Version Watches: French Kickstarter Microbrand Brings Bauhaus Design
Version Watches: French Designers Bring Midcentury Aesthetic to Kickstarter
The microbrand world continues to attract talent from unexpected quarters. Version Watches, founded in 2024 by two French design graduates, represents a fresh perspective on watchmaking that draws inspiration from Bauhaus architecture, vintage automobiles, and midcentury furniture design. Their Kickstarter launch and subsequent success at the Tempus Takumi showcase in New York signal a new wave of designer-led watch brands entering the market.
The Founders Behind the Brand
Version Watches was established by Cybèle Vigneron and Carla Lanfranchini, who met at the Strate École de Design outside of Paris. Both founders brought impressive luxury industry credentials: Lanfranchini had served as artistic director at Dom Pérignon and Château de Pommard, while Vigneron honed her skills in store design at Cartier, Bulgari, and Berluti.
According to Worn & Wound, the pair were "motivated by uniqueness: 'we wanted to approach watchmaking from a pure designer's perspective rather than just assembling off-the-shelf components or relying purely on nostalgia,'" Vigneron explained.
The V01-LCC Collection
The current lineup features three models in the V01-LCC collection, priced at $1,850. Each watch showcases a distinctive bisected dial design that is both innovative and visually striking.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Size | 38mm |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1 automatic |
| Price | $1,850 USD |
| Design Inspiration | Bauhaus, Aston Martin DB5, LC4 Chaise Longue |
| Collection | V01-LCC (3 models) |
The Bisected Dial Concept
The most distinctive feature is the watch's split dial design. The top half features a lattice pattern while the bottom displays converging etched lines that create a grid effect. This creates a semi-skeletonized appearance that invites the wearer to "lean in, look closer, and lose yourself in the micro-architecture of the dial."
The Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement peeks through the latticework, while a clear caseback reveals the movement from behind. The rounded, bullet-shaped markers echo the curvature of the wide hour hand, whose elongated shape recalls the fat end of a sewing needle.
Design Inspirations Beyond Watches
Version's founders drew inspiration from sources far beyond conventional watch tropes. The LC4 Chaise Longue by Charlotte Perriand, an ergonomic lounge chair formed from curving steel tubes, served as a guide to how the watch could be constructed through pure metallic framing.
Automotive design also played a significant role. The Citroën SM, Alpine A310, and Matra Bagheera—three wedge-shaped Gallic legends from the 1970s—inspired the notion of a semi-hidden mechanical heart through their engine louvers and rear window grilles.
Upcoming V0201-TH Collection
Version is preparing to launch a second collection in September 2026. The V0201-TH collection shifts toward French aeronautics inspiration, specifically the Concorde. Instead of a lattice grille, translucent colored elements suggest the view of a dramatic sunrise through the windows of a supersonic cockpit.
For the subsequent collection, the founders draw inspiration from interior architect Andrée Putman, whose work includes the interior of the Concorde itself.
Kickstarter and the Modern Microbrand
Version's successful Kickstarter launch demonstrates that crowdfunding remains viable for design-focused brands. The two-person team handled branding, design, distribution, and the campaign while working in separate cities. Their debut at Tempus Takumi in New York alongside established brands like MeisterSinger and Minase validated their approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Version Watches?
The V01-LCC collection is priced at $1,850 USD. The watches feature Sellita SW200-1 automatic movements and showcase original bisected dial designs inspired by Bauhaus architecture and French industrial design.
Where can I buy Version Watches?
Version Watches are available through the official website versionwatches.fr and through authorized retailers. The brand also showcased at Tempus Takumi in New York.
What makes Version Watches different from other microbrands?
Version takes a pure designer's approach rather than relying on nostalgia or off-the-shelf components. The founders' backgrounds at Cartier, Bulgari, and luxury wine houses bring a design perspective rarely seen in the microbrand space.
Source: Worn & Wound
Learn more about independent watchmakers in our independent watchmaking guide.