Embodying the representation of time with its one of a kind circular hour, minute and second hands, six dial variations and concave bezel, say Bonjour to the Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba

 

In Brief

• Challenging the horological status quo and flipping it upside down, time and experience merge from Parisian Maison Beaubleu.
• Founded in 2017 by former automobile designer Nicolas Ducoudert with storytelling to rival the Rolex Daytona, materials and how watchmaking is interpreted are fundamental to the brand.
• Following the Ecce series from 2023, comes an elegant dress number that can be worn as a perfect everydayer. The Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba marries a sleek rectangular case, stamped silver dial, 316L stainless steel semi-octagonal case and railway track.
• At 30mm wide, there are six models available including Smalt (blue), Alba (silver), Vesperal (refined silver), Sienna (gold), Lys (white) and Onyx (black), delivering clean, modern lines with polished and brushed finishing.
• With looks akin to the entry-level MAEN Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin, their unconventional design approach and hand assembly in Paris gives them a little je ne sais quoi on the independent scene.

 

When we think of the French, what springs to mind? The home of gastronomy? How about Voltaire, Sartre or Proust? Didn't think so. 

What about if I said watches? 

With many averting their eyes to Geneva in search of powerhouses like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, there are few remaining French brands tooting the horological horn. 

Meet Beaubleu. 

Classy, and as sophisticated as Naomi Campbell parading at London Fashion Week, the rectangular case on the Ecce Figura Alba is in stark contrast to their previous round shaped Seconde Française lineup. 

A throwback to the true greats of French fashion and watchmaking houses like Cartier (Yes, they were created in 1847 in Paris!), the classic railway outer track is distinctly familiar. But can they brush off old times in favour of new beginnings? 

Will this turn out to be the Johnny Halliday or Jean Reno of dress watches? There’s only one way to find out. 

The hour is nigh..

 

Who Is Beaubleu?

This French watch brand is pretty much of a newcomer to the scene. 

Set up in 2017 by Nicolas Ducoudert Pham, they are making their move for their daring aesthetics and philosophical approach to time that would put Einstein to shame.

What started off as a trio of limited edition series (B01, Union, Vitruve) has flourished into a unique DNA, sowing the horological seeds for evolution…with a dash of Parisian charm and subtle glamour you might find on the Emmys red carpet. 

READ MORE: From Omega To Cartier, Here's Our Roundup Of The Best Looking Watches At The Emmys

Their first permanent series, the Ecce was launched in 2023 while 12 months later, the brand gave birth to the Seconde Française, namely the 19:24 and avant-garde inspired 20:24 watches. The latter contains highly accurate France Ebauches automatic movements.

 

“On the production side, working with French engineering and assembly teams makes it much easier to align on quality standards, and what designers like to call the “impression of quality.” Even something as subtle as agreeing on the depth of a dial colour is far simpler when you share the same cultural references.”

Adrien Degeorges, COO of Beaubleu

 

What the Speedmaster is to Omega, Beaubleu's most iconic feature is its circular hands—a radical departure from traditional linear hour and minute hands. Instead of pointing directly, these hands orbit the dial, intersecting with markers in an ever-changing, poetic dance. 

This fluid motion emphasizes the passage of time as something elegant and continuous, not rigid or rushed. The circular motion encourages a different relationship with time—less about precision and more about presence. 

As they deftly put it, it's "a new vision of time," shifting focus from the destination to the final journey. Not quite “Space, The Final Frontier” but you catch our drift. 

Did You Know?

Their workshop is moments away from their official showroom, located at 70 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, in the third arrondissement of Paris.

 

Personality Of The Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba

“Each collection carries a few discreet nods to previous designs. The Ecce Figura Alba is no exception. The curvature of its double-bezel echoes our earlier pieces, its hexagonal angles subtly reference the lugs shapes first seen on the Vitruve and early Ecce Figura models. Even the ivory-toned dial recalls the Seconde Française Blanc Ivoire, shortlisted at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).”

Nicolas Ducoudert, Founder of Beaubleu, talking exclusively to Chrono Hunter

 

Now this is singularity on an altogether different level, and a completely different path from the emblematic Seconde Française.

We’ll explain in a tick.

Ignoring the press spiel for a second, the semi-octagonal case with rounded corners has a multi dimensional feel that benefits from 316L stainless steel, sapphire glass and interesting concave bezel.

 

As sophisticated as Catherine DeNeuve, this novelty is separated into two specific sections. Series Number 1 is entitled Literary Cadence, dedicated to a nice interplay of light and textures. Lys, Onyx, Smalt and of course here, our review of the Ecce Figura Alba.

The second collection, named Monolith Presence, is a more sober reflection of how time is represented, showcased with satin based reflections. 

 

“I love the Ecce Figura Sienna, for its monobloc feel. At first, an all rose gold version might seem flashy, but it’s surprisingly subtle. The color almost melts into fair skin tones, or creates a refined contrast on darker skin.”

Exclusive soundbite from Adrien Degeorges, COO of Beaubleu

 

Vesperal and Sienna are represented with far less markings within the overall execution. Depending on the series, there are either 3D machined indices or printed, applied markers. 

 

Measuring 30mm wide by less than 9mm thick (8.6mm to be precise) it is an ultra fine timepiece that will accommodate certain wrist sizes. But not of course chunkier ones, accustomed to Panerai executions. 

 

Whether styling it out as a dress watch or a special occasion number, you won’t be looking or feeling square with this on.

PEOPLE ALSO READ: 18 Special Occasion Watches For Men - Cartier Santos, Panerai Luminor

We like the subtle interplay of polishing and brushing, while the personalisation service where you can engrave the caseback is a nice touch, giving the consumer the ability to create a story, nearly as great as the TAG Heuer Monaco. Shout out to the railway timer that gives it a genuine vintage yet refined edge. 

Stainless steel variation

 

Part of their permanent collection, it measures 30mm in diameter, with a thickness of less than 9mm (8.6mm to be precise!) For comparison, it is 0.5mm more than a Cartier Tank Must small model in steel (WSTA0107) and more than 2mm slimmer than an IWC Mark XV (IW325301).

 

We have a solid caseback with screws, one corresponding to each corner, with the brand logo at the top centre and a few elements etched in French. These include;

• Collection Ecce
• 3 ATM
• Verre Saphir
• 24 Rubis
• Calibre Automatique
• Piece No

With six variations of the Ecce Figura series to choose from, there are complementary mesh bracelets in line with the dial accents. However, it is the daring circular hands that steal the show and make up their DNA.

 

Let’s face it, it is a rather unconventional way of telling the time, thanks to the minute, hour and midnight blue seconds hand that floats or revolves around the periphery of the dial, as much as Neil Armstrong rocking his Omega 105.012

Nevertheless, it is captivating and cultivating to say the least. 

 

Parisian assembly comes as standard, with other understated touches like the brand logo on the crown and the brand name etched onto the clasp. A conversation starter? Oui. Originality? Absolument. Making their mark?

Well, you might say they are already stamping their authority on the independent scene through their ingenious approach to both design and look. 

 

Official Specs - Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba

Country Of Manufacture	Paris, France
Case Diameter	39mm
Case Width	30mm
Height	8.6mm
Glass Type	Sapphire Crystal
Case Material	316L Stainless Steel
Dial Declinations (Model Name)	Available in six accents; Black (Onyx) Blue (Smalt) White (Lys) Silver (Alba) Gold (Sienna) Vesperal (Steel)
Indices	Printed or applied
Caseback	Solid, engraved
Bezel Type	Concave
Functions	Minute and seconds hands with circular hour disc
Anti Scratch Properties	Yes
Water Resistance	30 metres / 3ATM / 100 ft
Bracelet Material	Stainless Steel
Strap Width	18mm
Strap Style	Butterfly, deployant with dual pushers
Price	Starting from £654 (890 Euros)

 

Miyota 9015 Movement

Beating away within the Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba is the Miyota 9015.

Originally released in 2009, the Miyota 9015 is a high-performance, Japanese automatic movement known for its reliability, slim profile, and cost-effectiveness. 

It’s produced by Miyota, a division of Citizen, and has become a popular choice among both microbrands and larger companies looking for a quality alternative to Swiss-made movements like the ETA 2824-2.

PEOPLE ALSO READ: From Nodus To Vortic, Here's Our Best Microbrands For Serious Watch Connoisseurs

The Miyota 9015 strikes an excellent balance between performance, affordability, and versatility. 

For brands looking for a high-spec automatic movement without the cost or complexity of Swiss calibres, the 9015 is a standout choice. It continues to be a favourite in the world of independent watchmaking, offering reliability and excellent quality where it counts.

Timepieces housing this particular calibre include;

• Zelos Helmsman
• Lum-Tec Combat B17
• Balticus Grey Seal
• Phoibos Sentinel

It’s a workhorse alright, despite the fact there’s no date function, making the design as clean as a whistle.

 

Official Movement Specs

Country Of Manufacture	Japan
Movement Type	Automatic
Diameter	26mm
Vph	28,800 (4Hz)
Hacking	Yes (second hand stops when setting time)
Power Reserve	42 hours
Number of Jewels	24
Accuracy	-9 to +9 seconds/day
Functions	Central hours, minutes and hacking seconds
Parashock	Yes
Date Function	No

 

Where Can You Buy A Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba?

Presented on a steel strap or leather strap in grained blue or black, prices start from £730 and can be purchased across 60 stores in France such as the iconic Galeries Lafayette, not to mention as far as Tokyo!

For an extra £50, there is also a laser engraving service where you can personalise your piece while for £200, you can select the Ambassador Plus programme in order to enhance your experience with the brand. 

This has a variety of exclusive benefits to enrich your connection and features digital interface access to your timepiece with tracking via NFT, 5 year extended warranty and a complimentary leather strap.

Please note, delivery will take place in October 2025 with pre-order available right now. Why not contact us to find out how you can buy a watch. Alternatively, further details can be found here

 

What’s Our View?

It’s a case of familiarity and freshness which seems to go hand in hand (pardon the pun)

When examining the Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba, there is plenty to admire from this young upstart. The almost liquid-like pale silver dial, midnight blue circular hands, form over function and attention to detail.

And not forgetting the delicate printed indices and concave bezel.

Capturing the spirit of as they call it “artful bookbinding” is not only precise but adds greater depth to a tough category to crack. Incorporating different textures and volumes like wax seal, it is super visible and that sapphire crystal means it has excellent scratch resistant properties.

Although Mr. Miyagi declared in the 1984 movie Karate Kid, Wax On, Wax Off, this timepiece kicks ass…and for way less than £5,000

 

Conclusion

Time as we know it, has been completely reinterpreted.

In a world full of homage watches and derivative designs, the Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba offers a truly original vision of what we rely on every single day to flit between boardroom and beach bar.

It's a brand for true connoisseurs, artists, and anyone willing to challenge the conventional way of reading time. If you're looking to wear something that tells more than just time—a piece that sparks curiosity and conversation.

With a tinge of Parisian flair. Kinda like the style and cinematography oozing from Emily in Paris but done tastefully and with more discretion. Oh yes, we hasten to add that this is a tasteful unisex number.

By the way, props goes to the Seconde Française, nominated for the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2024 in the Challenge category. Sadly, while it did not triumph, it emphasised their unique creative approach and emergence as a new tour de force in traditional watchmaking.

With a price point of less than 900 Euros, the design language and visual aesthetics do appear to stand out from the horological crowd. Sure, it’s not La Joux-Perret or Soprod for the movement, but you would be paying ten, if not twenty times the price for these types of watches.

If you want to buy something with Cartier Tank hallmarks but for a fraction of the price and with a little showmanship, the Beaubleu Ecce Figura Alba could be worth considering as part of a new or existing collection.  

Okay, so it may not be the ingenious Bell and Ross round in a square design language that’s been around for more than three decades. Nevertheless, it’s just on the cusp of whimsy to differentiate it from the competition in this fiercely competitive dress watches category. 

After all, time really is what you make of it. 

Looking to dip your toe into the realm of French or Swiss horology? Want to buy a Patek Philippe or sell a Rolex at the best possible price? Then contact Chrono Hunter and receive multiple offers from our carefully curated selection of luxury retailers.

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Images (Unless otherwise stated) 

Beaubleu

 

Further Reading: 

Atelier Wen Ancestra 蛟 (JIĀO) Showcases Chinese Heritage And French Movement By Pequignet

 

 

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