The opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games takes place in Paris on July 26 th . Whether or not you’re attending the games , one way to celebrate the start of the world’s biggest sporting event, and to show some espirit de corps with your fellow Francophiles, is by treating yourself to a French watch. Of course, you could go for the very Swiss Omega Speedmasters that came out to commemorate the Paris Olympics earlier this year, and that would be a tasty choice, but perhaps something more French is in order.
Also, if you’re going to be in Paris for the games (or anytime really) we have an excellent guide to the best watch boutiques in Paris for you, as well. While not all of the timepieces highlighted below were made in France (so few watches are anymore), they each have deep connections to Paris, French watchmaking and/or Gallic style. And, as we’ve written elsewhere , French watchmaking has a long-standing and powerful influence on Swiss watchmaking.
In fact, it was in Paris the Louis Cartier perfected the Tank that would go on to make wearing a watch on the wrist popular in the first place, this during the 1920s and 30s. And, of course, Cartier watches are all the rage these days , including the rather tiny Tank Mini , which made big waves at Watches and Wonders this year , as well as the Tortue , which made our best-of list this year . Indeed, the Parisian horological roots run deep, but it’s not all Cartier.
From Louis Erard’s whimsical collaboration with .
