Briston Watches A Celebration of Time Tradition and Innovation

Delving into the unique world of Briston Watches

Words by: Hourstriker Staff
June 8, 2023
The world of horology is a vast and vibrant field, filled with a cornucopia of creations that appeal to every kind of watch enthusiast. At the crossroads of tradition and innovation, one brand has distinguished itself with a unique blend of British style and French flair – welcome to the enthralling universe of Briston Watches.

Founded in 2012 by Brice Jaunet, a man with a rich and comprehensive background in the watch industry, Briston represents a fascinating fusion of the heritage of the British Universities' sporty chic style with the watchmaking expertise that France is renowned for. For Jaunet, who had spent almost two decades working with iconic brands like Cartier, Baume & Mercier, Raymond Weil, and Zenith, Briston was a passion project, a venture that allowed him to craft his vision into reality.

Courtesy of Briston


One could say that Briston’s history is intrinsically linked with Jaunet’s own journey in the watch industry. After honing his skills with renowned brands, he envisaged creating a line of timepieces that reflected his affinity for British culture and his expertise in watchmaking. That vision culminated in the birth of Briston Watches. The brand name itself, inspired by the historic British town of Bristol, reflects Jaunet's love for the country and its culture.

But, why Britain, you might ask? Well, Jaunet has always held a profound affection for the country, particularly for the sporty, distinguished ambiance that defines British universities. He felt that the unique spirit of these academic institutions, steeped in tradition and an inherent sense of style, deserved to be celebrated. Hence, the essence of Briston Watches lies in encapsulating this spirit in the form of accessible, stylish, and high quality timepieces.

From its inception, Briston set out to break the mold. It was never about following the beaten path but about carving a new route in the competitive landscape of the watch industry. This refreshing mindset is reflected in Briston's unique watch designs. The brand shied away from traditional materials like steel and gold, opting instead for a modern, innovative material called cellulose acetate. This plant based plastic, traditionally used in eyewear, lends a unique and elegant aesthetic to Briston watches, further setting them apart from the crowd.

Courtesy of Briston


When we delve into the milestones of Briston’s history, we come across an array of striking achievements. The brand's first collection, the Clubmaster Classic, was a game changer. Released in 2013, it stood out with its distinct "cambered square" shape, evoking the essence of the iconic watches of the 1920s, yet adding a contemporary twist. The launch of this collection marked Briston's grand entry into the watch industry, firmly establishing its unique design philosophy and creative prowess.

Following the success of the Clubmaster Classic, Briston continued to innovate and push boundaries. In 2015, it released the Clubmaster Sport, a collection that seamlessly blended the elegance of the Classic with a more robust, adventurous feel. And who can forget the remarkable launch of the Clubmaster Diver in 2017? This collection was a testament to Briston's versatility, effortlessly traversing from the vintage charm of the cambered square design to the dynamic world of diving watches.

Courtesy of Briston


As we venture further into Briston's history, it's impossible not to appreciate the remarkable growth the brand has achieved in a relatively short time. Today, Briston is sold in more than 50 countries, with over 800 points of sale worldwide a remarkable feat for a brand that's just about a decade old. The secret to this success, however, is no mystery. It's a combination of Brice Jaunet's visionary leadership, the brand's commitment to quality and design innovation, and a keen understanding of the evolving trends in the watch industry.

And with that, we've only just begun to scratch the surface of the captivating story of Briston Watches. As we delve deeper into their specific collections, unique designs, and innovative approaches to watchmaking, the true spirit of this pioneering brand will continue to unfurl.

Let's now turn our attention to the exceptional collections that Briston has introduced over the years. Four lines, in particular, embody the brand's character and style: The Clubmaster Classic, the Clubmaster Sport, the Clubmaster Diver, and the Clubmaster Iconic. Each line has its unique appeal and narrative, offering something for every watch enthusiast.

The Clubmaster Classic, the inaugural collection, is the epitome of Briston's vision. These timepieces possess a beautiful blend of nostalgia and modernity with their cambered square design, reminiscent of the iconic watches from the 1920s, and an innovative twist with the use of cellulose acetate. This collection comes in a vibrant array of dial colors, watch hands, and indices. With options of chronograph or three hand date movements, these watches provide a wide range of choices for the discerning customer. The Clubmaster Classic, with its timeless elegance and modern innovation, set the tone for Briston's future endeavors.

Clubmaster Classic Courtesy of Briston


If the Classic collection is about timeless elegance, the Clubmaster Sport brings a robust and dynamic edge to Briston's portfolio. Launched in 2015, this line took the unique aesthetics of the Classic and added an adventurous spirit. This collection is the perfect companion for those who lead an active lifestyle, yet do not want to compromise on style. The Sport models feature a larger 42mm case size, lending the watches a more imposing presence. These pieces also boast water resistance up to 100 meters, making them a perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication.

Clubmaster Sport Courtesy of Briston


Then we have the Clubmaster Diver collection, a testament to Briston's versatility in design and function. Introduced in 2017, these watches marked Briston's successful foray into the world of diving watches. These models embody the true spirit of a diver's watch: water resistant up to 200 meters, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and Superluminova® on the hands and indices for optimum readability under water. However, Briston being Briston, these watches still maintained the distinctive cambered square design and came in the brand's signature cellulose acetate. This collection is a shining example of how Briston continues to explore and experiment with various styles and genres in the watch industry.

Clubmaster Diver Courtesy of Briston


Last, but certainly not least, we have the Clubmaster Iconic collection. As the name suggests, these watches represent the iconic status that Briston has achieved in the watch industry. These timepieces come with openwork dials, allowing enthusiasts to admire the automatic movement powering their watches. This "open heart" design offers a unique visual appeal, giving the wearer a glimpse into the intricate world of watch mechanics. The Iconic collection reflects Briston's commitment to offering distinctive, high quality watches that combine style and sophistication with the brand's unique flair.

Clubmaster Iconic Courtesy of Briston


Each of these collections tells a unique story, adding to the larger narrative of Briston's journey in the watch industry. It's a journey of bold innovation, dedicated craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of a unique vision. It's a story that continues to unfold with every new model, every new collection. Now that we have explored Briston's distinctive watch lines, let's delve into the specifics of what makes a Briston watch stand out from the rest. The unique design elements, the innovative use of materials, the attention to detail, and the commitment to quality that goes into every Briston timepiece.

As we approach the end of our exploration of the captivating world of Briston watches, it's evident that this brand is more than just a maker of timepieces. Briston is a storyteller, weaving tales of innovation, bold design, and exceptional craftsmanship into each watch it creates. Through the brand's lens, we've traversed the rugged terrain of sports watches, dived into the depths with their diving collection, traveled back in time with their classic models, and even had a peek into the intricate workings of watch mechanics with their Iconic line. It's been quite a journey, hasn't it?

Courtesy of Briston


But what truly sets Briston apart from others in the field? There are numerous watch brands in the world today, some with centuries old histories and others with vast resources at their disposal. However, few can match Briston's knack for beautifully balancing tradition with innovation. The brand's unique choice of materials like cellulose acetate, their signature cambered square design, their homage to British style, and their commitment to accessible luxury all culminate into something genuinely special.

Take, for instance, their unique approach to design. The cambered square shape, a nod to the watches of the 1920s, combined with the innovative use of cellulose acetate, gives Briston watches a distinctive aesthetic that sets them apart in a sea of round, metal watches. Every model, every collection, is a testament to Briston's dedication to maintaining this unique design ethos.

Furthermore, the brand's commitment to quality is admirable. Despite offering watches at a relatively accessible price point, Briston never compromises on the craftsmanship, materials, or the mechanisms used in their watches. They use precise and reliable Japanese movements, ensuring that every Briston watch is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also a reliable timekeeper.

Courtesy of Briston


Another critical factor that adds to Briston's charm is its founder, Brice Jaunet. His deep love for British culture, his vast experience in the watch industry, and his unerring dedication to his vision are the pillars upon which Briston stands. Jaunet's spirit and passion are palpable in every watch Briston creates, and it's this personal touch that makes the brand so endearing to its customers.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Briston is the brand's continuous evolution. They are not a brand that rests on its laurels. Instead, Briston continuously seeks ways to innovate, push boundaries, and redefine what a watch can be. Whether it's exploring new watch genres, as they did with the Diver collection, or offering new visual experiences with their open heart Iconic line, Briston's thirst for innovation is insatiable.

Courtesy of Briston


As we come to the end of our deep dive into the world of Briston watches, it's clear that Briston isn't just creating watches – they're crafting stories, experiences, and ultimately, pieces of wearable art. Their journey thus far, filled with impressive milestones and bold innovations, is just the start. With a brand as dynamic and creative as Briston, we can only imagine the exciting new chapters yet to be written in their enthralling horological tale. Briston Watches, a celebration of British style, French watchmaking expertise, and an unquenchable spirit of innovation truly, a brand that transcends time.
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