Cover Gautier Massonneau, founder and CEO of Trilobe
Gautier Massonneau, founder and CEO of Trilobe
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Trilobe, a French independent watch brand, just unveiled a movement produced entirely at its Parisian atelier
French independent watchmaker Trilobe is cementing its place in the world of contemporary horology with its unconventional, hands-free time display. At the Geneva Watch Days 2025, Trilobe unveiled the Trente-Deux (French for the number “32”), its first timepiece to be powered by a movement produced entirely at its new manufacture in Paris—a significant milestone seven years after the brand’s debut. Incidentally, the watch is named after the number of the Parisian address. CEO Gautier Massonneau tells Tatler GMT more.
Why is the release of Trente-Deux especially meaningful?
It houses our first movement (X-Nihilo calibre), entirely designed, engineered, decorated, and assembled by us. It’s really a watch that reflects what Trilobe is about today—a small but fully integrated manufacture. It’s the first time that such a facility has existed in Paris since Breguet.
Has it always been your intention to have an integrated manufacture?
It has always been part of our long-term vision for the brand. Our ambition was to have a French house of high watchmaking. What mattered most during this process was to recruit the best talent. We’ve been super lucky because being the only manufacture in Paris, we attracted very talented people. What drove them to join us is that we’re a passion project, They want to build something from scratch.
Read more: Audemars Piguet reacquires the most complicated pocket watch it created in the 20th century
Above Trilobe’s Trente-Deux was launched at Geneva Watch Days 2025
Trilobe’s Trente-Deux was launched at Geneva Watch Days 2025
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You’re not trained as a watchmaker. How do you come up with your ideas and overcome the technical challenges?
I went into watchmaking without any prejudice. I didn’t set any boundaries or limits. I wanted to do something different. As for the technical side, I learned about it over time. I may not be able to assemble a watch but I know how every component functions.
You were in your 20s when you started the brand. What compelled you to enter the business of independent watchmaking?
It started as a very personal journey. I wanted to build a watch that I would enjoy wearing myself because I’m the sort who likes constructing things. There was no intention to turn it into a business. But quickly, I understood that this was an unexplored opportunity. Building an object was cool, but building a “house” around it was even cooler.
Above The caseback of Trente-Deux reveals the X-Nihilo calibre, Trilobe’s first manufacture movement
The caseback of Trente-Deux reveals the X-Nihilo calibre, Trilobe’s first manufacture movement
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“Building an object was cool, but building a ‘house’ around it was even cooler.”
As a brand owner, what gaps do you see in the market, and how is Trilobe filling them?
From the beginning, we wanted to build something that you could identify from 10m away. Something well-made, made with heart, and at a price that makes sense. Today, people are looking for value. People are looking for something meaningful, something more personal and emotional. I’m not saying we’re filling that gap but we’re in the position to do so.
You wanted to bring a new energy to watchmaking. How far do you think you’ve achieved that?
I would say it’s still a long road ahead. Creativity is always our main driver. We love to surprise—to venture into places that no one expects, not even our team. In our own small way, we try to bring something different.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
