We believe that the people behind a timepiece are as important as the timepiece itself. Our philosophy parallels that of the world of art. The reputation of the artist is built on years of effort and gradual recognition. It is not based on just one single piece. Talent is recognised and applauded over time. The artist and the work of art then become inseparable.

Cabestan is an amazing combination of talents. Where the whole is far more than the sum of its parts. Where years of experience have resulted in a wealth of savoir-faire. And where each person plays a part in creating an exceptional experience by coming together in harmony. The horlogical equivalent of a symphony orchestra.

Discover the men behind Cabestan.

Rebellious. Unconventional. Provocative. He leaves no one indifferent.
Fascinated by the intricate mechanics of extremely complicated timepieces, Jean-Francois Ruchonnet is a hyperactive creator who pushes design to its limits...to the limits of his dreams and desires. He takes us beyond and back again, challenging our preconceptions and our certainties. He opens our eyes to new visions of measuring time. With 25 years of experience working for some of the best names in luxury watches, Jean-Francois Ruchonnet knows how to create works of fine mechanical art that are filled with emotion. But then his life is full of emotion: from his creations, to his passion for driving race cars on the world's most famous racetracks, to his humanistic side where helping underprivileged children and participating in the Only Watch 09 charity auction are of great importance.

Perplexing. Imaginative. Refined. Jean-Francois Ruchonnet has a visionary creativity that few can equal. He dares to dream. Then he lives his dreams. And his dreams become fascinating realities that astonish watch enthusiasts around the world. He dares to create timepieces, like the Cabestan, audacious yet amazingly harmonious, reflecting an inner calm that is in perpetual rivalry with his external energy and motion. That is the creative equilibrium that sets a true master apart from the rest.

Unique. Visionary. Extreme. The creator of the Cabestan.

From a sketch to a design. From a design to a plan. From a plan to reality. The path from the imaginary to the real requires the expertise of a true craftsman.

But for a creation as complicated and daring as the Cabestan, the craftsman must be someone uniquely experienced, talented and demanding. Eric Coudray was the obvious choice to bring to life such an amazing design. Respected and admired by collectors throughout the world for his famous gyrotoubillons, Master Watchmaker Eric Coudray brought his 20 years of experience to L'Orient where he built the small but highly skilled team of artisans that handcraft each Cabestan.

Equalling Jean-Francois Ruchonnet's sense of perfection in the world of micro-mechanics, Eric Coudray ensures that each timepiece is flawless, both in its conception and in its execution. The technological success of the Cabestan is in his hands. No timepiece leaves the manufacture without his blessing. His unique inventiveness, technical intransigence and never ending search for perfection is the guarantee of a truly exceptional and timeless mechanical instrument that will be valued for generations to come.

Impatient curiosity. An unexpected meeting. Complementary talents.
A shared vision. When Timothy Bovard and Jean-Francois Ruchonnet first met, they talked about dreams.

They talked about harnessing the imagination to create objects that would capture the attention of the world's most demanding clients.

They talked about building a philosophy of luxury that was simple and authentic, based on being close to clients, encouraging the acquirer's involvement, and providing clients with a rich and emotional experience that transcends the object itself. The synergy between the two men was obvious.

After spending over a decade boldly building Europe's largest book printing group through a series of acquisitions that reshaped an entire industry, it was time to follow a new route and seek new emotions. The partnership that was created, between the creative genius and the seasoned entrepreneur, came to life after understanding the complementarities between rock stars and record labels, authors and publishers. It led to a new form of association that brings out the best in both partners and the unexpected when combined together. The result : a partnership focussed on pushing creativity to its limit and realising the dreams and desires of an ultra-exclusive clientele.