: A Parisian Watch Story

by Brent Robillard

A French Second

Beaubleu is a Parisian watch brand founded in 2017 by designer Nicolas Ducoudert. Specializing in automotive and luxury product design, Ducoudert—in starting the brand—sought to create timepieces that tell a story through their unique aesthetics and materials. When the Seconde Française 19.24 in Midnight Blue showed up on my desk, I understood immediately what Ducoudert was hoping to share. Having been to France—and to Paris, in particular—on a number of occasions, I have experienced the “French Second” first-hand.

^{Beaubleu Seconde Française 19.24 in Midnight Blue @calibre321}

On the left bank, under the awning of Le Gévaudan, where the chairs are turned toward the street and intent on people watching, you can easily allow an afternoon to slip away over café au lait, or perhaps an apéritif. I suspect it would slip away much easier with Ducoudert’s creation at your wrist.

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Beaubleu Paris

Beaubleu’s watches are entirely designed and assembled in Paris, with their watchmaking workshop located just a few blocks from their showroom. The brand is renowned for its innovative approach to watch design, particularly its use of circular hands that replace traditional hour and minute hands. This distinctive feature elevates each moment to a unit of time measurement, contributing to the creation of automatic watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and symbolically rich.

Its timepieces are at once contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. The Seconde Française 19.24 is no exception.

Key Features of the Beaubleu Seconde Française 19.24

Floating Second Hand

One of the most enchanting features of this watch is its floating second hand. This hand rotates weightlessly around the dial, creating a mesmerizing effect that adds a touch of magic to the timekeeping experience. This design element not only enhances the watch’s visual appeal but also showcases Beaubleu’s commitment to spontaneity in watchmaking.

Enamel Dial

The deep midnight blue enameled dial exudes elegance and depth. The rich hue provides a striking backdrop for the hands and markers, ensuring excellent legibility while adding a layer of sophistication to the watch’s overall aesthetic.

Unique Handset

Beaubleu’s signature round hour and minute hands are a defining characteristic of the Seconde Française 19.24. These hands, which can be flame blued or lacquered depending on the dial variant, offer a fresh take on traditional watch hands, contributing to the watch’s unique identity.

Railway Scales

The dial features finely detailed railway scales and 18th-century-style Indo-Arab numerals. These elements enhance the watch’s old-world charm but also juxtapose beautifully with the contemporary handset, establishing a harmonious blend of form and function.

Hidden Crown

To maintain the watch’s sleek and symmetrical profile, the crown is ingeniously hidden at the 3 o’clock position. This design choice emphasizes the uninterrupted flow of the case lines and keeps the focus on the captivating dial. Admittedly, winding and setting the time can be somewhat more complicated as a result. But you’re on Parisian time anyway, right? On s’enfou.

Manufacture Movement (France Ébauches FE)

Beaubleu collaborates with the historic France Ébauches factory for its movements, and here we find the manufacture FE automatic powering the Seconde Française 19.24. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), it offers a power reserve of 46 hours. The movement is visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back, allowing enthusiasts to admire the intricate mechanics and the custom Beaubleu rotor.

Case Dimensions and Finishing

The 39 mm case, with a thickness of 10.2 mm, is crafted from 316L stainless steel. It showcases a combination of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, creating a dynamic interplay of textures that catch the light beautifully. I particularly like the architecture of the case sides, which fade away in stepped layers like an inverted dais with alternating lines of polish and vertical brushing. The long steeply angled lugs make for a comfortable wearing experience, as well.

Leather Strap

Complementing the watch is a 20 mm wide leather strap, available in grained blue among other options. The strap is secured with a stainless-steel deployant folding clasp, ensuring both comfort and security. The supple quality of the leather adds to the watch’s luxurious feel, making it a pleasure to wear.

Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 20mm Lug width 10.2mm Thick Exhibition Case Back 50m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Domed Sapphire Crystal Enamel Dial Custom Handset /w Floating Second Railway Scales Super-LumiNova
Movement	France Ébauches FE Automatic Custom Rotor 28 800vph 46-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Full Grain Leather /w Deployant Clasp

Beaubleu Seconde Française 19.24

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Beaubleu Seconde Française 19.24 stands out in a crowded house of men’s dress watches. In addition, it offers incredible value. Its unique features, from the floating second hand to the hidden crown and the beautifully crafted case, make it a noteworthy addition to any watch collection. It should also remind you to slow down and enjoy each French Second of every day.

Pricing & Availability

The watch retails for €1490, or approximately $1560USD ($1880CAD), and is limited to 888 pieces. Please visit the website for further details.

About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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