Reimagining Time An Audacious Journey Through the Trilobe Universe

Timekeeping has fascinated humans for centuries. From shadow clocks of ancient Egypt to modern digital wristwatches, our methods of counting hours and minutes have transformed beyond recognition. It's a rich and varied history, replete with innovation and creativity, as people have continually sought new and improved ways to measure time's relentless march. Today, in the digital age, the art of watchmaking may seem like an old-world craft, and yet it continues to captivate and inspire. And at the heart of this captivating world of horology sits a brand that defies conventions and challenges traditional design principles, a brand that dares to think differently - Trilobe.

Trilobe is a name that might initially confuse those steeped in traditional watchmaking, as the brand breaks with the standard rules of horological design. Established in 2018 by Gautier Massonneau, Trilobe is a young brand with a vision that is as modern and revolutionary as it is rooted in history. The brand's name, "Trilobe," is inspired by an architectural element found in Gothic architecture, the trilobe arch, a reflection of the brand's Parisian roots, and a nod to the aesthetic inspirations behind its unique watch designs.



Gautier Massonneau, the founder of Trilobe, is an interesting character with a background as varied as the watches he has created. He doesn't hail from a lineage of watchmakers or jewelers, as many in this industry do. Instead, his resume boasts experiences in risk management and finance. Yet, he was always fascinated by the complex mechanics of timekeeping and the myriad ways in which it could be portrayed.

When he set out to create Trilobe, Massonneau had one clear objective in mind - to reinvent the reading of time. He wanted to challenge the traditional three-hand time display that has dominated watch designs for centuries. This audacious ambition led him to collaborate with watch designer Jean-François Mojon, who had worked with prominent brands such as MB&F and Harry Winston. Together, they embarked on a journey to rethink timekeeping, to create a watch that was as fascinating to look at as it was to wear.

The result of this collaboration was Trilobe's debut model, "Les Matinaux," a watch that completely reimagined how we read time. Named after a collection of poems by René Char, "Les Matinaux" signaled a new dawn in watch design. With no traditional hands, the watch featured rotating discs, or trilobes, with the largest one indicating hours, the middle one for minutes, and the smallest for seconds.

This innovative time-telling approach was unlike anything the industry had seen before. It didn't just change the way we read time, but it also transformed the dial into a dynamic tableau, a kinetic artwork in constant motion. The design was minimalistic yet intricate, contemporary yet timeless. It resonated with those who were seeking something out of the ordinary, a watch that was not just a timekeeping device but a conversation piece.



Since its inception, Trilobe has never looked back. Their unique design concept, coupled with exceptional craftsmanship and a dedication to quality, has positioned them as a watch brand to watch. They may be relatively new to the industry, but they have carved out a niche for themselves, a space where tradition meets innovation and where time is told not just in hours and minutes, but in rotating discs and artistic elegance.

Trilobe's unique approach to watchmaking has garnered them several accolades, including the prestigious 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) nomination in the "Challenge" category, a remarkable achievement for such a young brand. This recognition from one of the industry's highest authorities cementished Trilobe's place in the world of horology and testified to the brand's creativity and innovation.

What stands out about Trilobe is their unique ability to reimagine, rethink, and redefine the rules of the game. They have not just created a watch, but a novel concept, a fresh perspective on time, and a celebration of mechanics and design. This is evident in their subsequent collections like "Nuit Fantastique" and "Secret," which have continued the brand's theme of non-traditional time display with a sense of artistry and panache.

While "Les Matinaux" can be seen as a bright dawn in the horological landscape, "Nuit Fantastique" represents an enchanting twilight, a magical evening filled with radiant stars and swirling galaxies. The collection represents the brand's foray into the world of "poetic astronomy," a blend of science and art that has always held a captivating allure.

The "Secret" collection, on the other hand, allows the wearers to have their very own secret. At first glance, the timepiece appears to be a beautiful piece of jewelry, with a resplendent gemstone taking center stage. However, at the push of a button, the gemstone splits open to reveal the trilobe mechanism inside, thus transforming the jewelry piece into a timekeeping device. It's a remarkable blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, a statement piece that hides its true nature only to reveal it at the wearer's behest.



Each Trilobe timepiece is like a poetic verse, an artistic masterpiece that narrates the passage of time in a novel and enchanting manner. The brand has managed to establish itself as a beacon of innovation in an industry that is steeped in centuries-old traditions. By defying conventions and challenging the status quo, Trilobe has managed to create timepieces that are not just visually stunning, but also technically superior and conceptually unique.

While Trilobe's journey has just begun, they have already made significant strides in the world of horology. In the span of a few years, they have introduced collections that have challenged traditional time-telling mechanisms, attracted watch enthusiasts looking for something unconventional, and garnered recognition from the watchmaking industry. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to their vision, their audacious ambition, and their knack for innovation.

The narrative of Trilobe watches is a fascinating one. It is a tale of breaking boundaries, of redefining norms, and of envisioning the future while respecting the past. It is a story of a daring dream that turned into a reality, a journey that, much like the trilobes on their watch faces, continues to revolve and evolve. And as we delve deeper into the world of Trilobe, it's evident that this young brand is set to take us on a captivating journey through time, where each tick does not just denote a passing second, but a step towards a fresh revolution in the art of watchmaking.

So, let's delve a bit deeper and explore some of the remarkable collections that Trilobe offers. As you strap on your virtual tour watches, prepare for a fascinating journey through a brand that is redefining the way we perceive and interact with time!

First on our list is Trilobe's debut collection, "Les Matinaux," a collection that encapsulates the essence of the brand's vision to disrupt traditional time-telling. "Les Matinaux," translated as "The Early Risers," is named after a poetry collection by René Char, embodying the spirit of those who dare to embrace the day and chase their dreams with relentless enthusiasm. With its rotating discs and sleek design, Les Matinaux offers a fresh perspective on time. This isn't a watch that simply tells the time; it's a timepiece that narrates the passage of time with its continually shifting display, a fluid and dynamic theatre of motion that encapsulates the transient nature of time.



"Les Matinaux" is a minimalist's dream, with an austere dial stripped of all superfluity. Yet, it’s far from being devoid of character. The time-telling mechanism, involving three rotating rings, each carrying a trilobe indicating hours, minutes, and seconds, is hypnotic, constantly changing, and always engaging. The poetic motion of these rotating discs ensures that the watch, and indeed the time, never looks the same, creating an ever-evolving landscape on your wrist. It is a true testament to Trilobe's innovative design philosophy and their commitment to transforming the way we perceive and experience time.

Next up, we journey into the enchanting world of "Nuit Fantastique." Where "Les Matinaux" was a celebration of the dawn, "Nuit Fantastique" is a love letter to the night. The collection symbolizes an enigmatic dance under the twilight, a blend of science and poetry inspired by the celestial movements. This collection features a special complication that depicts the night sky in all its magnificence. The dial showcases the rotating stars in an ever-changing celestial ballet, making each glance a unique moment. The timepieces offer an evocative view of the night sky with its mesmerizing dance of stars, embodying the beauty and mystique of the universe on your wrist.



"Nuit Fantastique" presents a more intricate face of Trilobe, a touch more flamboyant than "Les Matinaux," yet equally mesmerizing and innovative. Its stunning display of the constellations provides a unique experience, one that transcends the mere act of time-telling and delves into the realm of the cosmic and mystical.

Moving on, we encounter "Secret," a collection that is as enigmatic as its name suggests. "Secret" takes the innovative spirit of Trilobe and merges it with an aesthetic appeal that makes the timepieces a delight to behold and a joy to reveal. At first glance, the "Secret" collection appears to be a stunning piece of jewelry. A beautifully crafted gemstone graces the dial, with no apparent time-telling function. However, with a gentle push of a button, the gemstone splits open to unveil the familiar trilobe mechanism inside. The collection is a playful yet sophisticated take on a secret watch, a horological concept that dates back to the 16th century.



"Secret" is a masterful blend of design and function. It provides the wearer the ability to decide when they want their watch to be a watch and when they want it to be a beautiful piece of jewelry. The collection is an embodiment of Trilobe's ability to marry horological innovation with aesthetics, bringing together the best of both worlds in a stunningly beautiful package.

As we conclude this exploration ofTrilobe's noteworthy collections, we arrive at "X-Centric," a collection that embodies the brand's audacious spirit in its truest form. "X-Centric" deviates from the expected, as its name suggests, and presents the time in an eccentric arrangement that's an absolute delight to the eyes. As you might have guessed, the focus of this collection is the letter "X," the symbol of an unknown quantity in mathematics, and a symbol of mystery and the unconventional in the broader cultural context.



In the "X-Centric" collection, the time is displayed around an "X," with two rotating discs for hours and minutes, intersecting at the center of the dial. The seconds are indicated by a small rotating trilobe that orbits around the dial's center, much like a planet revolving around a star. The dynamic intersection of lines and the constant motion of the trilobes create a dramatic visual effect, a spectacle that is as riveting as it is unconventional.

"X-Centric" is not just a celebration of Trilobe's innovative spirit; it is a representation of the brand's audacity, its willingness to step outside the lines and challenge the norms. With this collection, Trilobe not only presents a novel way of telling time but also creates a dynamic canvas that engages the viewer, inviting them to rethink their perception of time and its representation.

Thus, in exploring the remarkable collections offered by Trilobe, we witness a symphony of innovation and artistry. We see a brand that doesn't shy away from pushing boundaries, a brand that challenges conventions, and a brand that isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd. With their unique take on time-telling, Trilobe has managed to carve out a niche for themselves in the horological landscape. They've created timepieces that are not just tools for keeping time, but wearable art that tells a captivating story, offers a novel perspective, and incites engaging conversations. Whether it's the poetic fluidity of "Les Matinaux," the cosmic allure of "Nuit Fantastique," the playful elegance of "Secret," or the bold dynamism of "X-Centric," each collection tells a different tale, but they all echo the same ethos of innovation, artistry, and audacious design.

Having taken this deep dive into the unique horological universe of Trilobe, one cannot help but marvel at how this youthful brand has created a distinctive identity for itself in the crowded world of watchmaking. With their innovative approach to time-telling and design, Trilobe is truly a breath of fresh air, bringing with it a sense of audacious creativity and a spirit of innovation that is nothing short of inspiring.

Reflecting on the journey of Trilobe thus far, it is evident that the brand’s daring venture into uncharted territory has not only resulted in a series of fascinating timepieces but has also stirred up the stagnant waters of horological design. The brand's ingenuity and daring spirit are embodied in every collection they have introduced, each one telling its own story, each one challenging the norms and raising the bar for what can be expected from a wristwatch.



Starting with the "Les Matinaux" collection, we were introduced to Trilobe's fresh perspective on time and how it can be displayed. The collection, named after René Char's poetry collection, evokes a sense of relentless enthusiasm and pursuit of dreams. It's a testament to Trilobe's courage to embark on this journey, breaking away from the norm and redefining what a watch can be.

Then we encountered "Nuit Fantastique," a mesmerizing homage to the night sky, a constellation of rotating stars encased within the confines of a wristwatch. This collection speaks volumes about Trilobe's artistic sensibilities and their willingness to blend science with art, creating a beautiful symphony that is at once enchanting and awe-inspiring.

With the "Secret" collection, Trilobe reimagined what a wristwatch could be. A beautifully crafted piece of jewelry that transforms into a timepiece with a simple push of a button, "Secret" is a playful and sophisticated take on the concept of a secret watch. This collection showcases Trilobe's mastery of combining functionality with aesthetics, their knack for bringing together the best of both worlds in a stunningly beautiful package.

Finally, the "X-Centric" collection epitomized Trilobe's audacity and innovative spirit. Here, the time is displayed in an eccentric manner, providing a fresh and intriguing perspective on the representation of time. This collection signifies Trilobe's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and their daring venture into uncharted territory.



Throughout their collections, Trilobe has consistently demonstrated a unique blend of design, innovation, and technical brilliance. Their timepieces are not just products, but works of art, each with its own story to tell, its own unique perspective to offer. And this, I believe, is what sets Trilobe apart.

As we've journeyed through the world of Trilobe, we've seen a brand that is not content with simply creating a watch that tells the time. Instead, they have challenged themselves to create timepieces that offer a fresh perspective, that tell a captivating story, and that engage the viewer in a novel and thought-provoking way.

The story of Trilobe is one of audacity and innovation, of defying norms and embracing the unknown. It is a story that resonates deeply with the adventurous spirit, with the dreamer who dares to imagine the impossible. And as we conclude this exploration of Trilobe, it is clear that this is just the beginning for this audacious brand.

In an industry where tradition and history often hold sway, Trilobe has proven that there is always room for fresh perspectives and new ideas. And in doing so, they have demonstrated that the essence of watchmaking is not merely about telling the time, but about how we engage with it, how we perceive it, and ultimately, how we experience it.



So,as we draw this discussion to a close, I invite you to ponder the question - How does your timepiece influence your perception of time? And, with the advent of brands like Trilobe, how has your understanding of the concept of a wristwatch evolved?

Yes, Trilobe's audacious design philosophy and innovative spirit have certainly shaken up the traditional horological landscape. However, their journey has just begun, and we can only look forward with anticipation to what else this trailblazing brand has in store for us. If their current collections are any indication, the future of Trilobe looks as fascinating as the complex patterns that their watches display, echoing the dynamism, fluidity, and ever-changing nature of time itself. Time, it seems, is not a mere linear progression for Trilobe, but a beautifully orchestrated dance that blends the scientific, the artistic, and the enigmatic in a harmonious ballet that celebrates the transient yet perpetual essence of time.