With his brand, born almost by chance in 2015 from the desire to create just two pieces for himself and his partner, French designer Armand Billard involves customers and makes them active participants in the production of their watch. The only constraints are the shape of the case and the functions (three-handed time only), everything else is created ad hoc.
The SB04 model has a 40 mm case in steel or titanium, with a polished, satin or sandblasted finish, and a dial in titanium, meteorite, mother-of-pearl or other materials, with plain or luminescent hour markers and hands. The wait is about four months during which Billard updates the customer with photos and renderings, but there is also a small stock of ready-made examples. Prices start at €3,300.
The SB04 is equipped with the automatic Stp3/13 calibre, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 26 jewels and 44 hours of power reserve, visible through the case back. The circular and knurled element can be customised by the customer.
The SB05 is more sophisticated in all respects: the 38.5 mm case can be made of steel, titanium, gold or tantalum, both dials and hands are made of two assembled parts with different processes, and the indices are printed on a very thin sapphire disc. Prices start at 8,400 euros.
Powering the SB05 is a manual La Joux-Perret calibre (modified to the brand's specifications), with 21,600 vibrations per hour, 21 jewels and a 90-hour power reserve.
Sartory Billard works with top quality companies such as Comblemine and Voutilainen & Cattin SA. "I moved the workshop to the Moselle region in order to be closer to all the suppliers I have the pleasure of working with, and I personally know all the technicians and craftsmen who created each watch," says Billard. Small and big attentions that increase the brand's already excellent quality/price ratio.
Information and contacts at the site: www.sartory-billard.com; instagram: @sartorybillard.
