The Genesis
Abordage is, above all, a family adventure led by two brothers from Saint-Malo, Xavier and Guillaume, heirs to a passion for watchmaking passed down by their grandfather. One is a watch designer, the other an entrepreneur, and it was over breakfast facing the sea that they decided to create their own watch brand.
While exploring history, they discovered the watchmaking heritage of the Saint-Malo area and its close ties to the navy. Great explorers, through their needs, sparked the birth of marine chronometry — so why not pay tribute to them with an exceptional collection? With the ambition to contribute to the revival of French watchmaking, going far beyond simple “Made in France” standards, they embraced the challenge.
Thus was born Abordage, a brand that celebrates maritime history and French watchmaking excellence.
Tradition, Innovation, Exploration
A land of exploration, Brittany has a rich watchmaking heritage, spanning from the design of monumental clocks to the artisanal tradition of watches and timepieces.
Through its cultural wealth and deep connection to the sea, Brittany holds a little-known but significant watchmaking legacy.
The needs of Breton navigators, particularly in ports such as Saint-Malo, Brest, and Lorient, influenced the evolution of horology and contributed to the development of marine chronometry.
Our story reflects the maritime and artisanal culture of the region, while also bearing witness to exchanges with other watchmaking centers.
Two brothers driven by the desire to see French watchmaking craftsmanship shine.
The History of Watchmaking
Watchmaking, which began in Antiquity with sundials, evolved mechanically during the Middle Ages. In the 16th and 17th centuries, France stood out for its innovations, but the exile of watchmakers in 1685 slowed its progress.
The 18th century marked a revival and the development of marine chronometry to meet the needs of explorers.
The 19th century became the era of industrialization, particularly in Besançon.
The quartz crisis of the 20th century pushed the industry to pivot toward luxury and craftsmanship. Today, French watchmaking adapts and continues its tradition of excellence in the face of global competition.
It is within this dynamic that ABORDAGE positions itself.
Hidden History
Brittany was once home to many independent watchmakers, particularly in cities such as Rennes, Brest, Quimper, and Saint-Malo. Wealthy shipowners and corsairs from Saint-Malo, like Duguay-Trouin and Surcouf, were important clients for watchmakers, commissioning precise and often luxurious timepieces.
This watchmaking heritage has been supported and highlighted since 2020 by UNESCO’s recognition of watchmaking as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Watchmaking in Brittany represents a fascinating chapter, often overshadowed by regions like Besançon or Switzerland. Through ABORDAGE, we aim to shed new light on this important part of the world’s watchmaking history.
